Photo Credit: Kevin Andrew (Ventura Beach & Pier Area)
Business Updates For September 9, 2021
September Is National Preparedness Month

If you had 10 minutes to evacuate your home or business, what do you take? Plan ahead for any disaster and leave the guesswork behind.

Join the City’s Office of Emergency Services at an upcoming Neighborhood Community Council meeting to learn what to do. 


Learn more about the City's Office of Emergency Services at:
CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

Round 8- Nonprofit Cultural Institutions Only
Application Window is still OPEN until Thursday, September 30th!

Round 8 supports California eligible nonprofit cultural institutions of any revenue size that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.com. Eligible nonprofit cultural institutions must complete a new application even if they already applied in Rounds 1, 2, 5 or 6; nonprofit cultural institutions that applied in Round 4 do not need to reapply. Grants will only be available to nonprofit cultural institutions that did not receive funding in any previous rounds. Grants will be prioritized based on the documented percentage revenue declines based on a reporting period comparing Q2 and Q3 of 2020 versus Q2 and Q3 of 2019.
 
Important Dates for Round 8:
Application Opens: August 27, 2021
Application Closes: September 30, 2021

Round 9-New Applicants and Waitlisted Applicants from Certain Previous Rounds
Application Window Opens on September 9!

Round 9 of the California Relief Grant will open Thursday, September 9 for all eligible small businesses operating in California. At this time, there are no other additional rounds planned, so do not miss your last opportunity to submit a completed application!

Important Dates for Round 9:
Application Opens: September 9, 2021
Application Closes: September 30, 2021

Resources

  • For more information on grant requirements and eligibility, along with links to application tips and webinars, visit CAReliefGrant.com. 

  • Lendistry Customer Care team can be contacted by calling 888.612.4370 or by emailing careliefgrant@lendistry.com. Call center hours are Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 7:00 pm PST.

  • The EDC SBDC is a formal partner of the CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program and can help address your general questions and walk you through the application. Call 805.409.9159 for assistance.
Free PPE Drive Thru Pick-Up Event For Ventura & Santa Barbara County Businesses

PPE Unite has partnered with the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce & Adventist Health to provide a FREE drive up Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) pick-up & vaccination clinic location at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Center in Simi Valley on September 17th between 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Available to all businesses in Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties!

Pre-registration is required! All businesses must sign up at ppeunite.org and show their booking confirmation to receive supplies.

Rancho Santa Susana Community Center
5005 E. Los Angeles Ave.
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Ventura Ave Taco Week Is Just Around the Corner!
September 16-19, 2021

Explore Ventura's famous Taco district during the 1st Annual Avenue Taco Week, September 16-19 (Thursday - Sunday). 

Over a dozen participating taqueria's, restaurants, and taco trucks will create a unique taco for their adventurous patrons to explore and enjoy. This is your chance to sample and discover these local landmarks while supporting these wonderful Westside eateries. 

This new event was created by local Westside resident Richard Carradine with the support of the Westside Community Development Corporation (WCDC), the Westside Community Council (WCC), the City of Ventura Economic Development Division.
What Are Your Ideas
on Community Values & Growth?
 
The General Plan Visioning Survey takes a look at what it means to live, work, and visit the City of Ventura.

Make your voice heard by sharing your vision and how you'd like our community to evolve over time. The Visioning Survey focuses on two key topics:

  • Community values, which guide the General Plan
  • Location of new development
 
Survey Deadline: October 3, 2021
 
To get involved in the General Plan, attend an upcoming GPAC meeting, or register for emails at www.PlanVentura.com
SB1383 Regulations: Apply for Organics Recycling Waiver by October 5, 2021
 
Beginning January 1, 2022, CalRecycle Senate Bill (SB) 1383 will require everyone in California to recycle all organic waste, including paper, cardboard, yard materials, food scraps, and food-soiled paper. 

California's Senate Bill 1383 is a state mandate to reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfills and to recover 20% of edible food statewide that would otherwise be sent to landfills. Food waste is the second largest contributor of organic waste in landfills. When organic material is landfilled, it decomposes and produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas (GHG). 
The following businesses are eligible for an exemption waiver for organics recycling requirements:
  • Businesses that generate at least 2 cubic yards of solid waste and less than 20 gallons of organic waste per week; or businesses that generate less than 2 cubic yards of solid waste and less than 10 gallons of organic waste per week.
  • Businesses that have no space on site for additional containers. 
  • Businesses that utilize a landscaper to remove all green waste offsite. 

Waivers will be assessed for both food waste and green waste service needs to qualify for an exemption. Businesses must complete the exemption waiver by October 5, 2021, in order to qualify for an exemption. Complete the exemption waiver.

For more information about organics recycling or if you might qualify for an exemption waiver, visit our webpage.
Ventura County Recovers - One Stop Shop For Vaccine & COVID Info

For vaccine information, daily testing schedules, and vaccine dashboard and COVID metrics, please visit:
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Friday, September 10, 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:00 p.m.
WEV - Women's Empowerment Speaker Series
Join WEV for our inaugural Women’s Empowerment Speaker Series, ideal for women looking to learn practical tools to develop their leadership potential in the workplace. The new series features three dynamic speakers on topics that working women face today:
• Unlock Your Confidence, with Nicole Kalil – Friday, September 10 at 12 noon.
• Overcome Imposter Syndrome, with Tega Edwin – Friday, September 17 at 12 noon.
• Negotiate With Strength, with Christine McKay – Friday, September 24 at 12 noon. Select from two enrollment options: Register for all three online webinars ($99 total), OR Register for two online webinars and attend the third workshop in person, followed by a book signing and VIP reception ($150 total, includes a copy of Christine McKay’s book.)
  • Click HERE For More Information

Tuesday, September 14, 10:30 a.m.
SCORE - QuickBooks Online and Best Accounting Practices for Small Businesses
This live, interactive webinar session is 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.

Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 4:00 pm - 5:45 pm
WEV Community Center Open House
You’re invited! Stop by the WEV Community Center Open House on Tuesday, September 14. There will be two, free Open House sessions: 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. to 5:4 p.m.. Visit the new WEV Community Center -- a space for collaboration, learning, support, and to celebrate community. *COVID Safety Protocols: WEV are limiting the number of guests per session. RSVP is required and please be prepared to follow local mask mandates.

Wednesday, September 22, 10:30 a.m.
SCORE - 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 us in this informative webinar and learn what it takes to be a successful business owner.

Tuesday, September 28, 10:30 a.m.
SCORE - Federal Loans: PPP and EIDL Program: Tips for Business Owners
Tips for business owners to understanding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Program.

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
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