A Message From City of Ventura
Economic Development Manager, Estelle Bussa
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Every business starts as a dream, and to see your dreams be at risk because of this pandemic is devastating. Ventura businesses are the backbone of our local economy. The City’s goal is to help business operate and navigate through the changes surrounding COVID-19.
Stay connected at the City's
Economic Development webpage
.
Earlier this week, the Governor’s office unveiled a new California four stage
roadmap guidance
that provides opportunities for lower risk businesses to reopen with curbside delivery. This includes manufacturing and supply chain businesses, clothing stores, bookstores, sporting goods stores and florists.
On Tuesday, May 19, the City’s Economic Development Division will host a virtual Ventura Business Town Hall at 3:00 p.m. to talk about issues related to our business community. Please read below for more information.
Changes are happening rapidly and there is a lot of information out there.
If you have questions, please reach out to the City so we can connect you to the right resources.
As a reminder, limited closures are still in place at all City parks and beaches. Public parking lots and restrooms are closed and public gatherings prohibited. For any and all City updates, visit
www.cityofventura.ca.gov/COVID-19
or
www.VCEmergency.com
for Ventura County Public Health information.
Stay safe and healthy Ventura,
Economic Development Manager
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Ventura County Moves to Stage 2 Business Reopening
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Recently, California unveiled a roadmap for modifying the statewide stay-at-home oder and shared a
4-stage plan
for reopening.
On Monday, May 4,
Governor Newsom announced
that California will move into the
early phase
of "Stage 2" reopenings starting on Friday, May 8, 2020.
Stage 2 reopenings of select business sectors include some retail, manufacturing, and logistics businesses, provided that they can meet the guidelines provided by the
state
and the
County of Ventura
. This is a gradual reopening, as
retail shops will not yet have in-store shopping
. Still, this is a chance for thousands of local businesses to reopen.
Allowable Phase 2 Businesses:
- Our big box stores can sell all items
- There are no limited business operations for critical infrastructure businesses
- Curbside retail only, including but not limited to:
- Bookstores and Florists
- Jewelry, Music and Antique stores
- Toy and Sporting Goods stores
- Clothing and Shoe stores
- Home and furnishing stores
- Supply chains supporting the above businesses, in manufacturing and logistics sectors
- The County has adopted the State business guidance for COVID-19 prevention. (Found here: https://covid19.ca.gov/roadmap/)
Here is what you need to know:
- Using the County's new website www.VCReopen.com, businesses can open immediately after self-registering and completing the State provided guidance
- Stage two 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.
- Existing businesses that are already open under the previous order, will have ten days (due May 18th) to register and verify the necessary requirements at www.VCReopen.com.
- The City and County will conduct in-person verification visits focused on education and support for reinforcing best health and safety practices.
- Before reopening, every business must have a written prevention plan. Prevention plan templates (retail and manufacturing) can be found on the County's website. Businesses are not required to use these specific templates, and are free to craft their own written plan as long as it meets State guidance requirements. The State anticipates adding more Prevention Plan templates for other industry sectors.
To reopen as soon as possible, here's what you need to know and do:
- I verify that my business is one of the designated industries permitted to reopen by the State of California & the VC Health Officer order
- I have performed a detailed risk assessment of my business in accordance with state guidelines
- I have a written worksite-specific COVID-19 prevention plan and have posted it at my business (Retail sample form / Manufacturing Sample form)
- I have implemented control and screening measures for my business
- I have implemented disinfecting protocols for my business in accordance with state guidelines
- I have trained employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19 including how to screen themselves for symptoms
- I agree to have an on-duty employee responsible for monitoring compliance with my plan
- I have posted the compliance hotline flyer provided in a prominent location visible to the public and employees. This flyer must include the County COVID hotline where compliance related questions or complaints may be reported by employees or patrons.
- I have completed the attestation form on www.vcreopen.com.
Please note: The May 8th announcement does not include offices, seated dine-in restaurants, shopping malls or schools. Other Stage 2 sectors, such as offices and dine-in restaurants, will be part of a
later
Stage 2 opening. As the Governor noted previously, California is working with school districts and the education community to determine how best and safely to reopen.
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Virtual Business Town Hall
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On Tuesday, May 19th, at 3:00 p.m.,
the City of Ventura’s Economic Development Division will host a virtual Business Town Hall. The Town Hall will consist of a four-person panel of key community business partners and City staff providing updates to our business community.
- Akbar Alikhan, Assistant City Manager, City of Ventura: Updates to City Development Process
- Stephanie Caldwell, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Business Impacts
- Marlyss Auster, President and CEO, Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau: Tourism in the wake of COVID-19
- Clare Briglio, Communications Director, Economic Development Collaborative: Federal funding update and insights
We look forward to having a great discussion with our panelists and engaging with our attendees during the Q&A portion of the event.
We encourage you to pre-register for this event via the link below. Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation with a meeting link and option to add the event to your calendar.
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Current Federal Programs & Benefits Available
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Paycheck Protection Program UPDATE
– The SBA's Paycheck Protection Program is still open and accepting new applications. This SBA loan program may be accessed through any bank that currently issues SBA 7a guarantee loans. To find an approved lender visit this
link
.
This program will be available retroactive from Feb. 15, 2020, so employers can rehire their recently laid-off employees through June 30, 2020. NOTE: For more information please visit the
SBA website
. For frequently asked questions please visit the
U.S. Department of Treasury
.
As a reminder, there are six federal programs available and administered by the Employment Development Department (EDD) or Small Business Administration (SBA).
*NOTE: The City’s Economic Development Division, in partnership with the EDC, will try to answer loans and disaster relief aid questions, however, we are not experts.
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Local Disaster Relief Options
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The
EDC
serves Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and created the EDC Disaster Loan Fund, which offers applicants 4.25% interest loans from $5,000- $50, for 48 months, to give a cash flow boost to businesses impacted by reduced sales, supply chain disruption or other challenges related to COVID-19.
In addition, EDC provides free business consultations on how to deal with COVID-19 disruptions. They’ve also created a
COVID-19 Business Resource Guide
that is applicable to employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. The EDC is also hosting weekly webinars on local, state and federal resources.
WEV
has set up a
Quick Response Loan
program where applicants can have access to up to $10,000 at a 4.5% interest rate for 36 months, no fees, no payments for the first three months. WEV also provides
resources
and weekly webinars for navigating through the COVID crisis.
The
Ventura County Community Foundation
(VCCF) has launched the Ventura County Rapid Response Fund to support
non-profit
organizations, addressing the needs of individuals and families with food and housing support, childcare, wage replacement, mental health care, and more.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS RESOURCES
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City & County Information
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The City of Ventura Beaches and Parks have limited closures for active recreational activities such as walking, jogging, biking, and hiking. Parking lots and public restrooms remain closed. Public gatherings or relaxing in public areas is prohibited. This includes the Promenade/Surfer’s Point, Pier, Marina Park, and Wastewater Treatment wildlife ponds.
Signs, barricades, and fencing around all City parks and beaches continue to be posted to discourage crowds and remind the public of important closures throughout Ventura.
The public is reminded to follow the advice of County Public Health officials and stay home, wash your hands frequently, practice physical distancing, and wear a face covering or homemade mask when conducting essential activities.
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The
County of Ventura
has created a one-stop shop for information relating to County issued ‘Stay Well at Home Orders’, COVID-19 updates from Ventura County Public Health, FAQ’s, information for seniors, homelessness and housing, and much more.
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Food, Beverage, & Retail Information
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Looking for local information on what's open and ways to purchase food and beverages via delivery, pick-up, eCommerce (internet sales), and gift card purchases? Click below for a comprehensive list from our amazing Community Partners.
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CITY OF VENTURA
501 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001
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