509.996.2121 info(at)cbwinthrop(dotted)com Facebook Twitter Instagram

Main Content

How Twispworks Can Help Your Business

Asian young small business owner discussing and coaching job together

If you are running a business that is struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic, then you can turn to TwispWorks for financial assistance.

TwispWorks is a center for arts, culture and business in Twisp, Washington.

In 2009, the vacant ranger station in Twisp was converted to a campus where local businesses, community organizations, artists, and producers could operate. Now called TwispWorks, this 6-acre campus is a hub for artists, craftspeople, non-profit organizations and independent artists who create a wide range of products such as pottery, jewelry, and handcrafted cabinets.

How TwispWorks Can Help Businesses

Based on TwispWorks’ research, 90% of Methow Valley businesses lost revenue as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Most of the essential small businesses allowed to open are working at less than 25% of their capacity.

In line with its goal of supporting the economic vitality of Methow Valley, TwispWorks launched the Small Business Emergency Grant in May 2020. TwispWorks partnered with the Methow Valley Long Term Recovery Organization and Okanogan County’s Economic Alliance in order to assist small businesses that have been greatly affected by the coronavirus crisis.

The program provides one-time, $1,500 grants for immediate relief, allowing businesses to pay for rent, utilities, and other fixed business expenses.

Business owners can use the grants for recovery purposes, especially in funding projects that will help them pivot to new markets and make their business more resilient. The financial aid can also be used to develop a website or an e-commerce site to reach more customers.

Methow Valley business owners need to fill out a survey and application form on the TwispWorks website.

To apply for the fourth round of funding, go to this link.

Safely Reopening Businesses

Staff members of TwispWorks can also assist businesses in coming up with reopening plans that are in line with state and public health guidelines.

To assist local business owners with their reopening, TwispWorks can help make things easier by helping them develop a written Safe Start Reopen Plan. Business advocate and referral specialists of TwispWorks can schedule one-on-one appointments with business owners to discuss a plan that will outline how their workplace will prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 Reopening Safety Plan details how a business plans to execute physical distancing, implement mandatory health screening assessments, and comply with contact tracing and disinfection of contaminated areas.

As part of the safety plan, companies agree to deep clean office spaces every Wednesday and Friday evenings. Companies are also mandated to assign employees who will be responsible for notifying the state and local health departments when a worker tests positive for COVID-19.

Efforts such as these help enhance the business climate in Twisp, which received the Governor’s Smart Communities Award in 2018.

The Smart Vision Award for comprehensive planning was given to the town of Twisp for its master plan that aimed to increase economic success while preserving and enhancing the character and uniqueness of the community.

Discover awesome real estate options in Twisp with the help of Coldwell Banker Winthrop Realty. Give us a call today at 509.996.2121 or send a message to info(at)cbwinthrop(dotted)com.