Applications Open
Helping Downtown Businesses Through the Unexpected
The Downtown Business Emergency Fund is designed to provide quick, short-term financial assistance to downtown Colville businesses experiencing an unexpected emergency or hardship that threatens their ability to remain open or operate safely. This fund is intended to help businesses bridge a moment of crisis, not replace insurance or long-term financing.
Program Guidelines
Grant Amount & Funds Release
- Maximum award per business: $500.
- No repayment required, this is a grant.
- Businesses can expect a decision within 3-5 business days.
Eligible Businesses
- Brick-and-mortar business located in downtown Colville
- Operating and open to the public
- Hold a valid business license
- Demonstrate a financial hardship caused by an unexpected event
Eligible Emergencies Include:
- Equipment failure essential to daily operations
- Water, electrical, or heating emergencies
- Break-ins or vandalism
- Fire or smoke damage
- Temporary closure due to infrastructure failure
- Other unforeseen events that create immediate financial strain
Ineligible Uses
- Routine maintenance or planned upgrades
- Payroll
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Marketing or advertising
- Debt repayment unrelated to the emergency
- Expenses already covered by insurance
Reporting Requirement
Recipients will submit a brief follow-up (receipt or short summary) within 30 days of receiving funds.
Application
Applications are open year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis by the Colville Together Economic Vitality Committee. Businesses can expect a decision within 3-5 business days, helping ensure support arrives when it’s needed. This program is intentionally designed to be simple and responsive, focusing on urgency, impact, and keeping downtown businesses open and thriving. Businesses can apply ones per calendar year.
More Questions?
Contact Rosemary Shaw at info@colvilletogether.org.