Disaster Recovery Resources

CONNECT WITH A BUSINESS ADVISOR TODAY AT NO-COST

Call 805.409.9159 or CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment!

Visit your county’s emergency/recovery website for local information:
Los Angeles County Emergency CLICK HERE
Ventura County Recovers CLICK HERE
Ready Santa Barbara County CLICK HERE

IMMEDIATE RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

The EDC recommends businesses, self-employed individuals, and nonprofits to take the following action steps:

Check your county’s emergency/recovery website for local information (see above).
Find your insurance policy and contact your insurance agent or insurance company immediately.
Check if your business location is a declared disaster area CLICK HERE. If your business is in a declared disaster area it is important to register with FEMA as soon as possible at CLICK HERE FOR ENGLISH or CLICK HERE FOR SPANISH. If you have insurance, you must first file a claim with your insurance company.
If reasonably possible, protect your property from further damage and collect backup or proof of loss documents.
Make a list of areas with structural damage and damaged property.
Revisit your cash flow needs. We recommend businesses reconsider cash flow needs for the next 8-12 months and seek additional capital and financial consulting through the EDC. Call 805.409.9159 to schedule an appointment in English or Spanish.

WINTER STORM 2023 RECOVERY RESOURCES

Important Information

As of January 14, 2023, a presidential declaration for a major weather disaster for the state of California has taken into effect due to severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides.

As of February 1, 2023, BOTH Ventura and Santa Barbara counties are included in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declaration.

Review the immediate recommended actions above and resources below.

Ventura County

On February 1, 2023, the Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California (FEMA-4683-DR) for severe winter storms was amended to include Ventura County for individual assistance, debris removal, and emergency protective measures.

For direct information from the county CLICK HERE.

Santa Barbara County

On January 17, 2023, the Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California (FEMA-4683-DR) for severe winter storms was amended to include Santa Barbara County for individual assistance, debris removal, and emergency protective measures.

For direct information from the county visit ReadySBC.org in English CLICK HERE and Spanish CLICK HERE.

RESOURCES FOR VENTURA & SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES

LOCAL DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS

Disaster Recovery Centers are a one-stop shop where disaster survivors can get information and advice about community, state and federal agencies and other available assistance. The centers are staffed with trained Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel and representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

They can provide information on:

FEMA resources
SBA low-interest disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters

Visit In-Person:

CLOSING MARCH 16: Ventura County Building (Monday-Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm): 669 County Square Drive, Second Floor, Ventura, CA 93003
CLOSING MARCH 17: Orcutt Union School District (Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm): 500 Dyer Street, Orcutt, CA 93455
CLOSING MARCH 18: Solvang Superior Court (Tuesdays – Fridays 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Saturdays 9:00 am – 2:00 pm): 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA 93463

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FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides individual assistance to those in disaster declared counties. Individual assistance may cover expenses for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Eligibility for this program is determined on an individual basis and assistance is provided in the form of grants that do not require repayment. By completing an anonymous questionnaire online, you will be given a list of potential resources based on your particular situation and needs.

When applying, you will need (1) proof of identification; (2) insurance determination letter; (3) proof of occupancy or ownership. If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company first.
FEMA representatives, wearing a blue vest and federal ID, may contact homeowners in impacted areas at their residence to take applications.
An application for assistance can also be made by downloading the FEMA app in the Apple and Google store. This allows documents to be uploaded to FEMA directly and track the status of applications.
If you are not able to live in your home at this time due to storm impact causing water damage, mold, mud or inability to access your home, please make sure you include this in your application.

Residents who incurred financial losses due to storm damage are encouraged to apply for assistance as soon as possible online CLICK HERE or call 1.800.621.3362.

Application filing deadline: March 16, 2023

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LOW-INTEREST LOANS FROM SBA

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers federal low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters. CLICK HERE to learn more about the lending options below. SBA Customer Service #: 1.800.659.2955

Loans for those in declared disaster areas:

Business Physical Disaster Loans: businesses may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): up to $2 million in working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
Home Disaster Loans: homeowners or renters may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles.

Homeowners and renters should submit their SBA disaster loan application, even if they are not sure if they will need or want a loan. If SBA cannot approve your application, in most cases the applicant will be referred to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program for possible additional assistance.

Application filing deadline for physical damage: March 16, 2023
Application filing deadline for economic injury: October 16, 2023

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REALTORS RELIEF FOUNDATION

The Santa Barbara Association of Realtors can provide up to $3,000 for residents displaced by the flooding, through the nonprofit Realtors Relief Foundation.

Assistance is available to qualified applicants towards one of the following options:

Monthly mortgage expense for the primary residence that was damaged by the Flooding Disaster or;
Rental cost due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the Flooding Disaster, or;
Hotel reimbursement due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the Flooding Disaster.

Recipient must be a full-time resident and U.S. citizen or legally admitted for residence in the United States. To learn more and apply CLICK HERE.

Application filing deadline: April 30, 2023

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TAX EXTENSIONS

California has extended the tax filing deadline for Californians impacted by December and January winter storms to October 16, 2023. This relief applies to deadlines falling on or after January 8, 2023, and before October 16, 2023, including the 2022 individual income tax returns due on April 18 and the quarterly estimated tax payments, typically due on January 17, 2023 and April 18, 2023. This includes:

Individuals whose tax returns and payments are due on April 18, 2023.
Quarterly estimated tax payments due January 17, 2023, April 18, 2023, June 15, 2023, and September 15, 2023.
Business entities whose tax returns are normally due on March 15 and April 18.
PTE Elective Tax payments due on June 15, 2023.

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TAX RELIEF

Taxpayers affected by a presidentially declared disaster may claim a deduction for a disaster loss. Taxpayers may claim a disaster loss when filing either an original or amended tax year 2022 tax return. When filing their return, taxpayers should write the name of the disaster in blue or black ink at the top of their tax return to alert FTB. If filing electronically, taxpayers should follow the software instructions to enter disaster information. If a taxpayer receives a late filing or payment penalty notice related to the postponement period, they should call the number on the notice to have the penalty abated.

Additional information and instructions are available in FTB Publication 1034, 2022 Disaster Loss: How to Claim a State Tax Deduction. Disaster victims can receive free copies of their state returns to replace those lost or damaged. To do so, they should use form FTB 3516 and write the name of the disaster in blue or black ink at the top of the request.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Impacted taxpayers can request relief:

From the CDTFA Website CLICK HERE
By mail at: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, PO Box 942879, MIC 35, Sacramento, CA 94279
In person at one of their field offices CLICK HERE
By phone at 1.800.400.7115
Relief Request FAQs CLICK HERE
Disaster Relief Tax Guide CLICK HERE

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NO-COST BUSINESS CONSULTING

The EDC Small Business Development Center is providing NO-COST advising to businesses impacted by the disaster, including:

Counseling for financial, accounting, marketing and other post-disaster challenges
Management and technical assistance
Business planning to help business owners re-establish their operations and plan for their future
Assistance with updating or rewriting business plans

Call 805.409.9159 or CLICK HERE to get started.

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RESOURCES FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a variety of programs for agricultural producers that have been impacted by natural disasters. Start with the links below and check out the “Agriculture Resources” section below for more details.

Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool CLICK HERE
Farm Loan Discovery Tool CLICK HERE
Full list of USDA disaster-related resources CLICK HERE

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Los Angeles County is NOT currently included in the Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California (FEMA-4683-DR) for severe winter storms. However, businesses impacted by the declared disaster can apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan provided by the SBA and additional resources are available.

For direct information from the county CLICK HERE.

COVID-19 RECOVERY RESOURCES

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Cal/OSHA COVID-19 PREVENTION NON-EMERGENCY REGULATIONS

On December 15, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted to adopt non-emergency COVID-19 prevention regulations. These regulations took effect on February 3, 2023 and will remain in effect for two years after the effective date, except for the recordkeeping subsections that will remain in effect for three years.

These regulations include some of the same requirements found in the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), as well as new provisions aimed at making it easier for employers to provide consistent protections to workers and allow for flexibility if changes are made to guidance in the future from the California Department of Public Health.

Note: These regulations apply to most workers in California who are not covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard.

CLICK HERE to review the COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations effective February 3, 2023.

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CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)

As of March 2022, the CDC now recommends masking based on “COVID-19 Community Level.” Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Indoor masking is only recommended universally if the Community Level is high. CLICK HERE for more information.

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CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH)

On March 1, 2022, the requirement that unvaccinated individuals mask in indoor public settings moved to a strong recommendation that all persons, regardless of vaccine status, continue indoor masking. Universal masking shall remain required in specified high-risk settings. CLICK HERE for more information.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA & SANTA BARBARA FOUNDATION- MICROBUSINESS COVID-19 RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM

The Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant offers $2,500 grants to qualified small business and nonprofit enterprises in Santa Barbara County! Small businesses that earned less than $50,000 in 2019 are encouraged to apply. Funded in part through a grant from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Application Window NOW OPEN: March 7, 2022. Grants will be awarded until grant funding is exhausted. For more information CLICK HERE.

GENERAL RECOVERY RESOURCES

Best Practices for Businesses Surviving a Major Disaster

Remember that recovery can be a long-term process depending on the severity of the disaster. Recovery can last many weeks, months and even years.
Be diligent in the practice of self-care. Take advantage of mental health resources that are available to you. Do not skip meals. Be sure to exercise. Get enough sleep. These simple daily activities will help create stability as you navigate a new reality.
Know that you may need extra time processing information that is given to you. Be patient with yourself and engage with services and resources when the time is right.
Be your own advocate. Know your rights as an insurance holder and what federal and state resources are available to you. Connect with your local Small Business Development Center to learn about available local, state and federal resources you may be entitled to.
Ask for assistance even if you do not think it is necessary in that moment. If your business has been impacted by a federally declared disaster, be sure to take advantage of all federal resources available to you. For example, in the event of a federally declared disaster, the SBA offers low low-interests to businesses that have been impacted. You may not think that you need a loan immediately after a disaster, but depending on the severity, cashflow and sales may be impacted in the coming weeks and months.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)

Loans for those in declared disaster areas: CLICK HERE to check if you are in a declared disaster area.

Business Physical Disaster Loans: businesses may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans* (EIDL): up to $2 million in working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
Home Disaster Loans: homeowners or renters may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles.

Loans for those in undeclared disaster areas:

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): up to $2 million in working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.

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EDC DISASTER BRIDGE LOAN FUND

In addition to our traditional EDC loan funds, EDC is offering 4.25% interest loans from $5,000- $50,000 and a 48-month term through our Disaster Bridge Loan Fund to give a cash flow boost to businesses. Email loans@edcollaborative.com or call 805.409.9497 for more information.

AGRICULTURE RESOURCES

START HERE

Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool CLICK HERE
Farm Loan Discovery Tool CLICK HERE
Full list of USDA disaster-related resources CLICK HERE

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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a variety of programs for agricultural producers that have been impacted by natural disasters. Disaster assistance is provided by three agencies within USDA:

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA): assists products in recovering from the impacts of natural disasters CLICK HERE
USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA): helps strengthen the economic stability of agricultural producers and rural communities CLICK HERE
USA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): offers financial and technical assistance on conservation efforts CLICK HERE

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USDA RISK MANAGEMENT

Producers who have risk protection through RMA Federal Crop Insurance (FIC) should report crop damage to their crop insurance agent within 72 hours of damage discovery and follow up in writing within 15 days.
For FSA Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) covered crops, a Notice of Loss must be filled with the local FAS office within 15 days of the loss becoming apparent, expect for hand-harvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours.
Producers who have not applied for NAP coverage may still be covered. Socially Disadvantaged, Limited Resource, Beginning and Veteran Farmer or Rancher Certification, on file prior to the applicable NAP application closing date will automatically receive basic coverage for any NAP-eligible crops they plant. Like all other covered producers, underserved producers will still need to file a notice of loss and apply for benefits.

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USDA CONSERVATION

FSA Emergency Conservation Program (ECP): helps farmers and ranchers repair damage to farmlands caused by natural disasters and put in place methods for water conservation during severe drought. CLICK HERE
FSA Emergency Forest Restoration Program (FRP): helps the owners of non-industrial private forests restore forest health damaged by natural disasters. CLICK HERE
NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP): provides assistance to local government sponsors with the cost of addressing watershed impairments or hazards such as debris removal and streambank stabilization. EWP does NOT require a disaster declaration by federal or state government officials for program assistance to begin. CLICK HERE

NO-COST BUSINESS CONSULTING

The EDC Small Business Development Center provides NO-COST advising to businesses impacted by disasters, including:

Counseling for financial, accounting, marketing and other post-disaster challenges
Management and technical assistance
Business planning to help business owners re-establish their operations and plan for their future
Assistance with updating or rewriting business plans

Call 805.409.9159 or CLICK HERE to get started.

Staffing Resources

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE (DUA)

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is a federal program that provides financial assistance to jobless workers and the self-employed when they are unemployed as a direct result of a major disaster. When a major disaster has been declared by the President, DUA is generally available to any unemployed worker or self-employed individual who lived, worked or was scheduled to work in the disaster area at the time of the disaster; and due to the disaster:

No longer has a job or place to work; or
Cannot reach the place of work; or
Cannot work due to damage to the place of work; or
Cannot work because of an injury caused by the disaster; or
Is now head of household and is seeking work because the former head of household died as a result of the disaster.

CLICK HERE for more information and to apply with the Employment Development Department.

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UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (UI) BENEFITS

Unemployment benefits are available for self-employed individuals and employees. If you are out of work or have had your hours reduced, you may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. CLICK HERE to apply for unemployment with the Employment Development Department.

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EDD WORKSHARE PROGRAM

The EDD Workshare Program allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs – retaining their trained employees by reducing their hours and wages that can be partially offset with UI benefits. Visit the Work Sharing Program website CLICK HERE to learn more about its benefits for employers and employees, and how to apply. Note: Nonprofits are not eligible to participate in EDD Workshare.

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

Local Workforce Development Boards help businesses who need assistance in growing, training or downsizing their workforce. When a business is considering closing or laying off employees, Rapid Response teams can:

Assist the business during the transition
Help minimize unemployment by providing customized training, incumbent worker training and on-the-job training
Provide free information and resources to the affected workers

Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board CLICK HERE

Ventura County Workforce Development Board CLICK HERE

Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board CLICK HERE

PREPARING FOR DISASTER

DISASTER PREPARDNESS CHECKLIST

Know Your Risk
Take the Necessary Precautions
Always Protect Your Data
Make Plans to Work with Limited Cash, No Water, Sewer or Power for up to Two Weeks
Protect Your Employees
Contact Your Customers & Suppliers
Review Your Insurance Coverage

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OUTSMART DISASTER

Are you prepared for the next big disaster? EDC is partnering with the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the California Academy for Economic Development, and Edison International to promote the statewide Outsmart Disaster campaign! The Outsmart Disaster campaign equips businesses with the tools and resources they need to be prepared for disaster. Here’s two ways you can take immediate action for your business:

Take the Resilient Business Challenge: a self-guided, give-step process to help your business become more resilient. CLICK HERE to take the challenge.
Watch a recording of a Disaster Resiliency Clinic and receive a walkthrough of the basics of preparedness and the campaign’s Resilient Business Challenge:
- CLICK HERE for the English Version
- CLICK HERE for the Spanish Version

Questions? Reach out to the Outsmart Disaster Team at arroyo@outsmartdisaster.com.

SOCIAL SERVICES

211 ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES

211 is a comprehensive information and referral system connecting people quickly and effectively to health and human services, disaster relief and public information. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no-cost to the caller.

If calling from a local land line, dial 211. If calling from a cellular phone, call your county line below or visit their website:

Los Angeles County: CLICK HERE or dial 800.400.1572
Ventura County: CLICK HERE or dial 800.339.9597
Santa Barbara County: CLICK HERE or dial 800.339.6993

HOUSING & RENT

HOMELESS PREVENTION

Homeless Prevention for Los Angeles County: Call 213.225.6581 or visit Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) website CLICK HERE.
Homeless Prevention for Ventura County: Call 805.385.1800 and leave a detailed message of your situation. Learn more on the Ventura County’s Human Services Agency website CLICK HERE.
Homeless Prevention for Santa Barbara County: Call 805.450.3558 or visit Northern Santa Barbara County United Way’s website to view walk-in resource centers CLICK HERE.

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VENTURA COUNTY HOUSING RIGHTS CENTER

The Housing Rights Center is a private nonprofit organization that is contracted with the County of Ventura to provide Fair Housing Services. Their services include free landlord/tenant counseling, housing discrimination investigation and education on fair housing laws. To connect with the Housing Rights Center call 805.477.5977 and visit their website CLICK HERE.

Wellness Resources

SANTA BARBARA RESPONSE NETWORK

The Santa Barbara Response Network (SBRN) is a grassroots, non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting fellow community members’ through traumatic experiences and toward resilient recovery. Their trained volunteers offer services such as psychological first aid (PFA), stress management, education about short-term coping and long-term wellness behaviors, and referrals to local agencies for continued care. To learn more click CLICK HERE.

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WELLNESS EVERYDAY

Wellness Everyday provides guidance and mental health resources in English and Spanish for individuals and families. Find local resources and guides for children, teens and adults on a variety of topics to support mental, physical and social wellbeing on their website CLICK HERE.

Legal Resources

CONFLICT RESOLUTION INSTITUTE (CRI)

CRI is a community-based non-profit organization that provides mediation services, conflict resolution training and conflict resolution education to individuals and businesses in Ventura, Santa Barbara & LA County. Their services are provided on a sliding scale based on income/gross revenue. Their team is available to help address commercial and residential disputes. They can be contacted by calling 805.384.1313 or by emailing Info@ConflictResolutionVC.org.

Public Health

Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Public Health Department has issued public health and safety orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Please visit the Los Angeles County Public Health Website to view all current safety orders.

Ventura County

The Ventura County Public Health Department has issued public health and safety orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Please visit Ventura County Recovers to view all current safety orders.

Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara Public Health Department has issued public health and safety orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Please visit the Santa Barbara Public Health Information Portal to view all current safety orders.

Partners in Recovery

As partners in business assistance, EDC recommends the following organizations dedicated to support businesses in recovery.

Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth, economic development and business assistance efforts. They offer no cost consultation for incentive identification, site selection, regulatory or permitting compliance assistance, foreign direct investment and export assistance. For more information please visit the GO-Biz website.

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) offers short-term and long-term business consulting to assist businesses with recovering from Covid, improve QuickBooks understanding and pivot their business. Free business-related webinars are regularly held in English and Spanish. For more information please visit WEV’s website.

SCORE

For over 50 years, SCORE has served as America’s premier source of free business mentoring and education. As a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs through mentoring, workshops and educational resources since 1964. For more information please visit SCORE Ventura County or SCORE Santa Barbara County.

This website page is intended to be used as a starting point to help business owners obtain up-to-date information on disaster recovery resources and requirements in the Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles region. It is not comprehensive. While everything on this page is intended to be accurate, it is not intended legal advice and should not be relied on as such. To obtain legal advice please contact a licensed California attorney. The EDC does not endorse a particular law firm or practice.