January 20, 2021
Your Business News & Updates
The City of Laguna Niguel is working to support our local businesses during this COVID-19 crisis and beyond. We will provide timely information, resources, programs and updates to help your business thrive!
 Council Reaffirms its Commitment to Assisting Residents and Businesses
The Laguna Niguel City Council on January 19 reaffirmed its commitment to assisting residents and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this commitment, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2021-1350 and further established an Economic Recovery/COVID-19 City Council Ad Hoc Committee.

Since the City’s declaration of a local emergency on March 17, 2020, the Laguna Niguel City Council has been steadfast in helping to minimize the negative impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on residents and businesses. The City remains committed to effectively responding to the pandemic and ensuring that the Laguna Niguel community is provided with the necessary resources.

Read the full press release to learn more about the City's extraordinary measures.
5th District Small Business Grant Relief Program Opens Feb. 1
The Small Business Grant Relief Program will support small businesses and organizations within the 5th Supervisorial District (including Laguna Niguel) impacted by COVID-19 by providing $10,000 (flat rate, single payment) awards. The application period opens at 9 am on February 1.

Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. Awardees will be reimbursed for expenses incurred from March 2020 to present (as long as other relief funds were not received for the same expense).

For eligibility requirements, click here and to apply, visit this link.
Avoiding Employment-Related Litigation
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, January 27 at 1 pm for the chance to ask business legal employment questions without paying an arm and a leg. This free workshop will cover:
·   Recruiting and Hiring
·   Posting Requirements
·   Wage and Hour Best Practices
·   Having Key Employment Documents (Employment Agreements, Job Descriptions, Employee Handbooks, and others)
·   Termination and Severances

Register for the Zoom meeting via this link.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
Are you a theatrical producer, talent representative, venue promoter or do you operate a live venue, live performing arts organization, movie house or cultural institution and have been impacted by COVID-19?

If so, check out this webinar recording providing a preliminary overview of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program, which is now available. The SVOG was included in the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020.

Eligible organizations with a reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have the opportunity to receive up to a $10 million grant under the program. In total, the Economic Aid Act allocates $15 billion for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants.

This webinar recording provides introductory information about the grants, who can apply, how potential organizations can prepare and other details regarding eligibility and applications.
Economic Aid Act & PPP Relaunch
If you missed recent webinars regarding the SBA's Economic Aid Act and PPP Relaunch, register for one of the following dates for details. Led by SBA’s Orange County / Inland Empire District Office and SCORE, these webinars cover the application process, required forms and guidance.
Click on the desired date to register

January 21: 2 pm – 3 pm
January 25: 2 pm – 3 pm
January 26: 2 pm – 3 pm
January 27: 2 pm – 3 pm
January 28: 2 pm – 3 pm
February 1: 2 pm – 3 pm
February 2: 2 pm – 3 pm
February 3: 2 pm – 3 pm
February 4: 2 pm – 3 pm