Blog Post

Covid-19 Response: Online Marketing and E-Commerce Assistance for Small Businesses

Business Assistance Program – Ended December 31, 2022

Before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses on the North Olympic Peninsula depended upon walk-in traffic and word of mouth advertising to communicate the unique personality of their businesses for much of their success.


Help with Website, Ecommerce and Social Media

Through COVID’s impact, consumers have forever shifted much of their purchasing and scheduling online, leaving some business owners challenged to make this sustainable digital shift. NODC’s free Business Assistance Program helped businesses impacted by COVID make that shift.


The Business Assistance Program was funded by the Economic Development Administration’s CARES Act supplemental funding program, which ended June 30, 2022.


Thanks to a grant from Jefferson County ARPA funds administered by EDC Team Jefferson, NODC continued to offer free, practical, confidential, hands-on help and coaching for business websites, ecommerce, and social media marketing to affected businesses located in Jefferson County. The Business Assistance Program for Jefferson County ended December 31, 2022.


All together, NODC provided assistance to approximately 45 businesses across the two counties.


“This is an opportunity for local businesses to attract consumers from both on and off the Olympic Peninsula.

As locals and tourists return to stores, the digital advantage of a strong website and current

social media presence will remain, enabling a connection to our beautiful area”

– Susan Shoemaker, NODC Business Assistance Specialist


Business Assistance Services Provided

  • Evaluation of online marketing strategies and platforms, including social media, business website, e-commerce site, and Google Local listing 
  • Practical, hands-on coaching and training
  • Assistance in setting up social media accounts and planning content
  • Development of new websites and/or e-commerce sites


What NODC Business Assistance Program Clients Said About the Program


“I enjoyed our Zoom meeting. Nice to be able to learn something new. I found the information you shared to be

extremely helpful and I am excited to implement the tips and get my website up and running!”
– Regina SieFried of “The Perfect Season”, a home décor boutique located on Water Street in Port Townsend

“Thanks again, Susan. The meeting was so informative and made us feel much more at ease

about where we are at and what we need to do”
– Debbie and Tom Sonander of “Celtic Crossroads NW”, an ecommerce site for Celtic apparel located in Port Townsend

“I'm so excited to take on the projects we discussed. Thanks for your support and guidance!”

– Virginia Williams of “Vitality by Virginia”, a licensed esthetician located in Port Angeles


The NODC Business Assistance Program Ended December 31, 2022

These services were free of charge and available to existing businesses in Clallam County through June 30, 2022 and in Jefferson County through December 31, 2022.


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