May 8, 2020
Community Development Department
Business Update
Starting Stage 2 of Reopening Plan
A new modified Stay Well VC Health Orde r has been released that aligns with the State of California’s four-stage framework for reopening.

This means that Ventura County will move forward with the State’s Stage 2 of reopening lower-risk businesses on May 8, 2020.

Which businesses can open?
The new Order allows all retail businesses to reopen with curb side pick up and delivery only , as well as manufacturing and supply chain businesses. Big box stores can sell all items.

Every business should take every step humanly possible to reduce the risk of infection:
  • Plan and prepare for re-opening
  • Make radical changes within the workplace
  • Adjust practices by employees and help educate customers

What do I need to do before reopening?
Before reopening, all facilities must confirm the following:  

1. My business is in one of the designated industries permitted to reopen by the State of California & the VC Health Officer Order
2. I have performed a detailed risk assessment of my business in accordance with state guidelines
3. I have a written worksite-specific COVID-19 prevention plan and have posted it at my business (Retail and Manufacturing templates available at www.vcreopens.com )
4. I have implemented control and screening measures for my business
5. I have implemented disinfecting protocols for my business in accordance with CA Department of Public Health guidance
6. I have trained employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19 including how to screen themselves for symptoms
7. I agree to have an on-duty employee responsible for monitoring compliance with my plan
8. I have posted the compliance hotline flyer provided in a prominent location visible to the public and employees
9. I have completed the attestation form on www.vcreopens.com   
 
How do I register my business?
Businesses can complete the State provided Industry Guidelines, and self-register through the County's new website www.vcreopens.com .

If you are a business that is already permitted to be open and in operation you are asked to review these requirements and confirm that you have met these requirements by registering your business at vcreopens.com by May 18, 2020. 

Stage 2 businesses that are just now reopening must complete the registration and the State requirements for completion of a Worksite Specific COVID-19 Prevention Plan before opening.

Will there be an in-person verification visit?
In order to assist your business with opening safely, County and City staff will be making verification visits that focus on education and support. Businesses do not need to wait for an in-person visit before they can open.

Questions?
Contact us by email at communitydevelopment@oxnard.org , or phone at (805) 616-6862. Hablamos español.

COVID Business Compliance (805) 202-1805 | Email:  covidcompliance@ventura.org
Webinar for Oxnard Employers and Self-Employed
Join us next Thursday, May 14, 2020 for a FREE webinar to discuss local, state, and federal resources available for Oxnard employers and those who are self-employed.



This is an opportunity for you to ask questions about your individual circumstances and get answers from a professional business advisor. You can join the webinar from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android device or telephone. View the flyer here . For more information, contact the EDC online here or call 805.384.1800.

CIUDAD DE OXNARD - NAVEGANDO RECURSOS DE COVID-19 PARA PEQUEÑOS NEGOCIOS Y EMPRENDEDORES
EDC SBDC los invita a una serie de seminarios gratis para aprender sobre las opciones de financiación y recursos disponibles SIN COSTO que existen para su pequeña empresa. Ahora más que nunca, estar al dia con la información más reciente es clave para tomar decisiones con respecto a la salud financiera de su negocio. 
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Available to U.S. Agricultural Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
Agricultural businesses are now eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs. Eligible agricultural businesses must have 500 or fewer employees.
The SBA will begin accepting new EIDL applications on a limited basis only. Read the press release here . Apply for EIDL here .
Unemployment Insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
If you have lost hours or wages due to the impact of COVID-19, we encourage you to file for Unemployment Insurance (UI).
Additionally, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) has now been extended to all self-employed individuals. Read about turnaround times and payments here . You can file a PUA claim through UI Online, just as you would for regular UI benefits.

Self-employed individuals with W2 income may experience a significant challenge when applying for PUA. Unfortunately, the Employment Development Department (EDD) system is not able to capture all of their income as a self-employed individual, given that the system requires them to first apply as a W2 employee.

Those who fall in this category are encouraged to work within the EDD system and file first as a W2 employee.
Property Tax Relief for Residences and Businesses; Worker's Comp Benefits for Workers Who Contract COVID-19 During Stay at Home Order
Governor Newsom signed an executive order this week announcing that workers who contract COVID-19 while on the job may be eligible to receive worker's compensation benefits.

He also signed an  executive order  that waives penalties for property taxes paid after April 10 for taxpayers who demonstrate they have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic through May 6, 2021. Read the press release here .
Federal, State and Local Relief Packages
Learn about Business Disruption Loans:

Paycheck Protection Program here .
(Lenders are still accepting SBA Paycheck Protection Program applications.)

Economic Development Collaborative Disaster Loan Fund here .

Women's Economic Ventures (WEV) Quick Response Loan here .

Jewish Free Loan Association here .

IBank Small Business Disaster Relief here .

Santa Barbara Community Foundation Grants here .
Free business assistance is available :
Economic Development Collaborative
805.409.9159 | Visit EDC online here .

Find a SCORE Mentor here .

Women's Economic Ventures
805.456.2342 | Visit WEV online here .
Contact Our Staff
Our Economic Development staff is available to assist you.
Contact us by email at communitydevelopment@oxnard.org , or phone at (805) 616-6862. H ablamos español.

The Community Development Department continues to be open remotely for business; visit us online .
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Questions regarding business compliance? Contact Ventura County COVID-19 Business Compliance by email at CovidCompliance@Ventura.org  or call the compliance hotline at (805) 202-1805 between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday. Se habla espa ñ ol.