Small Business Stabilization Stipend Program (SBSSP)
Proposed by: Amiya Ingram
🚀 Executive Summary
The Small Business Stabilization Stipend Program (SBSSP) is a countyled initiative I will implement to provide direct support to our most vulnerable small businesses. By offering monthly stipends of up to $1,000, the program aims to stabilize local employers, prevent layoffs, and maintain economic diversity in our communities.
In addition, I will partner with the King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) and Public Health—Seattle & King County to help participating businesses extend limited unemployment benefits and access subsidized healthcare to eligible part-time or temporarily laid off workers keeping workers connected and communities resilient.
🏛️ How I Will Implement This at the County Level
As a King County policymaker, I will:
Introduce legislation establishing the SBSSP as part of the county’s 2026 economic recovery budget.
Direct DCHS and the Office of Economic and Financial Analysis to administer stipend disbursement, application intake, and compliance.
Leverage existing workforce and health access programs, including:
The Working Connections Program for health coverage
Short-Term Employment Stabilization grants for layoffs
Language-access and technical assistance teams already in operation
Secure funding from a mix of:
ARPA and HUD small business recovery funds
County economic resiliency reserves
Private foundations and local business coalitions
This approach ensures fast, equitable implementation while reducing administrative burdens for small businesses.
💼 Program Features
Monthly Stipends ($500–$1,000) for up to 12 months
Healthcare Enrollment Support for part-time workers (through county health access programs)
Temporary Wage Replacement Bridge in partnership with WA ESD and local workforce boards
Free Business Coaching & Resource Navigation
Priority for BIPOC-, women-, immigrant-, and home-based businesses
🗓️ Implementation Timeline (2026–2027)
Phase Dates Key Activities Legislation & Design
Jan – Feb 2026 Council approval, department coordination
Applications Open Feb 15, 2026 County intake portals and business outreach
Program Launch March 1, 2026 First stipends and worker support services
Begin Service Integration March – Dec 2026 .
Ongoing access to employment and health benefits First Impact Review October 2026 Evaluate outcomes, adjust funding or scope
💰 Estimated Budget (Year 1)
Item Cost Estimate 500 Businesses @ $1,000/month $6,000,000 Healthcare & Employment Subsidies $600,000Admin & Outreach (DCHS + partners)$400,000 Business Coaching & Navigation $300,000 Language & Digital Access Support $100,000 Total Annual Budget $7.4 million
✅ Program Benefits
Stabilizes struggling local businesses before closure
Helps retain part-time staff with health and wage support
Promotes racial and economic equity across King County
Strengthens local hiring pipelines and community trust
🔚 Conclusion
Through this county-led approach, I will ensure that the Small Business Stabilization Stipend Program uplifts local entrepreneurs while protecting the workers who keep them running. This is not just an economic solution it’s a moral and community investment in the future of King County’s small business ecosystem.