Many local businesses have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs are available to support business owners through this difficult time.
SBA opens new round of first draw PPP loans
The federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) resumed on Jan. 11, 2021 with new funding. First Draw PPP loan applications from lenders are now being accepted to help businesses cover payroll and other expenses. Visit http://bit.ly/3i4GY9t for full details on the new round of PPP loans.
Reopening resources for small businesses
While COVID-19 surges in Santa Barbara County, the economic reopening underway last fall has been put on hold. Information focused on business reopening plans can be found on the “reopening” page of the COVID-19 Community Hub at https://carpinteriahub.com/reopening, but note that this information is not relevant to the current phase of the pandemic.
How to expand your biz onto sidewalks & parking areas
The City of Carpinteria has implemented a temporary COVID-19 outdoor business permit program to allow businesses to operate in the City right-of-way and other privately owned outdoor spaces. Businesses can apply for permission to use sidewalks and parking areas for restaurant seating, retail merchandise or other permitted operations. (NOTE: As of early December 2020, outdoor seating is not permitted at restaurants or brewery tasting rooms.)
To be eligible for expansion into the public right of way, businesses must complete the self-certification process through the County of Santa Barbara. Businesses interested in expanding onto private property, such as private parking lots and walkways, can learn more HERE. Businesses interested in expanding into public right-of-ways, including sidewalks and parking spaces, can learn more HERE. To find out more, contact Joshua Patricio at (805) 755-4445.
SB County Workplace Readiness Checklist
This checklist is designed to help businesses to comply with Covid-19 pandemic guidelines to provide safe service to customers and employees.
Social Distancing Business Protocol Form
Santa Barbara County requires businesses that are allowed to be open to implement all the applicable measures listed in this form.
City moratorium on commercial evictions
The Carpinteria City Council enacted a temporary moratorium on commercial evictions for tenants who fail to pay rent due to income loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. The moratorium will remain in place through the state of emergency.
The moratorium does not relieve tenants of their obligation to fully compensate their landlord for the unpaid period. The ordinance requires tenants to pay in full within 180 days after the local emergency expires. Landlords cannot charge late fees or interest during the 180 days following the emergency period.
Commercial tenants and their landlords may still negotiate alternative payment arrangements that are agreeable to both.
https://carpinteria.ca.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/741.pdf
SB County Ready Economic Recovery site for Businesses & Individuals
Organized by topic, this site contains a comprehensive collection of valuable resources for employers and employees.
https://readysbc.org/economicrecovery/
Save Small Business Fund
The US Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched this $5,000 grant program for small businesses on April 20, but as of April 21, no new applications were being accepted due to overwhelming demand. Check in at the website below to find out if new applications are being accepted.
https://www.savesmallbusiness.com/
Paycheck Protection Program
Under the Small Business Administration (SBA), Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans are designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. (NOTE: Funding for the first round of this program was exhausted, but a second round will be funded by the federal COVID-19 relief act approved in late December of 2020. New information will be forthcoming.)
SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Find out more at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp
On May 15, the SBA released guidance for the PPP loan forgiveness provisions in the form of an 11-page application. Borrowers should review the application carefully to maximize their forgiveness amounts. Find the application at https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form–paycheck-protection-program-loan-forgiveness-application
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
Small business owners in the U.S. are eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to COVID-19. The U.S. Small Business Association’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans.
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
SBA Express Bridge Loans
Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/sba-express-bridge-loans
Women’s Economic Ventures
The WEV website connects users to numerous tools that may benefit small business owners during this crisis. Included is application materials for WEV’s own Quick Response Loans.
(805) 965-6073
https://www.wevonline.org/
Employer/Employee Guide
The Economic Development Collaborative has compiled a list of resources now available for employees and employers who have been impacted by COVID-19.
https://edcollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EDC-COVID19-BUSINESS-RESOURCE-GUIDE-9.pdf
Carpinteria Valley Chamber of Commerce
The CVCC has merged with the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, but continues to provide resources on its COVID-19 webpage.
IRS information is available at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
We are making every effort to keep this information current and accurate despite the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please contact us if you have information to add or corrections to the information provided. Email socialmedia@ci.carpinteria.ca.us.
