The Time Is Now

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact small businesses and non-profits throughout Washington state. East King County was the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S., and our businesses were hit hard; nearly two-thirds of King County’s residents reside in East King County and the area boasts one of the largest employment centers due to the large information technology and manufacturing sectors.

The OneEastside Foundation aims to strengthen small businesses and nonprofits in East King County, particularly those owned by historically marginalized and underserved persons, by leveraging our partnerships to provide culturally and linguistically relevant tools and training.

Eastside Small Business Resiliency Fund provides tools and resources to help small businesses recover and adapt during this critical time.

 

Support the Eastside Small Business Resiliency Fund

For Tax-Deductible Contributions Larger Than $5,000 Please Send Check to:
OneEastside Foundation
8383 158th Avenue NE, Suite 225
Redmond, Washington 98052
Tax ID#: 27-1122671

 

For Employer Matching Contributions:
OneRedmond Foundation d/b/a OneEastside Foundation
8383 158th Avenue NE, Suite 225
Redmond, Washington 98052
Tax ID#: 27-1122671

About the Eastside Small Business Resiliency Fund

The Eastside Small Business Resiliency Fund will support OneEastside SPARK which provides the support, technical expertise, training, and equipment that our business and non-profits urgently need. In the early days of the pandemic, we were able to collaborate across East King County to support thousands of businesses and organizations.  With additional federal grants and private and philanthropic contributions, services can be scaled to serve the larger business community with much needed training, equipment, and mentoring. It can also serve as a model for other regions in Washington State and beyond.

Data and science must inform when and how businesses and public spaces reopen to minimize the impact of the virus, but without a clear timeline, brick and mortar business owners are struggling to survive. The vast majority of our small businesses report experiencing negative to severe negative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and are concerned that they may go out of business. Without customers or adequate revenue streams, businesses will permanently close. Current estimates predict a loss of 50% or more of local restaurants.  Unemployment claims are surging in the region and some industries have seen their workforce shrink by more than 50% forcing people into unemployment.

It is imperative that East King County take a proactive approach to business recovery and resiliency.

 

photo credits this page: Bellevue (Visit Bellevue); Bridge (City of Redmond)