April 16, 2020
Community Development Department
Business Update
Small Business Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program
The State of California Small Business Finance Center has released a Small Business Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program . This program, backed by IBANK, is intended to provide loans to businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Eligible Applicants:
  • Small Businesses located in California with 1-750 employees that have been negatively impacted or experienced disruption by COVID-19
  • Eligible Nonprofits

Qualifying small business owners may apply directly with a participating lender. Read more here .


Business Loans for Ventura and Santa Barbara County :

  • The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is offering a Disaster Loan Fund to give a cash flow boost to businesses impacted by reduced sales, supply chain disruption or other challenges related to COVID-19. Read about this loan here.  

  • Women's Economic Ventures Quick Response Loan is designed to provide financial support to businesses experiencing economic hardship. Read about this loan here.
U.S. Small Business Administration Unable to Accept New Applications
Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration posted the following Lapse in Appropriations Notice :

SBA is unable to accept new applications at this time for the Paycheck Protection Program or the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program (including EIDL Advances) based on available appropriations funding.
EIDL applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The U.S. Treasury Secretary and U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator are urging Congress to appropriate additional funds. Read the news release here .
Assistance for Oxnard Residents to File a Claim for Unemployment Insurance (UI)

Oxnard residents who need help filing a claim for UI benefits, or need internet access to submit a claim, can schedule an appointment w ith a City staff member, by calling (805) 385-7407. View the flyer here .


Online is the fastest and most convenient way to file or reopen a claim, certify for benefits, and get up-to-date claim and payment information. UI Online Mobile SM is available for smartphone and tablet users. File a claim online here .
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to Assist
Self-Employed, Independent Contractors and Gig Workers
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ( CARES) Act created a special program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). This program provides federally funded benefits distinct from the UI program for certain individuals out of work or partially unemployed due to the COVID-19 crisis, including those who are business owners, self-employed, independent contractors, have limited work history, and others not usually eligible for regular state UI benefits.
Federal guidelines on how to administer PUA include gig workers as an example of those eligible for PUA.   

  • Under PUA, individuals can receive weekly unemployment assistance that may be equivalent to what individuals get under UI
  • PUA individuals qualify for the additional $600 per week for the time period of
March 29 - July 31
  • PUA is retroactive, paying individuals who suffered loss of income due to COVID19 from February 2 - December 31
  • Payment turnaround time of 24-28 hours after a completed and successful application

The Employment Development Department will stand up a One-Stop Shop for individuals applying for unemployment insurance and the new federal PUA program starting April 28, 2020.  Read about the PUA program here .
Emergency Director Orders
Recreation Vehicle Use

The City is issuing permits allowing the use of Recreational Vehicles as housing for quarantined persons and essential workers as a result of COVID-19 for the duration of the emergency.
Read the Order here .
Guidelines on Construction Activities and Related Construction Including Home Repair Businesses for the Duration of the Local Emergency

This order establishes required protocols for construction sites, construction workers, and home repair businesses, on how to prepare for and prevent the spread of COVID-19 to the maximum extent possible.
The Order requires a comprehensive COVID-19 exposure control plan, and more. Read the Order in it's entirety here .
Disaster Relief Assistance Funding to Provide Financial Support for Immigrant Workers Affected by COVID-19
Governor Newsom announced a statewide public-private partnership that will provide $125 million in disaster relief assistance for working Californians. The disaster relief fund will support undocumented Californians impacted by COVID-19 who are ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits and disaster relief, including the CARES Act, due to their immigration status.

 California will provide $75 million in disaster relief assistance and philanthropic partners have committed to raising an additional $50 million. Individuals can apply for support beginning next month. Read more here .
Business Assistance

Economic Development Collaborative
Visit EDC online here .
If you are a current EDC SBDC client, call the Business Resource Hotline at 805.409.9159 to schedule an appointment with an advisor.
If you are not a current EDC SBDC client, sign up for an appointment here .

Women's Economic Ventures
WEV Response Line 805.456.2342
Visit WEV online here .
Asistencia en Español
 Consiga consultoría gratis para negocios:

Economic Development Collaborative
Hable a la Linea Directa de Recursos para Negocios al 805.309.5874 para hablar con un asesor de negocios biling ü e

Women's Economic Ventures
Hable a la linea de respuestas en espa ñ ol, 805.908.0096
Contact Our Staff
Our Economic Development staff is available to assist you.
Contact us by email at communitydevelopment@oxnard.org , or phone at (805) 616-6862. H ablamos español.

The Community Development Department continues to be open remotely for business; visit us online .

For a list of webinars discussing various topics pertaining to COVID-19 visit our webpage here .
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information