More businesses get COVID funds

A tech error led to at least two local businesses’ grant application to the city of Enumclaw getting lost.

By Ray Miller-Still • October 28, 2020 9:05 am
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Enumclaw businesses were able to apply for a $7,000 grant from the city of Enumclaw last September. It was recently discovered at least two businesses did apply, but their application was lost due to a technological error. Image courtesy the city of Enumclaw
Enumclaw businesses were able to apply for a $7,000 grant from the city of Enumclaw last September. It was recently discovered at least two businesses did apply, but their application was lost due to a technological error. Image courtesy the city of Enumclaw

A technological error led to some Enumclaw businesses being left out of the pool of applicants vying for city CARES Act funds.

Last September, the city received $183,000 in CARES Act money for COVID-19 relief, $100,000 of which was to be granted to local small businesses. These businesses were able to apply for up to $7,000.

The Courier-Herald published the list of two dozen businesses that received grants Oct. 14.

However, it appears that some businesses that applied for the grant never had their applications read by the Small Business Relief Grant Committee, which consists of Councilmembers Tony Binion, chair, Kael Johnson, and Kyle Jacobson.

“After being contacted by a small business owner who had applied for the grant and heard nothing, I contacted tech support to search for their e-mail address and discovered that it had been quarantined,” said City Clerk Maureen Burwell. “After they released the e-mail to my inbox, the application was redacted of contact information and sent to the Committee. The Mayor instructed them to review and determine if the application qualified for funding.”

According to Burwell, two additional businesses — Enumclaw Music and Instruments and The Chalet — received funds from the first round of CARES Act funding sent to the city last May.

Here is the updated list of businesses that received the city grant, and how much:

• $2,000 – $2,500: Rouge Roots Hot Yoga, Lee Nails, Something to Chalk About, Puget Sound Draperies, Redemption Press, Enumclaw Music and Instruments.

• $3,000 – $3,500: The Courier-Herald, Terri Kilbourne LMT, Megan’s Massage

• $4,000 – $4,500: Oh Baby Uncommon Consignments, This-N-That

• $5,000: Four Seasons, Chef Ky, Country Playhouse Learning Center, The Local, Garage Fitness, Paisley Petals, Bordeaux Wine Bar, The Historic Mint, Plateau Athletic Club, Rainier Bar and Grill, Jackson’s, Charlie’s Cafe, Mazatlan, and The Chalet.

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