Dear Subscriber, we invite you to check out some upcoming webinars this month and learn about different funding programs. This month we are bringing you two webinars that are essential to starting your own business!
Upcoming L.A. SBDC Network Webinars
Facebook and Instagram Advertising Webinar
Get started with Facebook & Instagram and start running your first ad campaign this week. This webinar is for those who are just getting started or have never advertised before. 
  • Audience Settings
  • Setting Budgets
  • Reviewing Insights 
  • How to Run Contests & Sweepstakes
DATE: Thursday, January 7, 2021
TIME: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
COST: FREE
LOCATION: Online
Protecting the Company’s “Secret Sauce”: Trade Secret Basics
About this webinar:
This webinar will teach small business owners how to protect the company’s inventions, ideas, and secrets. Attendees will learn the basics of trade secret law; the kinds of information that can be protected as a trade secret; confidentiality requirements; ownership issues; how to avoid losing trade secret protection; and how to avoid violating the trade secret rights of others.
DATE: Thursday, January 14, 2021
TIME: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
COST: FREE
LOCATION: Online
Disciplined Entrepreneurship: 24 Steps to a Successful Startup
About this webinar:
Disciplined Entrepreneurship will change the way you think about starting (or growing) a company. Many believe that entrepreneurship cannot be taught, but great entrepreneurs aren't born with something special – they simply make great products. Yes, entrepreneurship can be taught, provided that you are coachable.
DATE: Wednesday, January 27, 2021
TIME: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
COST: FREE
LOCATION: Online
Meetings, Minutes and Motions: Preparing Corporate Documents
About this webinar:
This webinar will teach business owners of corporations and LLCs how to prepare basic corporate documents, such as statements of information; sending notices and holding director and shareholder meetings, preparing motions and minutes, voting requirements; and other corporate formalities required by the company’s bylaws, operating agreement or by law.
DATE: Thursday, January 28, 2021
TIME: 12:00PM - 1:00 PM
COST: FREE
LOCATION: Online
For more webinars visit: https://smallbizla.org/workshops/
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Funding Programs and Resources
NEW! CA Relief Grant Program
The California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program (the “Program”) provides micro-grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to eligible small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19 and the related health and safety restrictions.
On November 30, 2020, Governor Newsom and the State Legislature announced the allocation of $500 million to the Program to be administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

Visit the program website to learn eligibility requirements and get your documents ready. The application period is now open and closes on Friday, January 8.
If you have questions about this grant, the SBDC Network is hosting free webinars in multiple languages to help you prepare to apply.
RSVP for program overview webinars here. 
Found/LA Recovery Fund - TMC Community Capital
With a generous donation from FOUND/LA, an initiative of Wurwand Foundation, and the outreach support from Small Business Majority, we are launching a new grant program called the FOUND/LA Small Business Recovery Fund to protect small businesses across Los Angeles County that make our neighborhoods feel like home.

ROUND 2: 
Application Window Opens
Monday, January 11, 2021 @ 9:00am 
Application Window Closes
Sunday, January 17, 2021 @ 11:59pm
California Rebuilding Fund
The California Rebuilding Fund is a loan program to support California’s small businesses—especially those located in economically disadvantaged and historically under-banked areas of the state. Businesses who employed 50 or less full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) and had gross revenues of less than $2.5 million or below in 2019 are eligible to apply. Full eligibility requirements are included in the Business Requirements tab.
The loans are flexible, transparent and are designed to help businesses access the capital and advisory services they need to get through these challenging economic times.
To fill out a pre-application and match with a participating community lender, please click here.
Please note, this program is not associated with the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or any other SBA program. The loans are not forgivable in part or whole. The loans will need to be paid back over a 3- or 5-year term with a fixed annual interest rate that is currently 4.25%. Please see the Loan Terms tab for details.
Not all businesses will be matched with a participating community lender based on each lender’s initial criteria. If matched, you will be connected with a local community lender, which will be a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). The community lender will work with you on your full loan application. If approved, the loan will be made through that community lender and you will continue to work with them throughout the life of your loan.
Free Refrigerators for L.A. County Stores
The Healthy Stores Refrigeration Program (HSRP) helps small businesses in Los Angeles’ food deserts replace existing, inefficient refrigerators with new efficient models to fill with California-grown healthy food. We’ll help you find the right new fridge, walk you through the recycling process if you are replacing an old unit, install your refrigerator, and identify healthy food options, all at no cost. Program representatives will also provide free education and training on successfully sourcing, marketing, and selling healthy foods. If you own either an independent grocery or a corner store, you may be eligible. Contact us to learn more and claim your free upgraded fridge!
For questions and inquiries, reach out to HRSP@isd.lacounty.gov.
Main Street Small Business Tax Credit - California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
Senate Bill 1447 was enacted on September 9, 2020, and allows a small business hiring credit against California state income taxes or sales and use taxes to certain California qualified small business employers that receive a tentative credit reservation.
On December 1, 2020, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) will begin accepting applications for tentative small business hiring credit reservation amounts through an online reservation system. Qualified small business employers must apply with the CDTFA for a credit reservation. The credit reservations will be allocated to qualified small business employers on a first-come, first-served basis. The reservation system will be available from December 1, 2020 at 8:00 a.m., through January 15, 2021. Within 30 days of receiving an application, CDTFA will notify each applicant via email whether a tentative credit reservation has been allocated to them and the amount of the tentative credit reservation.
Please note, this credit only applies to California small businesses that meet the following qualifications:
  • Employed 100 or fewer employees as of December 31, 2019, and
  • Suffered a 50 percent decrease or more in income tax gross receipts (generally, all income less returns and allowances), when comparing second quarter 2020 to second quarter 2019.
Funding for the Small Business Hiring Tax Credit program totals $100 million and is to be allocated to qualified California small business employers. Generally, these employers may receive a credit of $1,000 for each net increase in qualified employees from April 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020, compared to July 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020. (For more information on “net increase in qualified employees,” please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the Calculation FAQs below). The total amount of credits received cannot exceed $100,000 for each qualified California small business employer.
If you need assistance, please call the CDTFA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115 (CRS:711). Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific time), except state holidays.
Grant Search Tool and Data Portal
Grants.ca.gov is managed and hosted by the California State Library. State grantmaking agencies input and update their information into prescribed data fields to make all state grant opportunities searchable on grants.ca.gov. The Grant Information Act requires state agencies to provide summaries of each of their grant or loan opportunities, including, among other items, information about how to apply and links that grantseekers can follow for more details. 

The Government Operations Agency sponsors data.ca.gov, a statewide open data portal created to improve collaboration, expand transparency and lead to innovation and increased effectiveness. The Agency’s open data efforts, which support data analysis and using existing data to improve state operations, align with the Eureka Institute’s Lean process improvement program and its pilot work in data-driven performance improvement.
Open data is public data collected by the state through its routine business activities and published in a format that is easy to search, easy to download and easy to combine with other data sets from other sources; it does not include private or confidential data about individuals.
PPE Unite - Free PPE Resource
The Los Angeles SBDC has launched a new PPE giveaway program called PPE Unite™ that will provide free Personal Protective Equipment to LA small businesses.
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees can apply to receive a one-month supply of face masks, hand sanitizer, and face shields through the PPE Unite™ distribution program.
These supplies are offered on a first come, first served basis, so don't delay - sign up today!
The LA SBDC is here for you and your small business, partnering with you every step of the way as we work towards safely reopening our local economy.
PPE Unite™ is a unique partnership between State, local and private entities created to distribute PPE to the LA small business community. For more information, contact the Los Angeles County Disaster Help Center at 833.238.4450 or disasterhelpcenter@lacounty.gov.

This PPE has been made available to California small businesses through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) in collaboration with the Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA).
For additional small business resources, visit business.ca.gov.
California Restaurant Association Foundation - Restaurants Care Fund
Description:
Restaurants Care offers emergency assistance to California restaurant workers facing an unanticipated hardship such as: accident, illness, injury, death of an immediate family member or natural disaster. If you are in need of assistance, please complete the application form. All grant requests will be reviewed. Restaurants Care grants are awarded to eligible individuals based on available funds and limited to one per individual. Typical grants range from $250-$1500.
Musicians Foundation CV19 Emergency Aid Grant Program
This application is available online only. Modest, one-time grants up to $200 will be available to professional performers, educators and composers who meet the following requirements:
  • Be a professional musician with five (5) or more years of experience performing, teaching, or composing in the United States. Applicants MUST earn the majority of their income from any combination of performing, teaching, or composing. If you were enrolled in any musical education program or institution (for performance, education, or composition) within the last five years, you are not eligible. You must have five or more years of professional experience after graduating from your most recent musical degree program to qualify.
  • File taxes as musician. Applicants are required to submit fully completed and filed 2018 or 2019 1040 tax return documentation. No exceptions.
  • Have the following additional documentation: professional musician materials (resume, biography, website, etc.) and proof of work cancellation (emails, letters, other correspondence).
Riverside Microenterprise Business Grant Program
The Microenterprise Business Grant Program is a United Way Inland Valleys project in partnership with the City of Riverside Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, that offers a ONE-TIME GRANT UP TO $7,500 to help assist Riverside small businesses with their needs during the local emergency.
Who Can Apply?
Owners Of Micro-Eenterprises
  • Businesses located within the City of Riverside
  • Businesses with 5 or fewer employees (including the owner)
  • The owner is of low to moderate income; or
  • The business is able to employ people who are of low to moderate income
When Will the Program End?
Until funding runs out,
based on a first come, first reviewed basis.
Santa Ana CARES Small Business Grant Program
The Santa Ana CARES Small Business Grants will provide up to $10,000 for Santa Ana Businesses and non-profits with 25 or less full time equivalent (FTE) employees. Businesses that receive any Small Business CITY grants are limited to a cumulative total amount of $10,000 in grants. Businesses must be able to provide proof (receipts) that funds received were spent in accordance with Program requirements directly to the CITY through a CITY portal.
The Amber Grant
About the Amber Grant
WomensNet founded the Amber Grant Foundation in 1998. The Foundation was set up with one goal in mind: to honor the memory of a very special young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at just 19 years old — before realizing her business dreams.
Today, WomensNet carries on that tradition, giving away at $10,000 every month in Amber Grant money. Each of those monthly winners is then eligible for our year-end grant of $25,000.
How Do I Apply For an Amber Grant?
Applying is simple. Just take a few minutes to tell us about yourself and your business dream. No long, complicated forms to fill out. We announce the $10,000 Amber Grant recipient the first week of every month, and the $25,000 annual winner every January. 
Professional Beauty Association Covid Relief Fund
With generous support from our industry partners, the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and PBA Charities have created a new fund to help our industry during this unprecedented crisis.
The PBA COVID-19 Relief Fund will provide $500 to licensed beauty professionals who are unable to work due to COVID-19. The funding, if awarded to you, is intended to be emergency aid for short-term immediate needs such as food and bills.
City of La Verne Business Assistance Grant Program 
To aid its local businesses, the City of La Verne launched a Business Assistance Grant Program in May to provide financial aid to struggling businesses to help them combat the economic setbacks brought about by COVID-19. The program still has the capacity to award up to 100 qualified businesses within its city limits with a $2,500 grant to help them re-open, create jobs, retain jobs and offer quality services to the residents of La Verne.
Grant funds may be used for overhead expenses, rent, utilities, business services such as web site development to increase capacity, necessary equipment to continue business operations and more.
For more information on eligibility, requirements, and application process, visit:https://www.cityoflaverne.org/index.php/services/business-resources
SBA - Economic Injury Disaster Loan
On June 15, SBA began accepting new EIDL and EIDL Advance applications from qualified small businesses and U.S. agricultural businesses. Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or by e-mail at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

SBA Lender Match Tool
Lender Match is a free online tool that connects small businesses with SBA-approved CDFIs and small lenders. Do not use if looking for Disaster loans. Within two business days after entering their information into the Lender Match platform, a borrower receives an email from lenders who have been matched with them. The borrower can see lenders’ requests for them to begin an application. Borrowers are then able to begin the application process directly from the email they receive.
Lender Match was on pause due to CARES Act implementation priorities and loan volume. It is now being reinstated for CDFIs and other Small Asset Lenders. Leads will only be forwarded to CDFIs and Lenders with < $10b in assets until the PPP program ends on June 30, 2020, at which time Lender Match will be open to all participating SBA Lenders. Lender Match not only connects borrowers with accessing PPP loans, but also other SBA lending products, such as 7(a), 504, Microloans, and Community Advantage loans which are currently offering debt relief.
SBA Paycheck Protection Program Resources
Provided by the American Institute of CPAs
The Coronavirus (the virus that causes COVID-19) is having an unprecedented effect on the economy. Main Street’s small businesses are struggling to stay afloat as they’re forced to close to protect the health and safety of employees and customers. Through recently enacted federal legislation, there are opportunities for help through U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans.

One of the most impactful is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), designed to provide access to cash so that businesses can keep paying their employees and other expenses such as health insurance premiums, rent or mortgage payments and utilities. This important financial relief will help small businesses return to being fully operational quicker once conditions improve.

In this resource center designed for CPA firms, you’ll find tools to help you educate and advise your clients on the program.
Covid-19 Safety Compliance Certificate Program
The County of Los Angeles launched the COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certificate Program (CSCCP) to help educate and train business owners to comprehensively implement the L.A. County Department of Public Health COVID-19 safety directives. 
The CSCCP is a no-cost online training course that educates business owners on the essentials of the CountyHealth Officer’s Orders and what they need to do to ensure that their business practices are aligned and in compliance with infection control and physical distancing requirements. After completing the training, businesses will receive a COVID-19 Safety ComplianceCertificate that can be posted on storefronts. The training will be available in 13 languages and can be accessed online through the Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 website.
This voluntary program offers business, employees, and consumers alike the added reassurance that essential training has been completed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This training is highly recommended for both business owners and employees. Businesses that do not participate are required to display Public Health COVID-19 Protocols in their storefronts.
Small Business Reads
Webinars
Constant Contact Webinars
Amazon Small Business Academy Webinars
Shopify Online Workshops
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, center host institutions, and local or private funds. Funding is not an endorsement of any product, opinion or service. All Federal funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Special arrangements for individuals with disability will be made if requested in advance