The needs of small business owners trying to recover from the pandemic are vast and varied. While many business owners have connections and resources that help them tap into government and philanthropic aid programs, significant barriers exist that prevent many others from accessing those same programs. As a result, historically underserved organizations, such as minority-owned and rural businesses and nonprofits, are shouldering disproportionate economic impacts while having fewer opportunity to learn about and successfully apply for assistance.

As part of its effort to promote an equitable economic recovery, the Washington State Department of Commerce established the Small Business Resiliency Network last April to ensure all business owners could be informed about local, state and federal funding and other important resources and programs available to them. The network’s trusted community organizations provide culturally appropriate outreach, translation, assistance and education to ensure business owners can find the information they need from people they trust.