Economic Development News from the East Bay | December 2020

In November, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors established the Alameda County CARES Grant program to support eligible small businesses across the county that have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. Funding for this initiative was made possible by the board’s action to redirect $5 million in CARES Act funds and will assist small businesses with covering necessary costs incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency between March 17, 2020 and December 30, 2020. In addition to CARES Act funds from Alameda County, the program included nearly $2 million in match funds from a total of ten cities.

More than 7,700 applications were initiated for the Alameda County CARES Grant program during the two-week window between November 16 and November 30, underscoring the incredible level of need and scope of challenges facing small businesses during this time. Because the number of grant applications exceeds available funding levels, grants are being awarded by lottery. Applicants who receive grants will be notified no later than December 30, 2020. 

Fortunately, recent announcements from the State of California and a potential stimulus package from Congress may provide added resources in 2021. Please stay connected as East Bay EDA will continue to share new resources and funding opportunities on our COVID-19 resources page and social media channels.

The 2021 East Bay Book of Lists will publish this Friday, December 11. As in past years, East Bay EDA was a content partner with the San Francisco Business Times by providing up-to-date and verified information about important East Bay business and community resources for the publication.

This year, we've enhanced the searchable regional map on our website for every listing in the 2021 edition. You can filter on different resource categories, search for business resources by city, or even find a contact by searching an organization name. It's an invaluable resource for any business or entity looking to grow or access resources in the region. Need to add, remove or update a listing, or make sure your organization is on the map? Help us keep this tool as up-to-date by going here. 

Please take a moment to visit the map and explore the online East Bay Book of Lists!
NEWS

This month Governor Newsom and the Legislature announced a package of assistance for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, including $500 million in grants. While the program is being created, you can sign up to receive an update when launched. Additional assistance announced: tax relief; and recovery loans through the California Rebuilding Fund.

Join us in the New Year for Urban Reuse and Adaptation, a Speaker Series webinar on January 12, 2021 featuring presenters from Forge, Holland & Knight, and srmErnst Development Partners. Our informative discussion about urban reuse, adaptation, and transformation is presented in collaboration with Urban Land Institute SF. Sign up today!

Early registration is open for our second Speaker Series webinar in 2021, Biomedical Manufacturing & Public Health, an important discussion on workplace and industry safety. This Outreach Program is funded by the CARES Act Stimulus Package 2020 through a contract with CMTC, California’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center. Register!

East Bay EDA continues to provide real-time updates and resources for businesses on our COVID-19 resources page. Current listings include webinars, news, and grant programs to support East Bay businesses during the pandemic. Make sure to visit the hot topics section and please contact us if you have a unique resource to share. Explore the list!