Business Updates For April 1, 2021
County Of Ventura Poised To Move To State’s Orange Tier Next Week

The State of California announced on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, that the County of Ventura has met requirements for the State’s Orange Tier for the first week of the two-week required time frame. If the County meets the Orange Tier requirements at the next review on April 6, the County will be able to move to Orange on April 7 at 12:01 am. As with the shift to the Red Tier, the County will continue to align with the State’s framework for Orange Tier activities.

Should the State of California reach the goal of 4 million vaccine doses administered in the most impacted communities in the State, the County could move to Orange within 48 hours of that milestone.
 
“We all must continue to follow the guidance so that we can keep moving forward,” said Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas. “In some places cases have spiked once more reopening occurred. We must stay vigilant in wearing masks, social distancing and limiting gatherings so that the case rate does not go back up.”

All activities authorized under the State’s Orange Tier can resume in accordance with State capacity limits and safety protocols, including:

  • Amusement parks: smaller parks can open outdoors with 25% max occupancy or 500 people, whichever is fewer; there must be reservations or advanced ticket sales and only local attendees are allowed (from the same county as the park’s location)
  • Bars (where no meal is served): open outdoors with modifications
  • Cardrooms and satellite wagering: open indoors with 25% max occupancy
  • Family entertainment centers: open indoors for naturally distanced activities like bowling alleys and escape rooms; kart racing, mini golf and batting cages are outdoors only with modifications
  • Fitness centers and gyms: open indoors with 25% max occupancy; indoor pools open at 25% occupancy
  • Hotels and lodging: fitness centers can now open indoors with 25% max occupancy; indoor pools open at 25% occupancy
  • Movie theaters: open indoors with 50% max occupancy or 200 people, whichever is fewer
  • Museums, zoos, and aquariums: open indoors with 50% max occupancy
  • Offices: open indoors with modifications though telework is still encouraged
  • Outdoor live events: open at 20% capacity; reservations required with assigned seating only; regional attendees only (120-mile radius of venue).
  • Retail (including standalone grocers): open indoors at full capacity with modifications
  • Restaurants open indoors with 50% max occupancy or 200 people, whichever is fewer; only members of same household may share a table
  • Shopping centers (including swap meets and indoor malls): open indoors at full capacity with modifications; common areas must remain closed and food courts are at reduced capacity
  • Wineries, breweries and distilleries: open indoors with 25% max occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer; only members of same household may share a table
  • Youth sports: competitions between two teams are allowed in certain sports according to the State’s Youth Sports Guidance

The State has also issued new guidance for the following activities:

After reaching the Orange Tier the County would need to remain in the Orange Tier for 3-consecutive weeks to be able to progress to the less restrictive Yellow Tier.

For more information on what the State allows in the Orange Tier, please visit covid19.ca.gov.

For further information by industry sector, visit the State’s Industry Guidance website.
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Grant Application Window Opens March 31 - April 6 For the Ventura County Second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program

The County of Ventura has launched a second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program for businesses and nonprofit organizations that did not receive a grant during the County’s first program in 2020.

A $5,000 grant will be awarded to selected organizations that meet the eligibility requirements.

The formal application window is from March 31 at 8:00 am to April 6 at 6:00 pm. Learn more about the program, eligibility criteria, required documentation and more here.
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Shuttered Venue Operator Grant Accepting Applications Beginning April 8, 2021

The Shuttered Venue Operator Grant, administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance, offers grants for live venue operators, performing arts organizations, motion picture theater operators, cultural institutions and other eligible applicants. SVOG funding does not need to be repaid and can be used for specific expenses, such as payroll, rent, utilities and other costs. The SBA will begin accepting applications on April 8, 2021. 

To access the application portal click here. Please review the SBA’s extensive Frequently Asked Questions document here.
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Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)

The new American Rescue Plan Act established a $28.6 billion “Restaurant Revitalization Fund” (RRF) within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). An eligible business may receive a tax-free federal grant equal to the amount of its pandemic-related revenue loss, calculated by subtracting its 2020 gross receipts from its 2019 gross receipts.

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund is NOT yet accepting applications. For more information on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund review the Fund Fact Sheet click here.
Paycheck Protection Program Extended To May 31, 2021

On Tuesday, March 30th, 2021, President Biden signed into law an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that allows small businesses and eligible non-profits to apply for PPP loans through May 31, 2021.

PPP is designed to help small business, nonprofits, veteran organizations, Tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and other eligible borrowers keep their workers employed during the COVID-19 crisis.
 
Key Components of a PPP Loan:
  • Loans qualify for full loan forgiveness if during the 8- to 24-week covered period following loan disbursement:
  • Employee and compensation levels are maintained;
  • The loan proceeds are spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses; and
  • At least 60% of the proceeds are spent on payroll costs.
  • Loan forgiveness is based on employer maintaining salary levels and quickly rehiring employees.
  • First Draw PPP Loans will have an interest rate of 1%, maturity of 5 years and loan payments will be deferred for borrowers who apply for loan forgiveness until SBA remits the borrower's loan forgiveness amount to the lender. If a borrower does not apply for loan forgiveness, payments are deferred 10 months after the end of the covered period for the borrower’s loan forgiveness (between 8 and 24 weeks).
  • Second Draw PPP Loans allow eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan to apply for a second PPP loan with the same general terms as their first PPP loan.
  • No collateral, personal guarantees or government or lender fees.

Resources

  • Visit the Paycheck Protection Program website to learn more about the loan details, how to apply, loan forgiveness and frequently asked questions CLICK HERE.

  • Connect with an EDC SBDC financial advisor! Experienced advisors are available to answer questions and help you navigate today's complex business environment. The Economic Development Collaborative hosts the Small Business Development Center and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Signing up as a client takes just a few minutes and provides you lifetime access to all of our no-cost services. Get started today with their no-cost consulting by calling 805.409.9159 (ENGLISH) or 805.309.5874 (SPANISH).
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April is Earth Month!

Join the City of Ventura Environmental Sustainability Division and the Ventura Chamber of Commerce on Facebook Live every Monday at 3:00 p.m. and Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in April as they highlight Chamber Businesses that have been certified through the City's Green Certified Business Program.

To participate, follow the Ventura Chamber on Facebook and click “going” on these events - https://www.facebook.com/venturachamber - attending business spotlights has never been easier! This initiative was created and inspired by the Chamber's Green Task Force:

  • Monday 4/5 @3PM - The Glass Man Professional Window Washing Company, Inc.
  • Thursday 4/8 @10AM – SpiceTopia
  • Monday 4/12 @3PM - Industry Horror
  • Thursday 4/15@10AM - State Farm Insurance - Salena Bracamontes
  • Monday 4/19 @3PM - Latitudes Fine Art Gallery
  • Thursday 4/22@10AM - Food Forward
  • Monday 4/26 @3PM - Ventura Visitors Center & Convention Bureau
  • Thursday 4/29 @10AM - DDM Metering Systems, Inc.
Thursday, April 1, 5:30 p.m.
Cómo solicitarlo: Segundo programa de subvenciones de asistencia comercial del condado de Ventura
Únase a nosotros para aprender "cómo" solicitar el Programa de Subvenciones para la Segunda Asistencia Comercial del Condado de Ventura. Revisaremos la solicitud en línea paso a paso y responderemos sus preguntas en vivo.

Tuesday, April 6, 10:00 a.m.
The State of the Small Business - 2021 Economic and Labor Market Outlook
Hosted by SCORE, join us for this timely webinar on the economic and labor market outlook, presented by Nela Richardson, Chief Economist and co-head of the ADP Research Institute. Nela will share insights on the economic recovery in 2021 and beyond and will cover:
  • The state of the economic recovery: how soon will the economy return to pre-pandemic levels?
  • The state of the 2021 labor market: what are the latest small business jobs figures?
  • The future state of the workforce: what is the future of remote work?
  • Register HERE

Tuesday, April 6, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
City of Ventura Economic Development Strategy Committee Meeting
Join the Economic Development Strategy Subcommittee for its monthly virtual meeting (1st Tues of every month at 4:30 p.m.).
  • Click HERE to view the Agenda and for meeting link information

Thursday, April 8, 10:00 a.m.
Volunteering in 2021 - How it Can Help Small Businesses Grow in Your Community
In recognition of National Volunteer Month, join the CEO of SCORE Association, Bridget Weston and SCORE Certified Mentor and District Director, Ed Coleman as they share their expertise with the SCORE audience. Additionally, hear from SCORE mentee and the Founder and CEO of Mutt's Sauce, Charlynda Scales, about the impact volunteering has had on her business. This webinar will discuss:
  • The importance of volunteering in the United States and the impact it has on our nation
  • The many benefits that come with volunteering
  • How volunteering with SCORE will help you, the small businesses we serve, and your community!
  • Register HERE

Friday, April 9, noon
COVID-19 Business Resources – EIDL, PPP, UI and Grants
The EDC invites you to join their webinar series on alternative Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 pm to answer questions about EIDL, PPP, UI, Grants and all currently available COVID-19 related business resources. Please register in advance. Space is limited.

Tuesday, April 13, 10:000 a.m.
Your Money. Your Business. Your Life.- Funding and Financing Your Black-Owned Business
Join four-time entrepreneur Ramon Ray to get his real-world insights and best practices for financing your business and funding your growth. Presented by SCORE. You'll learn:
  • How to be attractive to lending partners
  • Funding options to consider
  • How to develop your business pitch
  • How to finance and grow your business
  • Register HERE

Friday, April 16, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Strong Women, Strong Coffee
Connect, Collaborate, Learn with WEV. Strong Women, Strong Coffee is our monthly meet-up/community empowerment group and we invite you to join us online (with your favorite morning brew) one Friday each month from 9:00am to 10:00am. You'll meet a special guest speaker and enjoy the opportunity to share, listen and support one another in reaching your business goals.

Tuesday, April 20, 10:00 a.m.
April 20: What the Most Successful Businesses Are Doing in 2021 - Trends You’ll Want to Jump on Now
Join SCORE for a conversation with Rieva Levonsky, CEO of GrowBiz Media and SmallBizDaily, Ross Herosian, Founder & CEO of Tricycle Creative, and Blake Clark, Global Vice President of Software Advice, about continuing patterns, new small business trends, and the biggest changes that will impact your business this year. You’ll discover:
  • How small and midsize businesses adapted and survived in 2020 (and what you can emulate)
  • Patterns from 2020 that persist in 2021 and what’s changed about them
  • What customers are expecting this year
  • Where digital commerce and contactless experiences are headed and what to do about it
  • New trends to watch out for now, in the latter half of 2021, and beyond 
  • Register HERE

Thursday, April 22, 11:00 a.m.
Reach Customers Online with Google
Learn how to make your business easier to find online. This workshop explains how Google Search works and how you can improve your website's visibility with Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The session also introduces products like Business Profile on Google, Google Trends, Search Console, Google Analytics, Google Ads, and more. Presented by SCORE. In this workshop we’ll discuss best practices for:
  • Improving your website’s visibility in Google’s organic search results, on all devices
  • Creating a free Business Profile on Google
  • Advertising your business on Google
  • Register HERE

Friday, April 23, noon
COVID-19 Business Resources – EIDL, PPP, UI and Grants
The EDC invites you to join their webinar series on alternative Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 pm to answer questions about EIDL, PPP, UI, Grants and all currently available COVID-19 related business resources. Please register in advance. Space is limited.

Tuesday, April 27, 10:00 a.m.
Plan Your Website for Online Success
You know you need a website for your business. But, how do you set it up for online success? First, you need to have a solid plan in place. Fortunately, this webinar will help with exactly that! This webinar, presented by Co-Founder of Cardsetter Jessica Baldwin, will share a comprehensive plan for your business's website. Attendees may also request the free website planning workbook upon completion of the webinar. Presented by SCORE.
After the session, you’ll have a better understanding of:
  • Your website’s audience
  • Feature and functionality needs
  • Content planning
  • How to choose the right platform
  • Best practices for online success
  • Register HERE

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
Ventura County COVID-19 Updates, Business Registration, Testing and Vaccine Info

COVID-19 Hotline
For inquiries regarding state and local orders or COVID-19 business compliance questions or concerns, please call the County of Ventura COVID-19 Hotline at:
  • 1 (844) VC-OPENS or 1 (844) 826-7367

CDC Updates

Download & Print Free COVID-19 Print & Digital Graphics
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