A new initiative seeks to provide local businesses with free support and counseling, connecting them with COVID-19 relief resources. Prince William Sound Business Support Managing Alaska Relief Together, or PWS Business SMART, will supply businesses, including commercial fishing permit holders, with help applying for resources like federal and state grants and loans. PWS Business SMART is a joint project of the Cordova Chamber of Commerce, Cordova District Fishermen United, the Prince William Sound Economic Development District and the city of Valdez.
PWSEDD received $83,000 in state Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding to assist businesses in responding to the economic impact of the pandemic. PWSEDD has used this funding to contract with the other organizations participating in the PWS Business SMART group. PWSEDD Executive Director Kristen Carpenter said she hopes PWS Business SMART will help businesses recover from the severe impact of the pandemic on Prince William Sound’s fishing and tourism industries.
“It’s been devastating,” Carpenter said. “Fishing is the lifeblood of this community, and the pandemic has basically eliminated the restaurant demand for fresh salmon, so the prices have been suppressed, on top of what was almost a run failure. That’s a double-whammy for fishing.”
Cathy Renfeldt, Cordova Chamber of Commerce executive director, urged local businesses to reach out for assistance and guidance. Lori Davis, the chamber’s new business support specialist, will work to provide outreach and support to local businesses feeling the effects of the pandemic, according to a release. Davis can be reached at support@cordovachamber.com.
CDFU is offering the services of fisheries business support specialist John Williams, who is available to advise fisheries businesses seeking financial support or small business management resources. Williams, a commercial fisherman and former Marine Advisory Program Agent, is familiar with the resources offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s SeaGrant program, officials said. Williams can be reached at support@cdfu.org.
“This is a great time to take a moment to build on your business management practices,” Carpenter said.
Small businesses can also apply for CARES Act funding at akcaresonline.org.
