Monday, May 3, 2021
Updates from City Hall | Business News | Local Economic Trends | Education & Training
National Small Business Week is Here!
Happy National Small Business Week to all of our valued small businesses here in the City! Thank you for being an important part of what makes Thousand Oaks such a unique and special place. From the goods and services you offer, jobs you provide, and range of contributions to the community through engagement, volunteering and philanthropic giving. Whether you’ve been a part of our community for decades or recently opened your doors for business, we appreciate you!  

Be sure to keep an eye out on social media this week for some fun posts from the City to mark the occasion and give residents the opportunity to recognize their favorite local small businesses.  
General Plan Land Use Map on its Way to City Council
Progress continues on the effort to update the General Plan. The Preferred Land Use Alternative map will go before City Council later this month for consideration. If you haven't yet had a chance, we invite you to check it out here and take the survey.

The survey closes May 12th.
Changes to Commercial Trash & Recycling Collection are Coming: Workshops May 13th & May 19th
Our colleagues in the Sustainability Division are out and about visiting local businesses to share important information about changes coming in 2022 regarding commercial waste collection service and regulatory requirements. The City is hosting virtual workshops on May 13th and May 19th, 2021. Click here to learn more and register for one of the workshops.
COVID-19 Financial Resource Opportunities
The application period for CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant program's Round 6 closes on May 4th at 5pm. Funding range is between $5,000-$25,000. Apply here.
Our partners at the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce continue to accept applications for the Small Business Relief Fund. Grants up to $2,500 are awarded periodically. Learn more here.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced increases in the maximum amount small businesses and non-profits can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program. Click here for EIDL details.

The SBA's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is open to applicants through May 31, 2021. Click here for more about PPP details.

The SBA will be accepting applications for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) via the application portal beginning today (May 3rd). The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. In preparation, please encourage businesses to register for an account in advance and review the sample application, program guide and cross-program eligibility chart. 
NEW BUSINESSES
Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center
The wellness center and medical spa is now open at 968 S. Westlake Blvd. (Link)
Burt's Pharmacy
Recently completed tenant improvements on a warehouse space located at 2628 Conejo Center Dr. (Link)
Wing Stop
New store in the Janss Marketplace located at 401 N. Moorpark Rd. (Link)
IN THE NEWS
AmeriHome Mortgage, headquartered in Thousand Oaks, is celebrating their 7-year anniversary. They recently shared via LinkedIn they are now the 3rd largest correspondent investor and 13th largest mortgage lender in the country. (Website)

Amgen, the largest private employer in Ventura County, recently announced intentions to acquire Rodeo Therapeutics Corporation. (Press Release)

Capsida Biotherapeutics, a recent addition to the City's life sciences sector, debuts with $140 Million of Capital for gene therapy. (PR Newswire)

Sensata Technologies, a leading industrial technology company, recently secured a large contract with Electric Truck OEM to provide power distribution units for DC fast charging of electric trucks. (Business Wire)

Skyworks Solutions, Inc., a semiconductor manufacturer and one of the City's largest employers, to acquire Silicon Labs (infrastructure & automotive business). (Press Release)

Takeda, a pharmaceutical company that employs several hundred people in the local area, recently announced a partnership with Delta Airlines through a sustainable aviation fuel agreement to reduce carbon emissions. (Delta News Hub)
UNEMPLOYMENT RATES & JOBS BY INDUSTRY
Note: The economic impacts of COVID-19 continue to have a significant impact on unemployment rates.
City of Thousand Oaks
According to the California Employment Development Department, the preliminary Thousand Oaks March 2021 unemployment rate is 4.9% (down from a revised 5.1% in February 2021). The City has a total of 61,500 in the labor force with 58,600 who are employed. 
Ventura County
The California Labor Market report shows Ventura County’s March 2021 unemployment rate at 6.4% (down from a revised 6.8% in February 2021). 

A total of 1,100 non-farm jobs were added in March 2021. However, a total of 500 jobs were lost; amounting to a net gain of 600 jobs. Job gains consisted of: 700 in Leisure and Hospitality; 200 in Manufacturing; 100 in Professional and Business Services; and 100 in Educational and Health Services. Job losses consisted of: 300 in Construction; and 200 in Financial Activities.
AUTO SALES
A total of 1,667 new vehicles were sold in March 2021; a 32% increase compared to February 2021 sales, and 76.8% compared to a year ago.

In addition, 948 pre-owned vehicles were sold in February.  
Economic Development Collaborative
Our partners at EDC have a great line-up of events this month.
  • Planning for the Unexpected: Resources and Strategies from Outsmart Disaster
  • Restaurant Revitalization Fund
  • Legal 101 for Small Business Owners: Company Formation
...and many more no-cost sessions here.
SCORE - Ventura County
In addition to its no-cost mentoring services, SCORE is offering a variety of workshops this month on intellection property, digital marketing, accounting, and a lot more. See here.
Women's Economic Ventures
Check out the great business training, advisory services, loan opportunities and more over at WEV. More here.
Ventura County Workforce Development Board
Employers can take advantage of free employment services and recruiting, on-the-job-training, skills enhancement, and customized training. Learn more here.
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