Submitted by the Economic Development Council of San Juan County

San Juan County, the Washington State Department of Commerce, and the Economic Development Council have awarded more than $300,000 in COVID-19 relief grant funds directly to locally-owned and operated small businesses, community nonprofit organizations and childcare facilities in San Juan County.

“The county appreciates and thanks the EDC for its tireless effort to help get CARES funds to the community where it could be used immediately,” said County Manager Mike Thomas.

These funds will help business owners pay expenses such as rent, utilities, safety improvements, PPE, and pivoting to online sales. A portion of this funding was also designated by San Juan County Council and the Department of Commerce, for local food banks, family resource centers, childcare facilities, farmers’ markets, business support organizations such as the chambers and Ag Guild, and senior centers throughout the islands. These grant funds were provided through the federal CARES Act to the County and Commerce.

“The board and staff of the EDC were thrilled to participate in getting desperately-needed funding into the hands of our business owners and community nonprofits. Working together, we can survive this – it’s what islanders do in difficult times,” noted EDC executive director Victoria Compton.

Commerce is working on an additional $20 million in small business grants targeted to businesses most impacted by the newest restrictions announced by Gov. Jay Inslee on Nov. 15. Information on this program will be announced soon.

For more information or to sign up for newsletters, visit www.sanjuansedc.org.