With many business segments forced to close indoor operations due to the spike in the number of coronavirus cases, the City is reminding businesses of available disaster loans that can help during this time of uncertainty.

In response to the pandemic, small business owners can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to coronavirus.

SBA is still currently accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications from all qualified small businesses and private nonprofit organizations. To apply, visit this link.

For information about other funding programs, click here.

Businesses are sought for a fun marketing opportunity through the City’s Gnome Around Town campaign that runs November 30 to December 18. 

When a gnome visits participating businesses, the City will highlight the business on Instagram with a photo and description of the gnome at the location.  

Residents can help promote local businesses and enter a raffle by tagging the business and City using the hashtag #gnomearoundtown. Three lucky winners will be selected at the end of the campaign and will receive a gift card to one of the locations highlighted. 

Businesses interested in taking part in the fun, should contact HTamaddon@cityoflagunaniguel.org or 949-425-5125.

The City continues to roll out the red carpet for new businesses opening in town and is excited to welcome the newest eatery to call Laguna Niguel home.

Beach Pit BBQ, 30065 Alicia Pkwy., Suite A (Call 949-312-2809 for information.)

If your business is new or planning to reopen, contact econdev@cityoflagunaniguel.org for information about our Featured Business program. 

With the coronavirus running rampant throughout the world, crooks are using the pandemic to scam innocent people and businesses. Along with being aware of grant fraud, loan fraud and phishing, here are other tips that can help.

• Learn how to tell the difference between a real contact tracer and a scammer. Legitimate tracers need health information, not money or personal financial information.

• Don’t respond to texts, emails or calls about checks from the government. Here’s what you need to know.

• Ignore offers for vaccinations and home test kits. Scammers are selling products to treat or prevent COVID-19 without proof that they work.

• Be wary of ads for test kits. Most test kits being advertised have not been approved by the FDA and aren’t necessarily accurate.

• Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from low-priced health insurance to work-at-home schemes.

• Watch for emails claiming to be from the CDC or WHO. Use sites like coronavirus.gov and usa.gov/coronavirus to get the latest information. Never click on links from sources you don’t know.

Always do your homework when it comes to donations. Never donate in cash, by gift card or by wiring money.