Our thoughts are with all who have been impacted by the recent outbreak of COVID-19. As business owners and leaders it is important to remain informed and prepared as this outbreak continues to impact our local and global communities. The Economic Development Collaborative has compiled a list of resources now available for employers, self-employed individuals and employees who have been impacted by COVID-19. This page will be updated as new resources become available.
*New* COVID-19 Business Resources
IMMEDIATE RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
As the spread and impact of COVID-19 is still an unknown, the EDC recommends employers and self-employed individuals to take the following action steps:
- REVISIT YOUR CASH FLOW NEEDS- As the reopening plan remains fluid with unknown timelines, we recommend clients reconsider cash flow needs for the next 8- 12 months and seek additional capital as needed.
- PREPARE TO REOPEN- The State of California has outlined the new Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Both Ventura and Santa Barbara County are considered to have a “widespread” county risk level. Many non-essential indoor business operations are to remain closed, but as of August 31, 2020, counties in the “widespread” (purple) tier may open some businesses and activities with modifications, including all retail, shopping centers at maximum 25% capacity, and hair salons and barbershops indoors. If your business has not yet been permitted to reopen, take the necessary steps to be prepared and aware of compliance measures required for reopening. For more information please visit www.venturacountyrecovers.org (Ventura County) and www.publichealthsbc.org (Santa Barbara County).
- REVISIT YOUR BUSINESS PLAN- Does your current business model limit your ability to conduct business given the impact of COVID-19? Can you pivot your model to sell products and services in another way? EDC SBDC advisors can help you create a new model during this moment of transition.
- CONNECT WITH YOUR LANDLORD- Are you currently a commercial tenant? Governor Newsom has issued an Executive Order implementing a statewide moratorium on evictions through September 30. If you are currently renting and unable to pay rent due to financial hardship and the impact of COVID-19, we encourage you to inform your landlord by completing a Declaration of COVID-19 Related Financial Distress in order to preserve your rights as a tenant. For more information on COVID-19 moratorium related eviction guidelines in Ventura and Santa Barbara County please visit this website. For more guidance for renters & landlords, you can re-watch the EDC’s commercial lease webinar below in the “Previous Webinars” section or review the PDF version here. For more information on the Tenant, Homeowner, and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020 view our EDC Legal Alert here.
- CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER- In response to numerous complaints from businesses and public officials, on April 14, 2020 the California Insurance Commissioner required companies to comply with their contracts and California law by fairly investigating all business interruption claims caused by COVID-19 – just as they would for any disaster. If you have business disruption insurance we encourage you to connect with you provider and file a claim. For more information, please call 800.927.4357 or visit ca.gov.
- SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE- If your business has experienced economic injury or hardship due to the impact of COVID-19 you do not have walk alone. EDC SBDC Advisors can assist during this time at no cost to you. Please call 805.409.9159 to schedule an appointment.
- SEEK EMOTIONAL SUPPORT – If you are experiencing emotional trauma or need mental health resources, call Give an Hour which offers NO COST counseling, mental health and emotional well-being services. Visit https://giveanhour.org/get-help/ or email info@giveanhour.org. Give an Hour does not provide emergency services. For immediate help: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, Veterans press 1. OR text SIGNS to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Both services are free and available 24/7. Additional Mental Health Resources.
- APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT- If you have lost hours or wages due to the impact of COVID-19, we encourage you to file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, which is now available for Self-Employed Individuals. Apply for PUA
- REVISIT YOUR CASH FLOW NEEDS- As the reopening plan remains fluid with unknown timelines, we recommend clients reconsider cash flow needs for the next 8- 12 months and seek additional capital as needed.
- PREPARE TO REOPEN- The State of California has outlined the new Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Both Ventura and Santa Barbara County are considered to have a “widespread” county risk level. Many non-essential indoor business operations are to remain closed, but as of August 31, 2020, counties in the “widespread” (purple) tier may open some businesses and activities with modifications, including all retail, shopping centers at maximum 25% capacity, and hair salons and barbershops indoors. If your business has not yet been permitted to reopen, take the necessary steps to be prepared and aware of compliance measures required for reopening. For more information please visit www.venturacountyrecovers.org (Ventura County) and www.publichealthsbc.org (Santa Barbara County).
- REVISIT YOUR BUSINESS PLAN- Does your current business model limit your ability to conduct business given the impact of COVID-19? Can you pivot your model to sell products and services in another way? EDC SBDC advisors can help you create a new model during this moment of transition.
- CONNECT WITH YOUR LANDLORD- Are you currently a commercial tenant? Governor Newsom has issued an Executive Order implementing a statewide moratorium on evictions through September 30. If you are currently renting and unable to pay rent due to financial hardship and the impact of COVID-19, we encourage you to inform your landlord by completing a Declaration of COVID-19 Related Financial Distress in order to preserve your rights as a tenant. For more information on COVID-19 moratorium related eviction guidelines in Ventura and Santa Barbara County please visit this website. For more guidance for renters & landlords, you can re-watch the EDC’s commercial lease webinar below in the “Previous Webinars” section or review the PDF version here. For more information on the Tenant, Homeowner, and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020 view our EDC Legal Alert here.
- CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER- In response to numerous complaints from businesses and public officials, on April 14, 2020 the California Insurance Commissioner required companies to comply with their contracts and California law by fairly investigating all business interruption claims caused by COVID-19 – just as they would for any disaster. If you have business disruption insurance we encourage you to connect with you provider and file a claim. For more information, please call 800.927.4357 or visit ca.gov.
- SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE- If your business has experienced economic injury or hardship due to the impact of COVID-19 you do not have walk alone. EDC SBDC Advisors can assist during this time at no cost to you. Please call 805.409.9159 to schedule an appointment.
- SEEK EMOTIONAL SUPPORT – If you are experiencing emotional trauma or need mental health resources, call Give an Hour which offers NO COST counseling, mental health and emotional well-being services. Visit https://giveanhour.org/get-help/ or email info@giveanhour.org. Give an Hour does not provide emergency services. For immediate help: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, Veterans press 1. OR text SIGNS to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Both services are free and available 24/7. Additional Mental Health Resources.
- REVISIT YOUR CASH FLOW NEEDS- As the reopening plan remains fluid with unknown timelines, we recommend clients reconsider cash flow needs for the next 8- 12 months and seek additional capital as needed.
- PREPARE TO REOPEN- The State of California has outlined the new Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Both Ventura and Santa Barbara County are considered to have a “widespread” county risk level. Many non-essential indoor business operations are to remain closed, but as of August 31, 2020, counties in the “widespread” (purple) tier may open some businesses and activities with modifications, including all retail, shopping centers at maximum 25% capacity, and hair salons and barbershops indoors. If your business has not yet been permitted to reopen, take the necessary steps to be prepared and aware of compliance measures required for reopening. For more information please visit www.venturacountyrecovers.org (Ventura County) and www.publichealthsbc.org (Santa Barbara County).
- REVISIT YOUR BUSINESS PLAN- Does your current business model limit your ability to conduct business given the impact of COVID-19? Can you pivot your model to deliver services in another way? EDC SBDC advisors can help you create a new model during this moment of transition.
- CONNECT WITH YOUR LANDLORD- Are you currently a commercial tenant? Governor Newsom has issued an Executive Order implementing a statewide moratorium on evictions through September 30. If you are currently renting and unable to pay rent due to financial hardship and the impact of COVID-19, we encourage you to inform your landlord by completing a Declaration of COVID-19 Related Financial Distress in order to preserve your rights as a tenant. For more information on Covid-19 moratorium related eviction guidelines in Ventura and Santa Barbara County please visit this website. For more information on COVID-19 moratorium related eviction guidelines in Ventura and Santa Barbara County please visit this website. For more guidance for renters & landlords, you can re-watch the EDC’s commercial lease webinar below in the “Previous Webinars” section or review the PDF version here. For more information on the Tenant, Homeowner, and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020 view our EDC Legal Alert here.
- CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER- In response to numerous complaints from businesses and public officials, on April 14, 2020 the California Insurance Commissioner required companies to comply with their contracts and California law by fairly investigating all business interruption claims caused by COVID-19 – just as they would for any disaster. If you have business disruption insurance we encourage you to connect with you provider and file a claim. For more information, please call 800.927.4357 or visit ca.gov.
- SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE- If your organization has experienced economic injury or hardship due to the impact of COVID-19 you do not have walk alone. EDC SBDC Advisors can assist during this time at no cost to you. Please call 805.409.9159 to schedule an appointment.
- SEEK EMOTIONAL SUPPORT – If you are experiencing emotional trauma or need mental health resources, call Give an Hour which offers NO COST counseling, mental health and emotional well-being services. Visit https://giveanhour.org/get-help/ or email info@giveanhour.org. Give an Hour does not provide emergency services. For immediate help: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, Veterans press 1. OR text SIGNS to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Both services are free and available 24/7. Additional Mental Health Resources.
- APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT- If you have lost hours or wages due to the impact of COVID-19, we encourage you to file for unemployment benefits. Apply for unemployment NOTE: Governor’s Emergency Proclamations waive the non-payable one-week waiting period for regular UI benefit payments to eligible individuals affected by current disasters. This means individuals can be paid benefits for the first week they are unemployed due to the disaster. Additionally, under the CARES Act, weekly premium amounts have been increased and the period of benefits has been extended.
- CONNECT WITH YOUR LANDLORD- Are you currently renting? Governor Newsom has issued an Executive Order implementing a statewide moratorium on evictions through September 30. If you are currently renting and unable to pay rent due to financial hardship and the impact of COVID-19, we encourage you to inform your landlord by completing a Declaration of COVID-19 Related Financial Distress in order to preserve your rights as a tenant. For more information on Covid-19 moratorium related eviction guidelines in Ventura and Santa Barbara County please visit this website. For more information on COVID-19 moratorium related eviction guidelines in Ventura and Santa Barbara County please visit this website. For more guidance for renters & landlords, you can re-watch the EDC’s commercial lease webinar below in the “Previous Webinars” section or review the PDF version here. For more information on the Tenant, Homeowner, and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020 view our EDC Legal Alert here.
- SEEK EMOTIONAL SUPPORT – If you are experiencing emotional trauma or need mental health resources, call Give an Hour which offers NO COST counseling, mental health and emotional well-being services. Visit https://giveanhour.org/get-help/ or email info@giveanhour.org. Give an Hour does not provide emergency services. For immediate help: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, Veterans press 1. OR text SIGNS to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Both services are free and available 24/7. Additional Mental Health Resources.
Webinars
EDC hosts webinars every week on resources and assistance now available for employers, self-employed individuals and employees under the CARES Act. Webinars are held in English and Spanish. Space is limited. Please register in advance.
Previous Business Webinars
September 24, 2020 “Creative Solutions for Commercial Landlords and Tenants During COVID-19”
View the PDF version of “Creative Solutions for Commercial Landlords and Tenants During COVID-19”
View the Highlight Handout from “Creative Solutions for Commercial Landlords and Tenants During COVID-19”
August 27, 2020 “PPP Forgiveness – How to Get the Application Right as a LLC, C- or S-Corporation”
View the PDF version of “PPP Forgiveness – How to Get the Application Right as a LLC, C- or S- Corporation”
August 26, 2020 “PPP Forgiveness – How to Get the Application Right as a Self-Employed or Sole Proprietor Business”
View the PDF version of “PPP Forgiveness – How to Get the Application Right as a Self-Employed or Sole Proprietor Business”
July 23, 2020 “Guidance for Renters and Landlords During COVID-19″
View the PDF version of “Guidance for Renters and Landlords During COVID-19”
July 15, 2020 “Mitigating Risk in the Workplace During COVID-19”
View the PDF version of “Mitigating Risk in the Workplace During COVID-19”
June 24, 2020 “Beginner’s Guide to Instagram for Business- Part 1”
June 17, 2020 “Beginner’s Guide to Instagram for Business- Part 2”
June 10, 2020 “Beginner’s Guide to Instagram for Business- Part 3”
June 3, 2020 “Rebuilding For Profit During Disruption”
May 28, 2020 “Managing Options: Business Closure or Restructure”
May 13, 2020: “How to Manage Federal Funds- PPP + EIDL Best Practices”
April 29, 2020: “Navigating Local, State and Federal Resources Available Through the CARES Act”
Previous Nonprofit Webinars
April 7, 2020: “Navigating Local, State and Federal Resources Available Through the CARES Act”
Previous Spanish Webinars
May 29, 2020: “Recursos Para Pequeñas Empresas”
Recovery Resources
The Economic Development Collaborative has compiled a list of resources now available for employers, self-employed individuals and employees who have been impacted by COVID-19. This page will be updated as new resources become available.
SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS (EIDL)
The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Applicants may apply online. Applicants may also call 800.659.2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 800.877.8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP)
The deadline for this SBA loan program has closed. If you have received a PPP loan, please work with your lender to process the Paycheck Protection Loan Forgiveness Application. For frequently asked questions please visit the U.S. Department of Treasury.
UNEMPLOYMENT AND PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE (PUA)
Unemployment benefits are available for self-employed individuals and employees. If you have lost hours or wages due to the impact of COVID-19. Apply for unemployment with the EDD here. For more information on self-employed unemployment benefits (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) click here.
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 to learn more about its benefits for employers and employees, and how to apply. Note: Nonprofits are not eligible to participate in EDD Workshare.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for reasons related to COVID-19 beginning April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. For more information visit the Department of Labor’s website. More questions? Visit the Department of Labor’s Q&A page.
EDC DISASTER 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 Loan Fund to give a cash flow boost to businesses impacted by reduced sales, supply chain disruption or other challenges related to COVID-19. Email loans@edcollaborative.com for more information.
WOMEN’S ECONOMIC VENTURES (WEV) RESTART LOAN
WEV’S Restart Loan provides capital to Santa Barbara County and Ventura County businesses who are now open or eligible to open under the most current government orders. Visit WEV’s website for more information.
The Employee Retention Credit is designed to assist employers keep their employees on payroll by offering them a tax credit for wages paid. For more information please visit the IRS website.
EVICTION MORATORIUM FOR RESIDENTIAL RENTERS
An eviction moratorium has been declared by Governor Newsom to ensure that renters who have been economically impacted by COVID-19 and are unable pay rent on residential properties cannot be legally evicted before February 1, 2021. More conditions apply. Click here to review current state guidelines. For more information on COVID-19 moratorium related eviction guidelines in Ventura and Santa Barbara County please visit this website. For more information on the Tenant, Homeowner, and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020 view our EDC Legal Alert here.
MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE
Foreclosure protection is available for homeowners or small landlords who have federally-backed mortgages through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Homeowners or small landlords who do not have federally-backed loans can contact their loan servicers to request forbearance. Your lender must provide detailed reasons if they deny your forbearance request. You can contest a denial. Find out more about mortgage help and how to get it. For more information on the Tenant, Homeowner, and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020 view our EDC Legal Alert here.
Reopening
On May 8th, the Governor’s office began phase 2 of the reopening strategy for the State of California. Second of four phases to reopen California’s economy, this phase focuses on key industries that can open safely by providing clean and safe environments for employees and customers. For a full list of reopening phases, industry guidance and safety protocols please visit the following Phase 2 of the California Official Roadmap.
The State of California has outlined the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Ventura County businesses that have been identified as eligible to reopen, must meet county and state health and safety compliance protocols. For more information regarding state and county health and safety protocols, industry-specific worksite plan templates, and outlined steps to reopen visit VC Reopens or visit the FAQ’s page. For questions related to business reopening call the COVID-19 Business Compliance Hotline at 805.202.1805 or email covidcompliance@ventura.org.
The State of California has outlined the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Santa Barbara County has outlined detailed information in consideration of the State of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Be sure to diligently confirm all steps required to reopen your business safely. For more information please click here for all reopening requirements, industry specific guidance and worksite prevention plans. For questions related to business reopening call 833.688.5551 or email EHSadmin@sbcphd.org.
Public Health
EDC encourages all individuals to review local, state and federal guidelines to remain in compliance with health and safety protocols during this time.
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 Public Health Department has issued public health and safety orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Please visit the Santa Barbara County COVID-19 Public 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.
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) 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.
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 Ventura County SCORE or Santa Barbara County SCORE.
