$10,000 city grant ‘lifesaver’ to Lacey small businesses

LACEY, Wash. — The city of Lacey is providing grants to small businesses hurt by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The money is part of a $1 million strategic reserve fund Lacey City Council approved last month.

At Top Rung Brewing, taps are capped. Beer is for sale, but it’s restricted to curbside pickup only, which is why benches in the taproom are currently filled with cases of canned lagers and IPAs.

“We wouldn't wish this on anyone,” said Casey Sobol, Top Rung Brewing co-founder.

Top Rung Brewing has been a Lacey staple for six years.

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Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the governor’s statewide shutdown, Sobol is facing challenges he never saw coming.

"For us as owners, it's been super stressful just because we're kind of leading the ship, so to speak,” he said.

They’re canning more beer than they expected, but sales are down about 40%.

When Sobol heard the city of Lacey planned to give small business grants, he applied right away. Within days, they received $8,000, which will go toward paying their six employees and buying ingredients.

"They can use it for payroll, they can use it for rent, loan payments, any other type of normal operating expenses to keep their businesses open,” said Rick Walk, city of Lacey Director of Community and Economic Development. “This gave them that immediate relief that they could at least hold serve until that aid becomes available.”

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Monday the City of Lacey had given out 34 grants, which adds up to $276,600.

MiSo's owners, Ryan and Leena Rommann, just opened their $10,000 dollar check.

“We almost dropped it,” said Leena.

"It was almost unbelievable. We thought it was too good to be true. We were like, do we owe this back, or, what are the strings attached?" said Ryan.

The city plans to give up to $10,000 to 60 to 70 small businesses, totaling $500,000.

The Thurston County Economic Development Council chooses applicants based on how badly COVID-19 crippled their small business.

"We just don't know what normal is going to be, and I think that's the scary part,” said Sobol.

With the community having their back, many Lacey business owners said they feel like they have a fighting chance.

"It'll keep us going to hopefully weather out the whole storm and be here when this is all over with,” said Ryan.

Small business applications are still open. They are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Lacey City Council approved an additional $500,000, which will be used to help with the city’s long-term recovery.

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