Many local businesses have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs are available to support business owners through this difficult time.
Reopening resources for small businesses
Information focused on business reopening plans can be found on the “reopening” page of the COVID-19 Community Hub at https://carpinteriahub.com/reopening/
City offers business restart grants
In an effort to help small local businesses reopen their doors safely, the City of Carpinteria launched the COVID-19 Relief Small Business Restart Grant Program. The program will provide $1,000 grants to up to 100 local businesses seeking financial support to meet guidelines for a safe reopening. The goal is to offset costs associated with efforts such as cleaning and sanitation, purchase of face coverings, and other personal protective gear. The first application window has closed, and many local businesses have been awarded funds. The City Council is expected to expand the program in July to disperse remaining funds. Eligibility requirements for the initial grants and additional details can be found in a letter to businesses in English and in Spanish and the grant application in English and Spanish.
Sidewalk dining & retail program
The City of Carpinteria is implementing 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 or retail merchandise. To be eligible, businesses must complete the self-certification process through the County of Santa Barbara. City staff will be visiting local businesses to provide detailed information to shop and eatery owners. Additional details are available in the full ordinance at https://bit.ly/2X9riZq. Businesses interested in expanding onto private property, such as private parking lots, can learn more HERE. Businesses interested in expanding into public right-of-ways, including sidewalks and parking spaces, can learn more HERE.
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
On April 13, the Carpinteria City Council approved a temporary moratorium on commercial evictions for tenants who fail to pay rent due to income loss from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
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.
As of mid-April, further Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) distributions have been closed. It is anticipated that more money may be approved by Congress for the program, but this is not known for sure. Applications that have been received already will continue to be processed on a first come, first serve basis.
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 provides new resources daily on its COVID-19 webpage.
Tax Deadlines Extended
The deadline to file and pay Federal and State income taxes has been extended from April 15 to July 15 this year.
State tax information is available at https://www.ftb.ca.gov/about-ftb/newsroom/covid-19/index.html?WT.ac=COVID-19
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.
