A Message From City of Ventura Economic Development Manager, Estelle Bussa
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The City of Ventura's Economic Development Division is committed to providing local businesses with timely information and resources to help our community navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. For weekly updates, stay connected at the City's
Economic Development webpage
.
The City greatly values our business community and wants to support local companies as much as possible during this time. To continue processing business and project applications, the City has consolidated all project intake and delivery functions under the new title of "Development Services". This central point of contact was established to make it easy as possible to answer all questions related to your business or project application.
Starting in early May, the City will launch the new Development Services platform as well as resume public hearing meetings, which are required in the development review process. Once launched, the Development Services team can be reached at 805-654-7869 or by emailing
devservices@cityofventura.ca.gov
.
In mid-May, local businesses will be invited to a virtual Economic Development Town Hall to learn more about all Development Services offered online and hear from local business leaders. Stephanie Caldwell from the
Chamber of Commerce
and Marlyss Auster from the
Visitors Bureau
will share updates on small business impacts resulting from COVID-19. Clare Briglio from the
Economic Development Collaborative
will highlight various funding opportunities for employees and employers during COVID-19.
Recently,
Southern California Edison
announced an extension for all scheduled small business rate increases. Increases have been postponed from May to September 2020.
On behalf of the
City of Ventura
, thank you again for your resiliency and willingness to adapt to new ways of doing business and helping support one other.
As a reminder, all parks and beaches remain closed until further notice and group gatherings prohibited. For other City updates, visit our COVID-19 website at
www.cityofventura.ca.gov/COVID-19
or
www.VCEmergency.com
for Ventura County Public Health information.
Stay safe and healthy Ventura,
Estelle Bussa
Economic Development Manager
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Non-Essential & Essential Business Enforcement
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The City continues to educate the community and enforce the County's "Stay Well at Home Order." We have made over 1500 contacts with businesses to ensure compliance in the last several weeks.
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Current Federal Programs & Benefits Available
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P
aycheck Protection Program UPDATE
– Last week, the Senate and House passed the Paycheck Protection Increase Act of 2020 which provides additional funding for the small business loans included in the CARES Act: the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The increased funding has been allocated to:
- $321 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, with $60 billion set aside for underbanked businesses
- $60 billion in loans and grants for economic disaster assistance
- $75 billion for health care systems
- $25 billion for coronavirus testing
In anticipation of the second round of fund disbursements, we encourage all business owners seeking additional capital to follow the recommendations of the Economic Development Collaborative
Federal Funding Preparation Guide
/
Español.
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- $50,000 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, in English and Spanish,
that is applicable to employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. The EDC is also hosting weekly webinars on local, state and federal resources.
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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.
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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.
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Additional Business Resources
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Additional resources from:
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City & County Information
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The City of Ventura Beaches and Parks have limited closure for passive passthrough activity. Gatherings or relaxing is prohibited. These guidelines and restrictions apply to the Promenade/Surfer’s Point, Pier, Marina Park, and Wastewater Treatment Plant wildlife ponds.
Signs, barricades, and fencing around all City parks and beaches continue to reinforce restrictions, discourage crowds and remind the public of essential closures throughout Ventura.
The public is advised 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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