Tag: Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Weekly Webinar Schedule

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

COVID-19 Business Resources – EIDL, PPP, UI and Grants

Alternating Wednesdays & Fridays @ 12:00 pm
Next Webinar: February 19, 2021

The EDC invites you to join our webinar series on alternative Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 pm to answer questions about EIDL, PPP, UI, Grants and all currently available COVID-19 related business resources. Please register in advance. Space is limited.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Grant Opportunities

The application window for Round 2 of the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program closed yesterday, February 8th, 2021 at 6:00 pm.

If you have already uploaded all required documentation, no further action is required. If you still need to upload your Entity Documents (tax returns, ID and/or application certification) please finish uploading all documents by February 11, 2021.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — No-Cost Mental Health Resources for Business Owners

The EDC has assisted thousands of business owners the past few years through multiple disruptions and disasters. We know the pain and frustration that many of you have faced. We are in this with you.

If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety, depression or just fear of the unknown, we encourage you to reach out to the following organizations to help assist during this time.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

January 8 @ 12:00 pm

Join the EDC for a discussion of new COVID-19 Business Relief. Business Disruption Resource Director, Clare Briglio and EDC SBDC Financial Advisor Juliana Ramirez will be presenting and answering questions around these new federal benefits and expansions to existing programs. Space is limited. Please register early.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

The EDC is excited that the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program opened yesterday, December 30, 2020! Thousands of small businesses have applied and we are aware that with this large application volume, many small businesses are experiencing delays or challenges with the application portal. Lendistry is working quickly to improve theses access issues.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties or have additional specific questions about your application, please reach out to the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program Call Center at 888.612.4370 or email careliefgrant@lendistry.com

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

The California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program first application window is open from December 30, 2020 at 6:00 am to January 8, 2021 at 11:59 pm! This grant program is NOT first-come, first-served. Please take the time to prepare all necessary documentation and carefully review your application. One complete application will qualify you to be considered for both rounds, please only apply once.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces free weekly webinar schedule

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   EDC WEBINAR SCHEDULE The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today! NEW CARE’S ACT COVID-19 BUSINESS RELIEF- NEW PPP, SECOND ROUND FUNDING, EXPANDED UNEMPLOYMENT…

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

The Governor announced the creation of a $500 million COVID-19 Relief Grant administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development for small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the health and safety restrictions. Funds will be awarded to selected intermediaries with established networks of Community Development Financial Institutions to distribute relief through grants of up to $25,000 to underserved micro and small businesses throughout the state. Cultural institutions and non-profits are also be eligible for these grants.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Business Alert

Congress recently approved a new stimulus package providing funding for the federal government through the remainder of fiscal year 2021 and the latest installment of COVID-19 related measures. Below is a brief synopsis of the information related to PPP, SBA Loans, the Emergency Capital Investment Program and Unemployment Insurance.

The SBA and Department of Treasury have not released their formal announcement and information regarding the roll out of the programs listed below. The EDC will be actively engaged with these organizations as the situation develops.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EDC Legal Alert — CAL/OSHA COVID-19 Requirements for Employers

On November 20, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) Office of Administrative Law approved new Cal/OSHA emergency temporary standards (ETS) for COVID-19, effective November 30. Many of the ETS are already required by existing employer workplace injury and illness prevention programs (IIPP-see Injury and Illness Prevention Program), or will be required under AB 685 (the new COVID-19 employee safety and reporting law effective January 1, 2021), but some requirements are new and must be complied with immediately.

EDC Weekly Webinar Schedule on Dec. 7, 8, 9, 10

SCORE SANTA BARBARA: 2021 BUSINESS OUTLOOK ROUNDTABLE

December 7 @ 5:00 pm

Join SCORE Santa Barbara a round table discussion with health experts, community leaders, and financial professionals. Our panelists will provide insights into the challenges and opportunities for small businesses in Santa Barbara and offer practical guidance on how to prepare your business for the year ahead. Topics covered will include: (1) Guidance for operating safely during the COVID crisis, (2) What to expect as we enter the post-COVID world, (3) How to prepare for success in the “new normal” and (4) Financial strategies and sources of funding for small businesses. 

EDC Business Alert- COVID-19 Updates & Small Business Resources

Governor Newsom addressed the State of California yesterday, Thursday December 3rd regarding the new Regional Stay Home Order. This affects regions with less than 15% ICU availability. Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties are in the Southern California Region, which is at 20.6% ICU capacity remaining as of December 3, 2020. It is anticipated this Region will reach the metrics by early December. All three counties remain in the Purple Tier at the time being, but each have their own protocol regarding this new order. Please refer to your specific county’s communications in regards to business operations. For more information CLICK HERE.

EDC Partner News- CSUCI Entrepreneur Survey

In collaboration with a group of international researchers, CSU Channel Islands Entrepreneurship & Small Business Institute is studying how entrepreneurs deal with the consequences of COVID-19 during this most unusual year.

This research focuses on the impact of emotional intelligence and resiliency on entrepreneurial well-being world-wide during a black swan event. Upon taking an 8-minute survey you can see your scores for emotional intelligence and resilience. You can opt in to receive information via email to learn more about what your scores mean and to explore the range of results from the study.

EDC Business Alert- CA Manufacturers’ Recovery Support Program

With the pandemic dramatically redefining the landscape for California manufacturers, the Economic Development Collaborative is committed to helping businesses survive, recover, and thrive as they navigate through the challenges. In partnership with CMTC’s California Manufacturing Network, the EDC’s Small Business Development Center provides direct support to manufacturers across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

EDC Business Alert- PPP Information You Need to Know

PPP: INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW

The federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), part of the CARES Act, provided business loans that can be forgiven if the right circumstances are met. With the end of the year approaching, the EDC understands that there is a new sense of urgency to complete the actual process of forgiveness. This process can be very challenging and many lending institutions are addressing the information differently. An important note is that the Small Business Administration (SBA) has not finalized this forgiveness process, despite some banks accepting the forgiveness applications at this time. The EDC speculates that the legislative packet that includes guidance on PPP forgiveness processing will not pass until 2021. 

EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for October 2020

The California Labor Market Information Division released its October 2020 report earlier today, showing a slight acceleration in our month-over-month recovery, our unemployment rate improving from a revised 8.3% in September to 7.1% in October. That’s encouraging, though the region’s recent move back to the more restricted Purple Tier will almost certainly slow or even stall the recovery and, indeed, we are starting to see an increase in new unemployment insurance claims.  And while 7.1% is a grand improvement over our low point of 13.9% in April, it’s still more than double the 3.4% we enjoyed in October 2019. See here for the current summary detail.

EDC Free Webinar Schedule

November 17 @ 1:00 pm

Google Analytics is a fantastic tool. Best part is, it’s free to use for everyone! No matter if you have a 2-page website or a massive e-commerce website, you can use Google Analytics to understand how your customers are using your website and where you can improve their experience. During this webinar, expert in business data analytics Mo Hossain will walk you through the steps of how to set up Google Analytics so you can start getting data from your own website.

EDC NEWS- Welcome New Advisors!

The Economic Development Collaborative is thrilled to announce the addition of five new advisors to our consulting team! As one of California’s largest direct business support networks, our Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is dedicated to providing quality consulting with a diversity of advisor skillsets to assist you with each of your business needs. Access to capital, top tier advising and personalized support is just a phone call away.

November EDC Webinar Schedule

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE- NOVEMBER 2020

EDC Business Alert- Reinventing Your Business During COVID-19 webinar of Oct. 15

FREE WEBINAR: REINVENTING YOUR BUSINESS DURING COVID-19
Thursday, October 15 @ 5:30 pm

Have COVID-19 disruptions left you in a position to rethink, or reinvent your business or business model? Join the EDC’s Small Business Development Center Advisors and Startup Simi this Thursday in their free Inspire Entrepreneurship- Startup Speaker Series.

EDC Legal Alert — Eviction Protections Extended to March 31

On September 23, 2020, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-80-20. The Order extends to March 31, 2021 the time frame for local governments to provide commercial eviction protections due to COVID-19. The additional protection is not automatic, however. Commercial landlords and tenants will have to wait and see if local governments in Ventura County, Santa Barbara County or surrounding areas enact or extend the protections authorized by the Order.

EDC Business Alert- What do I do with the government aid I’ve received?

We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has been impacting business owners in many different ways. With each new regulation it can be difficult to apply general advice to your specific business.

Our no-cost, individualized consulting can help discuss what to do with the PPP, EIDL, and additional government aid you have received.

EDC Business Alert — Census Last Day September 30!

This decennial Census has significant impact on our business community. The Census not only determines local funding for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, but it also allocates money for direct business resources. As a business owner, you can consult the Census data to understand where cities are expanding and strategize investing in your current business or opening a new location. We encourage you to check in with your employees, friends, and community to ensure everyone is counted.

EDC Weekly Webinar Schedule

Wednesday, September 23rd @ 9:00 am

This live interactive webinar is focused on answering your questions as they relate to the financial picture of your business. EDC SBDC advisor Juliana Ramirez can assist you in working with QuickBooks® or your other financial resources to understand, monitor, and improve the financial health of your company. This small group discussion provides personalized attention to develop “hands-on” bookkeeping scenarios.

EDC LEGAL ALERT – Protections for Residential Tenants, Homeowners and Small Landlords

On August 31, Governor Newsom signed the Tenant, Homeowner, and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act of 2020 (the “Act”), urgency legislation that immediately went into effect on September 1. The Act provides temporary relief for financially distressed residential tenants, homeowners and small landlords to avoid widespread evictions and foreclosures due to COVID-19 financial hardships.

Although the Act provides some relief for residential landlords and tenants, including mobile home tenants and assessor dwelling unit rentals, the Act does not include protections for commercial landlords and tenants, who must continue to rely on existing state law, local eviction moratoriums and legal advice for guidance.

EDC Free Webinar Schedule

The Economic Development Collaborative is proud to offer the following webinars at no-cost.
Space is limited. Register today!

SEPTEMBER EDC WEBINAR SCHEDULE

EDC Business Alert — Have you completed the 2020 Census?

This decennial Census has significant impact on our business community. The Census not only determines local funding for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, but it also allocates money for direct business resources. As a business owner, you can consult the Census data to understand where cities are expanding and strategize investing in your current business or opening a new location. We encourage you to check in with your employees, friends, and community to ensure everyone is counted.

The EDC believes in the importance of completing the 2020 Census to improve the economic vitality of the businesses we serve and the region we support.

Do your part today. Stand up and be counted!
For more information, please visit Ventura County Counts.

EDC Business Alert- Important News Regarding Commercial Evictions

In the last week we have received quite a few notices from businesses asking about protections around evictions. With the new information from the State of California that evictions can begin as early as September 1st, due to the repeal of the eviction moratorium, (Unlawful Retainer) we understand that landlords may now have a sense of urgency to collect back rent.

EDC Business Alert- SBA Disaster Loan for Property Damage Due to Civil Unrest Application Deadline is Sept. 16

Businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters may apply for SBA federal disaster loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged property caused by the civil unrest that began May 26, 2020.

EDC News Alert – PPE Distributed Across Local Business Community

The Economic Development Collaborative’s Small Business Development Center, the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Santa Barbara Organization has proudly distributed one million units of personal protective equipment free of charge to businesses across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

Thanks to the hard work of our staff and partners, we have distributed 30-day supply packages of hand sanitizer, masks, and face shields for up to 10 employees for 1,500 businesses and 17,000 employees.

EDC Business Alert — Paycheck Protection Program Deadline is Aug. 8

SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application deadline is August 8,2020. PPP is designed to help small business, nonprofits, veteran organizations, Tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and other eligible borrowers keep their workers employed during the COVID-19 crisis.

Economic Development Collaborative — Paycheck Protection Program Reopens and Ventura County Business Grant Program Deadline

The SBA has extended the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application window through August 8, 2020 in response to the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act. PPP is designed to help small business, nonprofits, veteran organizations, Tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and other eligible borrowers keep their workers employed during the COVID-19 crisis.

Economic Development Collaborative — COVID19 Resources for Business- PPP, EIDL and Business Grants for Ventura County

COVID19 BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
If you are still looking for capital, don’t miss these opportunities for assistance!

VENTURA COUNTY BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
The County of Ventura has created a COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program to provide grants of $5,000 awarded to small businesses and nonprofit organizations located in Ventura County to alleviate impacts from COVID-19.

If you wish to apply, please have the following documents handy:

EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for May 2020

The California Labor Market Information Division released its May 2020 report earlier today, showing that at least as measured by the unemployment rate we’ve turned the corner toward recovery.  Ventura County’s unemployment rate improved from a revised 13.9% in April to 13.5% in May. This parallels the April to May improvement in the national unemployment rate reported earlier this month. While the national improvement wasn’t so much a surprise, as much of the country began to re-open businesses well ahead of California, I’ll admit that we anticipated Ventura County’s rate to go up in May, even by as much as 5 points. It’s a welcome relief that it hasn’t, though recovery remains a long way off. For the May data, go to www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/file/lfmonth/vent$pds.pdf 

EDC Business Alert — SBA reopens EIDL Portal for all eligible applicants

To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 today.

SBA’s EIDL program offers long-term, low interest assistance for a small business or non-profit. These loans can provide vital economic support to help alleviate temporary loss of revenue. EIDL assistance can be used to cover payroll and inventory, pay debt or fund other expenses.

EDC NEWS- New Funding Opportunity for Laid Off or Furloughed Workers

In partnership with America’s Jobs Center, the Human Services Agency is offering supportive services funds for individuals up to $800 if your hours have been reduced or eliminated due to the economic impact of covid-19. Additional eligibility requirements apply. Priority will be given to English language learners, low income individuals and those with barriers to employment. 

Please see flyer below for more detail or call 805.204.5186 for more information. Due to a high volume of calls, please allow up to 48 hours for staff to contact you.

EDC BUSINESS ALERT-Preparing for and Reopening Ventura County Businesses

Ventura County has moved into Phase 2 of California’s reopening plan. Businesses that have been identified as eligible to reopen, must meet county and state health and safety compliance protocols.

At this time, we encourage all retail and restaurants that are interested in moving towards in store shopping and dine in service to read the safety protocols and compliance measures necessary to do so. Be prepared to reopen.

EDC Business Alert — Applications are Still Being Accepted for Paycheck Protection Program

The SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program is still open and accepting new applications. This SBA loan program may be accessed through any bank that currently issues SBA 7a guarantee loans. To find an approved lender visit this link.

This program will be available retroactive from Feb. 15, 2020, so employers can rehire their recently laid-off employees through June 30, 2020. NOTE: For more information please visit the SBA website. For frequently asked questions please visit the U.S. Department of Treasury.

EDC Business Alert — Business Resource Updates

On March 27th, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-37-20 implementing a statewide eviction moratorium on evictions through May 31st. EDC encourages renters who are unable to pay rent due to financial hardship and the impact of COVID-19, to inform their landlord by completing a Notice of Coronavirus-Related Inability to Pay Rent in order to preserve rights as a tenant. For more information on Covid-19 moratorium related eviction guidelines in Ventura and Santa Barbara County please visit this website.

EDC — Paycheck Protection Program Reopens 4/27

The SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 7:30 AM.

If you are seeking additional capital through the Paycheck Protection Program, we highly encourage you to review our Federal Funding Preparation Guide in advance of any application you may submit.

EDC BUSINESS ALERT- EDC Business Disaster Loan and Wednesday Webinar Series

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for our EDC Disaster Loan. Special thanks to Pacific Western Bank for contributing $500,000 to the EDC Disaster Loan Fund. These funds are meant to support small businesses in Ventura and Santa Barbara County only. Due to the volume of requests we anticipate and limited private capital funds we know that we will not be able to serve every small business. However, we do believe that the SBA Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) are the best sources of capital available to small businesses.

EDC BUSINESS ALERT- New COVID-19 Business, Self-Employed and Employee Benefit Webinar Series and Business Resource Hotline

Good Afternoon Clients, Partners and Friends, It is truly an extraordinary time. Thank you for your partnership, support and grace as we have all made necessary and sometimes uncomfortable adjustments to meet this moment. In the brief period of time…