SODO BIA May 28 Update

May 29, 2020

Dear SODO Businesses,

The SODO BIA continue to closely track the impacts of COVID-19. As we navigate this difficult time we will continue to share resources, news, and services that you may find helpful. We understand the concern and impacts of the COVID-19 on our SODO community and are here to help and support in any way we can.

As we move forward to reopening, we will share polices and protocols that may be valuable to you and your business. We also will share other neighborhood updates and news as it relates to transportation, safety, and more.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here for any issues you may come across!

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or concerns, please contact me at erin@sodoseattle.org_______________________________

City Announces “Seattle Protects” Online Marketplace to Connect Local Manufacturers and Businesses with Organizations, Communities, and Individuals in Need of Cloth Face Coverings

This week, the Mayor launched Seattle Protects, which is a new online marketplace to connect local manufacturers with organizations, businesses, nonprofits, community groups, and individuals in need of cloth face coverings. Seattle Protects is a new economic development and public health effort by the City to encourage local organizations in search of face coverings to purchase from Seattle-region midsize manufacturers and businesses that have pivoted to creating face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On May 11, 2020, Public Health – Seattle & King County announced a new directive instructing King County residents to wear cloth face coverings in all indoor public settings and outdoor settings where physical distancing could be difficult, such as farmers markets. Residents must continue to practice good hygiene and continue physical distancing in addition to wearing cloth face coverings.

Find More Information Here

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Seattle Good Business Network is proud to announce the launch of Good Food Forum, made possible with support from King Conservation District and Port of Seattle.

Good Food Forum is a new Mobilize group aligned with the mission of King County’s Local Food Initiative to build a stronger farm/sea-to-plate pipeline by connecting stakeholders across our regional food system in order to build a more sustainable, resilient, and just local food economy.

This is a free, business-to-business resource to facilitate new market opportunities, match resources, and share events, knowledge, and best practices between farmers, fishers, food & beverage manufacturers, restaurants, food service institutions, retailers, farmers markets, processors, distributors, food hubs, and food access, food recovery, and business support organizations who operate in, serve, or are served by people or businesses in King County. Anyone who meets that criteria is encouraged to join Good Food Forum here.

As a reminder of the features, community members can post and reply to discussions, search for other members using product or industry tags, message each other directly or in a group, and publish events using a separate website, mobile app, or simple email interface. Watch this video for a refresher.

Looking for processors? Have available commercial kitchen or cold storage? Looking for new markets for your products? Get started posting with what you are looking for or have to offer!

Our ability to strengthen our regional food system depends on the connectedness of our local food network. We hope you join us at Good Food Forum and share this invitation widely to your own network to help us grow the number of seats at the table.

Join Good Food Forum Here
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#SODOSteps Spotlight:
Seattle Mariners

BloodworksNW has extended their pop-up blood drive at T-Mobile Park through the month of June. Register today to donate and give back to the community.

Find More Information HERE
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OED Providing Assistance to Small Businesses Applying for SBA Disaster Loans

The Office of Economic Development provides technical assistance to businesses applying for SBA loans and understanding the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aids, Relief & Security). This includes helping businesses navigate the application process and documentation.
For general inquiries, please email OED@seattle.gov or call 206-684-8090.
When you call you may reach a live person or a voicemail. If you reach the voicemail, please tell them:
Your name
Phone number
The language you need in English
What support you need

If you need language assistance, either a bilingual staff member will call you back, or we will call in a third-party interpreter on the phone to assist with the conversation. Please note that many people are calling us for help, so expect long wait times. You may also experience a wait time while connecting to an interpreter.
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SODO Businesses are Open!

Support local and shop small are not catch phrases but calls to action during this time of crisis. Our SODO businesses are the fabric of our neighborhood’s uniqueness and vitality. Together, we will get through this.

Check out our website for a comprehensive list of Open SODO Businesses!

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OED Small Business COVID-19 Weekly Webinar
As COVID-19 is a rapidly developing issue, OED will be holding weekly calls to share new developments, hear about the impacts you are experiencing, and answer your questions. Please join every Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Register here
View notes and recordings from previous webinars

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Sign-up for COVID Alerts

You can now sign-up for COVID-specific weekly updates through AlertSeattle. Text COVID to 67283 or update your preferences by logging in to your existing account.
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More Updates

While there is a plethora of information related to COVID-19, we continue to receive information and resources about transportation, safety and other topics that you may find useful.
We wanted to share these updates with you here!

SDOT engages technical experts and community advocates to achieve best possible outcomes for West Seattle Bridge and community

Mayor Durkan and The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) are pleased to announce today the formation of two West Seattle Bridge advisory groups – our Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) and our West Seattle Bridge Community Task Force. Today’s announcement makes clear that the City is moving forward with the support and network necessary to take on the critical milestones just ahead.

Mayor Durkan continues to stress the urgent need to reconnect West Seattle and the rest of the city during this challenging time when so much has changed in everyone’s lives. There is a need for economic recovery and community health citywide, but especially in the Duwamish Valley communities. These panels will play important, complementary roles in our collective effort to push ahead with urgency and excellence on the best path for the high rise bridge, and to mitigate the impacts of the closure on West Seattle, the Duwamish Valley, and surrounding communities.
Find More Information Here!
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Light Rail Updates
Sound Transit and the City of Seattle continue to plan and design light rail expansions to serve West Seattle (2030) and Ballard (2035). You have a role to play right now. Help the City refine its Guiding Principles so that City decision-makers know what you need and want from this project.

Sign up for the City’s light rail expansion e-newsletter
Find More Information HERE

Check Out the Survey Here!
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