Regional Stay at Home Order ended as a result of improvement of ICU projections throughout California.

The County Public Health Department has been advised by the State that ICU projections for the Southern California Region is indicating above 15% which moves the County of Santa Barbara back to the Blueprint for Safer Environment Purple Tier. Here is the link to the State CDPH information related to this https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR21-030.aspx. Case rates are still high for our County so the Public Health Department reminds all that face coverings, social distancing and enhanced cleaning protocols are still required.
 
Attached is the listing of Industry Sector restrictions by Tier color. The Public Health Officer Order is being updated to be effective Tuesday, 1/26/21, at 8am for County of Santa Barbara. It is important that businesses follow their COVID Prevention Plans as part of their original attestation through the RISE Program. Businesses do not need to re-attest. The State Guidelines are available at https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/ or the recoverysbc.org website. The new HOO will continue to promote no gatherings, which is more restrictive than the State.
Industry Sector Restrictions by Tier Color


Staying Safe in the Purple Tier
From the Economic Development Collaborative:
CALIFORNIA SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM
NEW DATES AND DEADLINES
Round 2 Opens: February 2, 2021 at 8:00 am
Round 2 Closes: February 8, 2021 at 6:00 pm
Approval Notifications: February 11, 2021 - February 18, 2021

Round 1 Selected:
Round 1 for the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program closed on January 13, 2021 and all applicants selected for funding were notified from January 15, 2021 to January 22, 2021. Funds started being disbursed on January 22, 2021 and will be disbursed over a 45-day period.

Round 1 Waitlisted:
Eligible applicants that are not selected in Round 1 will be waitlisted and automatically considered for Round 2. Applicants that completed their application during Round 1 and are waitlisted will be notified via email today, January 25, 2021 and will NOT need to complete an application during Round 2. Applicants that are waitlisted but did not finish their application during Round 1 will be required to do so during Round 2 to be considered for grant approval.

Round 1 Not Selected:
Applicants that do not meet the program’s minimum eligibility requirements will not be selected for the grant and will not be reconsidered for Round 2.

PREPARE FOR ROUND 2

  • Round 2 will open February 2, 2021 and will close February 8, 2021. Round 2 will NOT be a first-come, first-serve application process or rolling approval process- all eligible applicants will be considered for the grant at the close of Round 2 on February 8, 2021 and not before.

  • Join the EDC's next COVID-19 Business Resources- EIDL, PPP, UI and Grants free webinar on Wednesday, January 27th at 12:00 pm. This webinar series is held on alternating Wednesdays and Fridays to provide up-to-date information on all currently available COVID-19 business resources. This is an excellent opportunity to hear about new changes and to have your questions answered. Register early! Space is limited. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • For detailed information on the application process with step-by-step instructions please review the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Application guides at CaReliefGrant.com. Scroll down on the homepage to view the "All Businesses Application Guide" or the "Non-Profit Application Guide."

  • EDC SBDC Financial Advisors are available to answer questions and help you prepare for Round 2. Get started today with our no-cost consulting by calling 805.409.9159 (ENGLISH) or 805.309.5874 (SPANISH). Visit our resource page for list of current COVID-19 related assistance available. CLICK HERE

Downtown Business Spotlight is a virtual interview series, where we chat and get to know our Santa Barbara business owners. Join us for this interview series in collaboration with the Santa Barbara Independent, each Thursday at 3 PM.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 3 PM

TOPIC: Cuisines from Many Cultures

Join Matt Kettmann in conversation with Ninder Josan (Apna), Charlotte Andersen (Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant), Daniel Yoshimi & Jennifer Yannella (Brasil Arts Café) as they discuss their different restaurants.
Did you miss the last Downtown Business Spotlight?
Watch it below!
Hear Matt Kettmann in conversation with Chris Cline (Canary Hotel), Warren Nocon (Hotel Californian), and Paul Bullock (The Eagle Inn) as they discuss the downtown hotel scene.
CANCELLED THIS WEEK DUE TO ANTICIPATED RAIN

The State Street Promenade Market Returns
Thursday, February 4, 3 - 7:30 PM.