Washington Hospitality Grants
This program offers one-time grants to eligible restaurants, hotels, motels and other qualifying businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency or its negative economic impacts.
The grant program is intended to support eligible small businesses that can demonstrate a 25% reduction in gross receipts or sales as a result of the pandemic. A portion of funding will be directed to reimburse lodging establishments that experienced loss during the state’s eviction moratorium.
As directed by the Washington State Legislature through ESSB 5693, $100 million in federal ARPA relief funds is appropriated to administer a grant program for ‘‘qualifying hospitality businesses’’ defined as restaurants, hotels, motels and other businesses as determined by Commerce.
$15 million is provided solely for grants to reimburse lodging establishments that experienced losses during the state’s eviction moratorium. “Lodging establishment” is defined as a hotel, motel, or similar establishment taxable by the state under chapter 82.08 RCW that has 40 or more lodging units. Actual eligible losses include room charges not paid by persons who stayed during the moratorium, any legal expenses incurred by lodging establishments as a result of the moratorium, and any repair expenses directly attributed to damages to rooms.
About the Program Administrators
The Washington State Department of Commerce is the one agency in state government that touches every aspect of community and economic development: planning, infrastructure, energy, public facilities, housing, public safety and crime victims, international trade, business services and more. Commerce works with local governments, tribes, businesses and civic leaders throughout the state to strengthen communities so all residents may thrive and prosper.
FORWARD is administering Washington Hospitality Grants on behalf of the Washington State Department of Commerce. FORWARD is an Integrated Program Administration solution that incorporates all essential components, people and technology into a single streamlined workflow to effectively, securely, and equitably administer critical resources to help communities thrive.
BDS Planning & Urban Design has been tasked to plan and implement a marketing initiative and an equitable outreach process to garner statewide awareness about the Washington Hospitality Grants Program. Founded in 2009, BDS Planning & Urban Design strives for socially equitable community engagement that facilitates trust and long-term partnerships between clients and community groups, laying the groundwork for accountability in future implementation.
Questions?
There is a dedicated support team ready to help you with any quesitons you may have.
Invite us to speak!
We attend events and meet communities and groups to share information about the program. Contact Outreach & Engagement Manager, Jennie Kovalcik.
