COVID-19 Business Resources

Stay up-to-date with the following public health information:

Whatcom County Health Department
Your best resource for local information

Peacehealth
Information from our local healthcare provider

Washington State COVID-19 Updates
Washington State Department of Health

Governor Jay Inslee’s Resource
Washington State Governor 

CDC information and resources
Federal lead – Priority information
 

Employers and Business Owner Support: 

Newly Announced Resources:

Small Business AdministrationDisaster Loan Assistance
Federal disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters
***Available to WA employers for application as of 3/16/2020 

Whatcom Community Foundation’s Resilience Fund 
The community’s bounce-back fund to help anyone and everyone —individuals, families, nonprofits, businesses—recover from a crisis or disaster through a combination of emergency preparedness investments and response funding. 

Local (Bellingham Region) Resources:

Western Washington University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Business Continuity Resources 
Resources and information to help our small business community 

Port of Bellingham – Business Continuity Planning Resources and COVID-19 Preparation and Response
Resources and information organized by jurisdiction

City of Bellingham COVID Business Resource
Local Bellingham resource information

Washington State & Federal Resources:

Washington State Department of Commerce: COVID-19 Information and Updates 
A comprehensive page with links to state, regional, and federal updates regarding Coronavirus 

Employment Security Department of Washington State: Resources for workers and businesses
Programs designed to help individuals and employers 

Washington Retail Association’s COVID-19 Retailer’s Guide 
Retailer specific guidance on business operations 

CDC Resources and Recommendations
CDC Interim Guidance
CDC Print Resources: Free to use hand outs and posters

Emergency Management Division Washington: Business Preparedness

Governor’s Resource list for impacted Washington businesses and workers

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Resources on Paid Sick Leave, Worker’s Compensation,  Workplace Safety and Health 

 

Employee Resources: 

This section is specifically for employees needing resources.  Some of the information above is useful for employees as well.

ESD – Unemployment Benefits (if you lost your job)
ESD – Paid Leave (if you are sick or quarantined) 

 

Consumers: 

Bellingham Regional Chamber Membership Directory 

 Other partners: 

Sustainable Connections – Directory 

Downtown Bellingham Partnership – Directory 

Ferndale Chamber of Commerce – Directory 

Lynden Chamber of Commerce – Directory  

 

List of social media resources: 

Bellingham Regional Chamber Facebook Page 

COVID Business support Facebook pages and groups:

Bellingham Open

Buy Local: Whatcom County

Whatcom Small Business Strategy & Support

Bellingham Small Business Community

Downtown Bellingham Neighbors

 

If you see any additions, please let us know at the email address businessbrief@bellingham.com.