Resources for Yelm Residents & Community Members Impacted by COVID-19
In support of our local businesses the City of Yelm has compiled the following resources for those impacted by COVID-19. Please check back for updates as the situation evolves.
Last Updated: June 12, 2020
COVID-19 Business Grant's (WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS)
On May 20, 2020, the Washington State Department of Commerce notified the City of Yelm that they will release a portion of the federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to local governments. The City of Yelm will utilize these funds to cover unanticipated and unbudgeted COVID-related costs for public health and safety, as well as help individuals, families and businesses overcome any economic hardships.
Therefore, $27,405 has been allocated to the Yelm Community Relief Fund, which is a privately funded financial support opportunity managed by America’s Credit Union and TOGETHER! created for the sole purpose of helping provide some immediate relief to residents struggling financially during this pandemic. This fund is available to all City of Yelm residents to help pay their basic bills such as rent, utilities, and phone. It also supports the Rotary Club of Yelm’s Summer Feeding program for youth/students.
Additionally, $109,620 has been allocated and made available to all businesses in the City of Yelm who can demonstrate economic hardship or loss of revenue due to COVID-19 and/or demonstrate increased costs to comply with reopening.
*WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS*
Note that you must download the form and open it with Adobe Reader, save it, and email it. The form can not be filled out through a web interface.
City of Yelm Business License Renewal
In coordination with the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR), Mayor JW Foster has authorized the City of Yelm to extend the deadline and allow businesses who have business licenses that expire at the end of March to continue conducting business for an additional two months. This is not an automatic extension and must be requested from DOR. The standard license renewal rate of $25.00 will still apply.
The City has streamlined the business licensing process in partnership with DOR so businesses now have a one-stop-portal to apply and receive their business license instead of having to applying separately to the State and the City as was done in the past. More information available here.
City of Yelm Business and Occupation Tax Updates
To help our local business owners—large and small—the City of Yelm has designed a new electronic form that will help simplify Business and Occupation (B&O) reporting by automatically calculating the total amount due. You can access this new electronic form or by clicking here.
First Quarter B&O tax filings and payments are always due at the end of April. However, considering the hardship some businesses are facing from the COVID-19 pandemic Mayor JW Foster has authorized Yelm businesses—if needed—to defer their First Quarter 2020 B&O tax filings and payments until July 31 without accruing the interest or penalties specified in Yelm Municipal Code 5.04.090. The City believes this will provide needed support and flexibility to local businesses during the period of financial duress brought on by the coronavirus emergency as declared by the Governor and County Health Department.
Please note, all unpaid past due amounts from 2019 and before are still due and will accrue the appropriate interest and penalties.
Washington State Governor's Office
Small Business Administration
- The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Washington small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
- Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Business and Workplace Health Recommendations
- Washington State Department of Health: Workplace and Employer Resources & Recommendations
- Public Health recommendations: Minimize the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in retail food establishments
- CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019
Tips for Pandemic Preparation and Business Continuity
- Planning for A Coronavirus Pandemic: A Guide for Businesses and Organizations
- Pandemic Recovery Plan
- Coronavirus Continuity Planning
- Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC): Business Resiliency Toolkit
- Template: Business Impact Analysis Tracker
Resources for Employers and Workers
- Washington State Employment Security Department: COVID-19 Assistance
Insurance
- Washington State Insurance Commissioner Coronavirus Information
- Open For Business Worksheet: Insurance Coverage Discussion Form
Financial Assistance
- COVID-19 Resource List for Impacted Washington Businesses and Workers
- Washington State Department of Revenue
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
- IRS Disaster Assistance
Additional Business Resources
