Washington’s residents are facing historic challenges brought on by COVID-19. Individuals and family members are worried about their health, employers are concerned about the future of their small businesses, and nearly everyone is trying to figure out how to make ends meet in a stay-at-home world.

To provide much-needed assistance, the Washington State Department of Commerce has created the Safe Start for a Healthy Economic Transition & Recovery Fund (“Safe Start Fund”). Its goal is to prepare residents and entire communities to safely return to public life by creating support on a number of levels as Governor Inslee continues to work with public officials, health experts, employers, workers and philanthropic organizations to ensure the safety of every citizen statewide.