Information from
Estelle Bussa,
City of Ventura Economic Development Manager
Main Street Moves Extended Through February 15, 2021

At a special City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, the Council approved the extension of the popular 'Main Street Moves' program - a temporary outdoor business expansion program that allows businesses within the 6 block closure area of historic Downtown Ventura Main St (Fir St. to Figueroa Plaza) to expand onto the streets and sidewalks as a means to support local commerce during COVID-19.

Main Street Moves is a collaborative effort between the City of Ventura and the Downtown Ventura Partners.
Temporary Outdoor Business Expansion Program

Businesses interested in expanding their business operations onto sidewalks, private parking spaces/lots and some sections of the public-right-of-way as part of the city's Temporary Outdoor Business Expansion Program are encouraged to visit the city's website for more information on program requirements and how to apply.
Tanning Salons Authorized to Reopen

This industry sector must follow the state issued industry guidance found HERE. As a reminder, all businesses authorized to reopen must register first at www.vcreopens.com.
State of the City 2020

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the City of Ventura, is proud to host the virtual 2020 State of the City Address on Thursday, September 24th at 10:00 a.m.

Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere will deliver the annual address titled "Focus on Recovery: Rising Above a Pandemic to Reinvent and Re-Imagine Ventura's Future."

Please join us for this free event by registering at the link below.
Now Accepting Applications for the General Plan Advisory Committee Through September 30th

The City of Ventura is seeking to form a General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) of 10-15 community representatives to collaborate and provide guidance throughout the General Plan Update process.

About the General Plan
The General Plan, last updated in 2005, is the embodiment of the community’s vision for the future of Ventura. It is the City’s comprehensive framework of guiding policies on land use, housing, roads, recreation, historical and natural resources, balance of adequate water supply infrastructure, public safety services, and noise, and serves as a basis for decisions that affect all aspects of our everyday lives from where we live and work to how we move about.
Weekly: Monday & Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.: The SBDC is providing Monday and Wednesday webinars for the Small Business Community on information as it relates to funding information during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Topics will include Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Payroll Protection Program, Disaster Bridge Loan, 7a Forgiveness Program, and other funding opportunities for your business.

Wednesday, September 23, 10:30 a.m. - noon. Join HUTDogs! and SCORE for a free webinar titled "Social Media & Email - Build a Powerful Online Marketing System". Email marketing and social media are power tools for your business /organization. In this webinar we will look at how Email Marketing and Social Media can work for you. We will look at best practices, real-world examples and provide tips and ideas. 

Thursday, September 24, noon. Join the EDC for a free webinar titled "Creative Solutions for Commercial Landlords and Tenants During COVID-19.“ The webinar will cover commercial leasing and finding creative solutions to tenant-landlord disputes during COVID-19 with partners and associate attorneys from Myers, Widders, Gibson, Jones, & Feingold. Their excellent panel with extensive experience in lease negotiation, civil litigation, and resolving business disputes will review:  
  • Lease provisions during COVID-19
  • The September eviction moratorium
  • Effect of bankruptcies on commercial tenancies
  • Strategies to achieving win-win solutions for both tenants and landlords
  • Register HERE

Saturday, September 26, 10:30 a.m. - noon - Join SCORE for a free webinar titled "How to Start and Grow a Profitable Consulting Business". If you are a Consultant, or are considering becoming one, this webinar is for you! It doesn't matter what your specialty is: business management, social media marketing, information technology, security, personal image and credibility, and more. We cover it all. In this webinar you will learn powerful tips and strategies you can use right away, to attract, win and retain more of the most valuable clients.

Tuesday, October 13, 10:30 a.m. - Join SCORE for a free webinar titled "Quickbooks Online and Best Accounting Practices for Small Businesses". This live, interactive webinar’s sessions are 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, November 4, 10:30 a.m. Join SCORE for a free webinar titled "Four Digital Marketing Strategies to Improve Your Google Ranking". Learn our top four strategies that impact your Google ranking, including the importance of having your business show up in local search results and how you can leverage online reviews to attract more customers.

Census Chalk-a-thon

Calling all local artists and families. The community is invited to participate in the Census Chalkathon, happening now through 9/30. To be entered into a prize drawing, email photos of your artwork, and contact information to PIO@cityofventura.ca.gov by Wednesday, September 30, 2020.

Don't forget to be counted in the 2020 Census! 
We've created a central location for you to get print and digital Coronavirus COVID-19 design resources from local, state, and national agencies. This toolkit includes social media graphics and printed materials available for download. Click HERE.
CITY OF VENTURA
501 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001
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