Last updated on April 22, 2020.
PNW Co-ops Seeking Support
If your co-op is running a fundraiser site, let us know and we will add it to the page.
National Resources
From the Federal Government, and other national co-op organizations.
Cooperative Development Foundation Disaster Relief Fund
CDF has allocated its resources to support co-ops. If your co-op is in need you can apply here.
US Federation of Worker Cooperatives
The USFWC has put together a collection of resources including signage (in English and Spanish), links to SBA’s emergency and disaster loan plans, and much, much more!
USFWC/Covid-19 Resources (Updated Daily)
How can you help Worker Co-ops?
The Federation has also set up space for members to get assistance and other forms of support. Please Check it Out!
You can register your co-op for this page HERE.
North American Students of Cooperation (NASCO)
NASCO has put together a resource page for housing cooperatives.
- NASCO Programming Updates
- Personal Hygiene Recommendations
- Co-op Kitchen & Common Area Recommendations
- Community Care
- Additional Resources
Small Business Administration
Small businesses in Washington, Idaho, Oregon are eligible to apply for low‑interest SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
As of April 16, 2020, the SBA has stopped accepting applications for the EIDL and PPP until new funding is appropriated by Congress.
Senate passed a bill replenishing the PPP loan with a special earmark of $60 billion for small businesses. The House is expected to pass the bill on Thursday, so if you weren’t able to apply in the last round, make sure that your co-op is ready for round 2.
Our allies at the ICA Group created a guide for managing the programs under the CARES Act. It is worth reading through before you apply.
New Rule about $10K Advance (April 7, 2020)
- Apply for the Emergency Disaster Loan Here
- Sample-Worker-Cooperative-Addendum for EIDL Application (created by ICA Group)
- Sample-Resolution-Authorizing-Member-to-Apply-for-SBA-Loan (from ICA Group)
- Paycheck Protection Program (forgivable 0.5% loan)
There is also the SBA Bridge Loan: SBA Express Bridge Loan
Shared Capital Cooperative
Shared Capital has offered existing borrowers a 60-day forbearance on all loans. Any cooperative needing to access financing should contact info@sharedcapital.coop. Please don’t hesitate to contact Shared Capital. They will have further announcements in the coming days.
Webinar on Managing Finances and Cash During Crisis
Credit Cards
This link has a listing of the statements from the major credit card issuers.
State and Local Resources
- State of Washington Department of Health
- State of Washington Employment Security Department
- Washington is easing restrictions on the use of unemployment insurance. This includes an option of “shared work” that allows a business to reduce hours (workers can receive unemployment compensation while working).
- CoSound’s One Page Info Sheet for WA Unemployment Claims
- WA ESD
- Unemployed Worker Handbook
- Unemployment Benefits Checklist
- Eligibility Requirements for Corporate Officers
- Other Resources
- Washington Department of Commerce
- State of Washington Social Distancing Summary
State of Oregon (Business Oregon)
Thurston County
Thurston Economic Development Council
The fund is available to provide assistance with rent, utilities, child care, and other basic needs. Our partner, the Community Action Council (CAC) of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties, is accepting phone calls and coordinating resources for people who need this emergency assistance. If you are a resident of Thurston County and need help, please call the CAC Monday – Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at (360) 438-1100 or 1-(800) 878-5235.
City of Olympia
Utilities Relief Program Application
Apply if you need a deferral on city utilities (water, sewer, trash, and recycling).
Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU)
Emergency Loans, Skip a Pay, and other access to finances.
Working with a Co-op in or near Olympia? Join slack channel!
Keeping Engaged
PNWCoops@Groups.io is a listserv for co-ops in our region. It can be a place to ask questions, offer advice, and build the co-op community.
Find Your Representatives
It is important to let your elected representative know about the struggles that your co-op and its members are managing through. Consider sending them regular emails with updates and suggestions on how they can provide support to small businesses, cooperatives, and workers during the pandemic response and recovery.