Business Updates For March 16, 2021
Ventura County Moves Into Red Tier

The County of Ventura will move to the State’s Red Tier beginning 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2021 as described in the State of CA Public Health Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
As a reminder, all essential and non-essential businesses must complete their business registration form (attestation) with the County of Ventura prior to opening. Businesses that have previously completed this form do not need to resubmit.

Below is a partial list of business sectors allowed to open, with modifications, under the Red Tier. For a complete list, please visit the State of CA Public Health Blueprint for a Safer Economy Activity & Business Tiers chart and VCReopens for specific industry sector guidance.

Moving from the purple tier into the red tier for the County means:

Bars
  • Closed unless serving food (if serving food, see restaurant guidance).

Wineries, brewery, distilleries 
  • Breweries, wineries and distilleries that do not serve meals can open outdoors only with modifications. The modifications include ensuring that patrons have reservations and patrons observe a 90-minute time limit. Service for on-site consumption must end by 8:00 p.m.

Gyms, Fitness Facilities, Yoga and Dance Studios
  • Open indoors - Max 10% capacity.
  •  6-ft social distancing instead of the previous requirement of 12 ft.

Hair Salons & Barbershops
  • Open indoors with modifications.

Movie Theaters
  • Open indoors - Max 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.

Museums, Galleries, Zoos, & Aquariums
  • Open indoors - Max 25% capacity.

Private Gatherings
  • Private gatherings can occur both outdoors and indoors with up to 3 separate households.

Restaurants
  • Open indoors - Max 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.
  • The 11:00 p.m. closure requirement is lifted. The single household dining limitation is lifted. State gathering guidance limits gatherings to 3 households or less.

Retail
  • Open indoors - Max 50% capacity.

Shopping Malls
  • Open indoors with modifications - Max 50% capacity.
  • Food Courts - 25% max capacity (refer to restaurant guidance).
  • Common areas remain closed.
Second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program

The County of Ventura has launched a second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program for businesses and nonprofit organizations that did not receive a grant during the County’s first program in 2020. A $5,000 grant will be awarded to selected businesses and organizations that meet the eligibility requirements.

Webinars
Four webinars, two in English and two in Spanish, are scheduled to help answer your grant application and eligibility questions. Please see our "Webinars & Resources" section below for webinar dates and registration links.

Grant Website
For additional information on the program, please visit the grant website at www.VCBusinessGrants.org.
City of Ventura Now Accepting Applications for the Community Partnership Granting Program (CPGP)

Applications are now being accepted for the City of Ventura’s 2021 Community Partnerships Grant Program (CPGP), which is awarded annually to support locally based nonprofit social and environmental service organizations that provide services to City of Ventura residents.   

Grants range in size from $1,000 to $20,000 and are awarded on a competitive basis with a total of $90,000 available.  
 
The Community Partnerships Grant Program is designed to improve the quality of life for citizens of Ventura by supporting creative approaches to community needs and problems. 
 
Examples of target project areas for CPGP grant funding includes, but are not limited to: 
  • At-Risk Populations 
  • Disability (Developmental or Physical) 
  • Domestic Violence 
  • Health 
  • Employment Training 
  • Legal Assistance 
  • Literacy 
  • Mental Health 
  • Neighborhood Cleanup or Improvements 
 
Organizations whose real annual budgets are less than $10,000 are eligible to request up to $1,000. All other requests may not exceed 10% of the organization’s annual budget. Nonprofit organizations are required to provide proof of their 501(c)(3) status.  
 
To learn more about the Community Partnerships Grant Program or to apply, visit https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/CommunityPartnershipGrant. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. (PST) on Monday, March 29, 2021. 

For more information about the City of Ventura’s grant programs, please visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov.
Upcoming Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Ban
 
In an effort to protect the local environment, natural resources, wildlife, and human health, the City Council voted to ban Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) food and beverage containers in November 2020. EPS, commonly known at Styrofoam, is a prevalent form of litter found in storm drains, creeks, rivers, beaches, parks, and open spaces. EPS breaks down into tiny pieces, which makes it extremely difficult to remove once it enters the environment.
 
On July 1, 2021, the EPS ban will go into effect and prohibit food and beverage vendors within the City of Ventura from distributing EPS containers. Food and beverage vendors that are impacted by this ban will be contacted directly by city staff to assist with the process and provide available options.
 
This spring, the City of Ventura will provide educational resources and one-on-one support for vendors switching to lower-cost EPS alternatives. A one-year exemption is available for businesses experiencing financial hardships or practical difficulties from the EPS ban.

Visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/EPSban for more information or email EPSBan@cityofventura.ca.gov for any questions.
 
To stay informed about the EPS ban, sign up to receive email updates!
March 18 & 25, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through Public Procurement
The federal government’s goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year. Historically, Women-Owned businesses have been largely excluded from this sizable market due to lack of information. Join the SBA and our Los Angeles Women Business Centers (PACE, API, WEV, and NEW) in celebration of Women’s History Month and learn about WBC resources and other SBA programs that are available to support Women Entrepreneurs.

March 18, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ley de Ayuda Económica
La Oficina del Distrito de Los Ángeles de la SBA tendrá representantes que compartirán información sobre las nuevas medidas de alivio de COVID para las pequeñas empresas. El tema central de la discusión girará en torno a la primera y segunda ronda del Programa de Protección de Pago (PPP, por sus siglas en inglés). Además, habrá un segmento sobre medidas auxiliares para pequeñas empresas actuales con préstamos de la SBA. Los representantes de la SBA ofrecerán a los participantes del seminario virtual recursos para asegurarse de que reciban la ayuda que necesitan durante esta pandemia.

March 19, 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Economic Aid For Pandemic Relief
This event will include an overview of SBA programs and services designed to help our small business community recover, including Economic Aid available through the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Small businesses will receive information pertaining to PPP First and Second Draw, the PPP application process, PPP Loan Forgiveness process, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Tuesday, March 23, 10:30 a.m.
Fundamentals of Starting a New Business
Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business but don't know where to start? Do you have the passion and work ethic but need education and guidance? Being a small business owner is exciting, but understanding the lifestyle will clarify if it is right for you. Join SCORE in this informative webinar and learn what it takes to be successful.

Thursday, March 25, 11:30 a.m.
How to Apply: Ventura County's Second Business Assistance Grant Program
Join us to learn "how to" apply for Ventura County's Second Business Assistance Grant Program for small business and nonprofit organizations. County representatives will review the online application step-by-step and answer your questions live. Spanish translation is available for the Q&A.

Friday, March 26, 11:30 a.m.
Cómo solicitarlo: Segundo programa de subvenciones de asistencia comercial del condado de Ventura
Únase a nosotros para aprender "cómo" solicitar el Programa de Subvenciones para la Segunda Asistencia Comercial del Condado de Ventura. Revisaremos la solicitud en línea paso a paso y responderemos sus preguntas en vivo.

Monday, March 29, 10:30 a.m.
Pathways to Entrepreneurship
Have you ever wondered if business ownership was right for you but didn't know how to start? Join SCORE for this webinar that will cover the different ways to go into business (i.e. Start up, Consulting, Buy existing business, Franchising). This presentation that will include the pros/cons of each along with what characteristics make a good entrepreneur.

Tuesday, March 30, 10:30 a.m.
Financial Projections Made Easy
Join SCORE for this informative webinar on how to forecast with or without historical data, what you can do inside your company to better manage cash flow and how to operate with suppliers, lenders and customers to improve cash flow. A must for any business plan!

Wednesday, March 31, 5:30 p.m.
How to Apply: Ventura County's Second Business Assistance Grant Program
Join us to learn "how to" apply for Ventura County's Second Business Assistance Grant Program for small business and nonprofit organizations. County representatives will review the online application step-by-step and answer your questions live. Spanish translation is available for the Q&A.

Thursday, April 1, 5:30 p.m.
Cómo solicitarlo: Segundo programa de subvenciones de asistencia comercial del condado de Ventura
Únase a nosotros para aprender "cómo" solicitar el Programa de Subvenciones para la Segunda Asistencia Comercial del Condado de Ventura. Revisaremos la solicitud en línea paso a paso y responderemos sus preguntas en vivo.

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
Ventura County COVID-19 Updates, Business Registration, Testing and Vaccine Info

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

CDC Updates

Download & Print Free COVID-19 Print & Digital Graphics
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