Business Updates For May 6, 2021 |
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Business Impact Survey
As we pass the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Ventura Economic Development Division has created this brief survey to gain a better understanding of the impact this past year has had on our business community and how we, and our community partners, can assist you moving forward.
We know your time is valuable and we appreciate your participation in our survey and welcome your feedback.
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In support of Small Business Week,
local businesses are invited to attend a FREE SizeUp Ventura virtual workshop on
Thursday, May 6, from 12- 1p.m.
Advanced registration is required.
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City Launches Online Tool To Support Local Businesses
In Recovering From COVID-19
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The City's Economic Development Division has launched a new online business intelligence tool called "SizeUp Ventura" to provide access to market research information and support local businesses in recovering from COVID-19.
- Rank their business performance compared to industry competitors,
- Discover potential customers and suppliers,
- Better understand the competitive landscape, and
- Optimize advertising to target ideal customer segments.
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Please Note: A one-year exemption is available for businesses experiencing financial hardships from the EPS Ban. |
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Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Food and Beverage Containers Ban |
Ventura joins more than 100 California cities and counties in banning expanded polystyrene (EPS) containers used at restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, and other businesses.
Commonly known as Styrofoam, the EPS ban goes into effect on July 1, 2021.
Educational resources and support for local businesses switching to EPS alternatives are available from our Environmental Sustainability team.
(805) 652-4526.
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Restaurant Revitalization Fund Now Accepting Applications
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) is now accepting applications via the SBA application portal.The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.
For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize reviewing applications from small businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Learn more about the priority groups CLICK HERE. Following the 21-day period, all eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications.
Who can apply?
Eligible entities who have experienced pandemic-related revenue loss include:
- Restaurants
- Food stands, food trucks, food carts
- Caterers
- Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns
- Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars
- Bakeries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Breweries and/or microbreweries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Wineries and distilleries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Inns (onsite sales of food and beverage to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Licensed facilities or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products
About the RRF
The new American Rescue Plan Act established a $28.6 billion “Restaurant Revitalization Fund” (RRF) within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). An eligible business may receive a tax-free federal grant equal to the amount of its pandemic-related revenue loss, calculated by subtracting its 2020 gross receipts from its 2019 gross receipts.
Assistance
The EDC is hosting a free Restaurant Revitalization Fund webinar on Wednesday, May 12 at noon with Alexandria M. Wright Ph.D., the region’s SBA Outreach Specialist. This special webinar will be hosted simultaneously in English and Spanish.
Looking for assistance with the Restaurant Revitalization Fund? Reach out to the SBA's Restaurant Revitalization Fund Program Hotline at 844.279.8898 (Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm ET).
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Thursday, May 6, noon
EDC-Planning for the Unexpected: Resources and Strategies from Outsmart Disaster
The Economic Development Collaborative is proud to partner with the Outsmart Disaster Campaign to present a timely webinar on practical tips and strategies on disaster preparedness. The hour-long webinar includes an overview of the Outsmart Disaster Resilient Business Challenge and a walkthrough of core concepts on resiliency strategies for your business.
Tuesday, May 11, 10:30 a.m. or noon
SCORE - Quickbooks Online & Best Accounting Practices For Small Business
This live, interactive webinar session is designed to help you understand the features, functions and benefits of QuickBooks Online for small business owners as well as assist you in implementing accounting best practices to manage your business finances including COVID-19 Funds and Forgiveness.
Wednesday, May 12, 10:30 a.m. or noon
SCORE-Digital Marketing & Branding Essentials That Can Grow Your Business
Learn how to build your brand to increase the online visibility of your business and stand out from your competition. In this webinar, we will break down successful marketing strategies that focus on promoting your brand to new and existing customers, and that will keep your business top-of-mind when consumers are making their buying decisions.
Wednesday, May 12, noon
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund / Recursos Empresariales Ante El COVID-19: Fondo de Revitalización de Restaurantes
Join the Economic Development Collaborative and the SBA Los Angeles District Office to learn about the Restaurant Revitalization Fund! This free webinar will review program eligibility and what you need to prepare for the application process. Small Business Administration (SBA) representative Alexandria M. Wright Ph.D., the region’s SBA Outreach Specialist, will discuss the program information and answer questions live. BONUS: Meet our EDC Small Business Development Center advisors that can assist your business at no-cost through one-on-one consulting in finance, operations, strategy and restaurant management.
Tuesday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. or noon
SCORE - S.W.O.T. Analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats)
Are you on the right track with your business? This simple strategic planning technique can help you identify what your business is doing well, what it needs to improve, where it needs to grow, and what could be its downfall.
Wednesday, May 19, 10:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.
SCORE - An Introduction To Intellectual Property: Patents, Copyrights, & Trademarks
This Webinar will explore the fundamentals of intellectual property (IP); how to obtain a patent, copyright or trademark and how to use them. It will also discuss when should you keep certain information as a Trade Secret. It will provide you an understanding of the terminology, the available resources, costs, timing and rules of thumb necessary for optimizing the value of your IP. Technical, legal, financial and practical issues will be explored from a business perspective. Both US and International filings will be explored.
Wednesday, May 26, 10:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.
SCORE-How To License Your Intellectual Property (Patents, Copyrights, & Trademarks)
This Webinar will explore the fundamentals of how to license intellectual properties either to or from other companies. It will provide you an understanding of the terminology, the available resources, costs, timing and rules of thumb necessary for optimizing the value of your IP. Technical, legal, financial and practical issues will be explored from a business perspective.
Thursday, May 27, 9:00 a.m.
Join WEV to Connect, Collaborate, and Learn at our monthly meet-up/community empowerment group, Strong Women, Strong Coffee. Grab your favorite morning brew and log on at 9:00 am. Enjoy the opportunity to share, listen and support one another in reaching your business goals. This month’s special guest is Lindsey Carnett, CEO & President of Marketing Maven. Lindsey was featured in the Forbes Most Powerful Women Business Leader issue and is a WEV Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award winner in the Communications & Media Category. Lindsey will share 5 Marketing Tips for small business owners to elevate their brand.
- Register HERE
- Additional meeting dates: 6.18, 7.16, 8.20, 9.17, 10.15
Additional Webinars
- Click HERE for additional live and recorded SCORE webinars
- Click HERE for additional live and recorded EDC webinars
- Click HERE for additional live and recorded WEV webinars
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No Appointments Needed For COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 Vaccines are now available by walk-in! No appointment is required. There are locations offered throughout the County.
Community members preferring to make an appointment can do so at: MyTurn.CA.Gov
COVID-19 Hotline
For inquiries regarding state and local orders or COVID-19 business compliance questions or concerns, please call the County of Ventura COVID-19 Hotline at:
- 1 (844) VC-OPENS or 1 (844) 826-7367
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