Kirkland Expands Rent Relief Grants For Small Businesses

KIRKLAND, WA — Small businesses in Kirkland that have suffered financial hardship during the pandemic now have another opportunity to apply for grant money to help cover overdue rent, the city announced Tuesday. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the latest round of relief money offers eligible business owners grants valued between $1,000 and $10,000.

The application window opened Tuesday, and intake forms are due by Oct. 19. Funds approved by the city may be used to cover overdue rent that resulted from pandemic-related financial losses between March 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021.

"The pandemic has had a profound impact on many of our businesses, making it difficult for some to keep up with rent and stay in their current locations," said Kirkland Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold. "Our hope is that by passing federal relief funding directly to businesses and landlords and these businesses can get the foothold they need to thrive in our Kirkland community."

Here are the eligibility requirements for businesses and commercial landlords:

Tenants:

• Leases commercial property in the City of Kirkland.
• Has a current Kirkland business license (can obtain).
• Business is open and intends to remain open.
• Documented rent arears on its commercial lease between March 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021.
• Documented revenue losses year on year at least equal to the documented unpaid rent.
• 1-25 FTE employees.
• Gross 2019 revenues less than $3M.
• Is not: a) a publicly traded company; b) a governmental nor municipal entity; c) using the property for residential purposes (live/work properties may be eligible).
• Did not receive any federal or other funding to cover lease payments for the period requested in the application.

Landlords:

• Must have a commercial lease with one or more tenants.
• Must attest in writing to the lease arears amount documented by the tenant.
• Must agree to:
  • Not to evict the tenant for non-payment of rent for at least 30 days following receipt of grant monies.
  • To credit the tenant’s account with the amount equal to the amount of grant funds received.
  • To forgive accumulated late fees and penalties owed by Tenant for the period of time covered by the grant disbursement unless otherwise negotiated with tenant.

The new boost for small businesses follows assistance programs announced in September, meant to help residents catch up on their rent, mortgage or utility payments. Information on how to begin the process to apply for a small business grant is posted on the city of Kirkland's website.