Tuesday, June 7, 2020
COVID-19 Response Update | New Businesses | Employment Trends | Other Special Updates
The July 2020 edition of the monthly newsletter contains important information and resources related to COVID-19 that may be helpful to our entire business community, not just current subscribers. If you received this email, and are not already subscribed to our monthly ED Newsletter, but would like to receive our newsletter, please sign-up  here . 
COVID-19 RESPONSE UPDATE
Greetings Thousand Oaks Business Community,

Before we jump into our regular Economic Development Newsletter content, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you about two locally-focused grant opportunities with deadlines that are fast-approaching!
(1) Ventura County Rapid Response COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program. Application DEADLINE is TOMORROW (July 8th @ 5pm).
The  Ventura County Rapid Response COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program  offers grants of $5,000 to 1,000 eligible local small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Ventura County impacted by COVID-19.

Funds may be used for payroll support, rent and lease payments, costs for personal protective equipment, purchases related to the operation of their businesses, and extraordinary business expenses for adhering to compliance protocols for reopening  (e.g., cleaning services, signage, customer interface capabilities, additional security, etc.) . The application period will be open June 24th through July 8th.   See more about the County's grant program here.
(2) City of Thousand Oaks Small Business Assistance Grant
Application deadline is Monday, July 20th @ 5pm
On July 1st, the City opened the application period for it's own  Small Business Assistance Grant Program . The application period will run through Monday, July 20th. This program will provide financial assistance up to $10,000 to eligible, locally-owned, small businesses impacted by COVID-19 to continue operations and retain employees. The grant funds intended use is for payroll and/or rent/mortgage.  To learn more about the City's Grant Program and eligibility criteria please click here.
Please note  Federally-funded programs, including the County and City grant programs are required to comply with Stafford Act restrictions to prevent duplication of benefits. If your business applies for both grants (or you have received other federally-funded financial assistance related to the COVID-19 health emergency) please include information showing funds would not be used for the same purposes within the same timeframe.
COVID-19 Cases on the Rise Again, State Announces Additional Business Restrictions and Closures Impacting Ventura County
On July 1st, the Governor announced   additional business restrictions and closures   in response to the increase in COVID-19 cases across California. The County of Ventura is one of the counties impacted by this announcement and a subsequent July 7th announcement.

The County issued an updated Order   to reflect the Governor's July 1st announcement. The County's updated Order will be in effect for at least three weeks. A brief summary is below, but businesses are strongly encouraged to read the full Order.

  • Bars and wineries must close. (If the facility has an onsite licensed commercial kitchen, they are considered a restaurant.)
  • Restaurants must close. Drive through, take out, delivery , and outdoor dining are allowed.
  • Indoor operations for the following sectors must also close, unless they can continue their business through outdoor operations:
  • Movie Theaters
  • Family Entertainment Centers (e.g., bowling alleys, batting cages, mini golf, etc.)
  • Zoos and Museums
  • Cardrooms
OTHER LOCAL RESOURCES

We are incredibly fortunate to have some excellent business resources in our community. Please consider checking out the ways they are supporting businesses like yours.


Note: The following new businesses have received final approvals from the City to open for business. However, due to the current COVID-19 health emergency, some may not yet be open to the public at this time.
Accessory Power
Accessory Power, a consumer eletronics manufacturer opened a warehouse at 2326 Townsgate Road.  (link)
Atara Biotherapeutics
Atara Biotherapeutics has completed an expansion project at 2380 Conejo Spectrum Street. (link)
135 N. Conejo School Rd.
(40-Unit Apartments)
A 40-unit apartment complex project is now complete. 
Doughtery Laser Vision
Doughtery Laser Vision opened a new office at 3180 Willow Lane. (link)
Note: As expected, the economic impacts of COVID-19, including lay-offs and furloughs, have translated to a significant increase in unemployment rates.
City of Thousand Oaks
According to the California Employment Development Department, the preliminary Thousand Oaks May 2020 unemployment
rate is 12.8% (down slightly from a revised 12.9% in April 2020). The City has a total of 62,200 in the labor force with 54,200 who are employed. 
Ventura County
The California Labor Market report shows Ventura County’s May 2020 unemployment rate at 13.5% (down from a revised 13.9% in April 2020). 

A total of 5,500 jobs were added in May 2020, however, 5,000 jobs were lost; amounting to a 500 net gain in jobs. Job gains consisted of: 2,400 in Educational and Health services; 1,400 in Leisure and Hospitality; 1,200 in Construction; 300 in Manufacturing; 100 in Financial Services; and 100 in other services. Job losses consisted of: 3,300 in Government; 1,400 in Trade, Transportation and Utilities; and 300 in Professional and Business Services.
General Plan Update
Progress continues on the 2045 General Plan update. Check out the new website at toaks2045.org for information about the effort and other upcoming engagement opportunities!
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