Bellingham business: Airport gets coronavirus funds; another local hand sanitizer
Airport to get $5 million in federal aid
The Bellingham International Airport is receiving a little over $5 million in federal funding to help cover lost revenue associated with the coronavirus pandemic.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Washington state airports will receive more than $310 million in COVID-19 relief funding provided under the CARES Act. The CARES Act included $10 billion in federal grants to support commercial and general aviation airports across the United States.
The $5,015,751 total funding for the Bellingham airport will be drawn through an application process to cover payroll and fund maintenance and capital costs, said Sunil Harman, the Port of Bellingham’s aviation director.
The public health crisis prompted shutting down of the economy as well as borders, Harman said. That resulted in an astounding drop in demand for air service, prompting Allegiant Air to suspend service until June 3.
Alaska Airlines has also reduced its flight out of Bellingham to Seattle from five times a day to just one a day through May, Harman said.
Resources for small business
Western Washington University’s Small Business Development Center now has a variety of resources in place to help companies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The organization is asking small businesses that need help to schedule a one-on-one meeting through its website.
SBDC Director CJ Seitz said the most common piece of advice she has been giving local business owners is to stay as fluid with their capital as they can.
“In general, I think the most important thing for businesses right now is to keep as much cash on hand as possible,” Seitz said in a news release. “Cash is king.”
At 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, the SBDC is hosting “Understanding and Accessing Financial Resources for Small Businesses,” a free local webinar. Participants can sign up at https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/99270936.
SBDC’s Business Continuity Resources website page provides a list of available resources for small businesses, including loans and grants.
“I understand that things are changing rapidly,” Seitz said. “So, checking back to our website often will give more updated information as it comes out.”
Another option for hand sanitizer
A local distillery is offering its version of hand sanitizer.
Distiller’s Way in Ferndale announced the release of Distiller’s Way Hand Sanitizer. The hand sanitizer conforms to federal guidelines and offers a new way for health care professionals, first responders and retailers to obtain hard-to-find personal cleansing products. This product is available now and ready to ship within two days of ordering, according to a company news release.
Several local distilleries have been making hand sanitizer during the coronavirus pandemic, including Chuckanut Bay Distillery, Bellewood Farms and Probably Shouldn’t Distillery.
Distiller’s Way Hand Sanitizer is available in one liter bottles at $120 for a 12-bottle case. For more information on Distiller’s Way Hand Sanitizer visit dwsanitizer.com.
