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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN FROM SBA
The Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), from the Small Business Administration (SBA), provides 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.
Application filing deadline for economic injury: October 16, 2023
CLICK HERE to learn more
SBA Customer Service #: 1.800.659.2955
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FREE DISASTER-RELATED LEGAL SERVICES
Homeowners and renters in disaster-designated counties affected by the recent severe winter storms and flooding may now have access to free legal advice for disaster-related legal issues. Residents can call a Disaster Legal Service hotline at 888-382-3406 or CLICK HERE. Callers may be asked to leave a message and a specialist will get back to them as soon as possible. Callers should identify their storm-related issue and the county where their storm-damaged property is located.
Some of the issues the legal service can provide help with include:
- Insurance claims for medical bills, loss of property, and loss of life.
- New wills, powers of attorney, and other legal papers lost during the disaster.
- Home repair contracts and contractors.
- Problems with landlords.
- Proof of home ownership.
- FEMA appeals.
The hotline is run by the Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative, a coalition of nonprofits, legal aid organizations, government entities and law firms in California working together to offer free legal services to communities in the aftermath of natural disasters. FEMA provides funding to the collaborative but the attorneys are not FEMA employees. The services they provide are confidential and they do not share information with FEMA.
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 SCORE Ventura County or SCORE Santa Barbara County.
