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COVID-19 Business Resources

​Workplace Health, Safety, and Loc​al Agency Information

​Reduced Work Hours o​r Potential Layoffs 

  • ​​EDD’s UI Work Sharing Program
    • ​​This program allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs, retaining their trained employees by reducing their hours and wages that can be partially offset with UI benefits. Workers of employers who are approved to participate in the Work Sharing Program receive the percentage of their weekly UI benefit amount based on the percentage of hours and wages reduced, not to exceed 60 percent. Visit Work Sharing Program to learn more about its benefits for employers and employees, and how to apply.

Potential Closure​

​​​​​​​Federal Financial Assistance​

  • ​The U.S. Federal government has approved new relief funding for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
  • Temporary funding programs have been established though the SBA to provide disaster assistance loans for small business es . Live agents are available to guide you through the process at 1-800-659-2955 or answerdesk@sba.gov
  • Read information about the major programs available.
  • NOTICE: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application opens on January 11, 2021 for first-time PPP borrowers and January 13, 2021 for previous PPP recipients.
    • Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met, and the funds are used for eligible expenses.
    • Economic Injury Disaster Loan is a loan designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
    • SBA Express Bridge Loans allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. 
    • ​Save Our Stages Grant Program is a new grant program that will be available to support live entertainment venues. Eligible businesses include live entertainment venues and promoters, movie theaters, museums, performing arts organizations, and talent representatives. Applications are not yet available. Check back here for updates. Read a helpful summary of the Save Our Stages Act from the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA).
  • ​​​​The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Sacramento District Office has prepared a two-page SBA Referral Contacts​​​ handout to assist our partners in identifying appropriate contacts for small business service requests.  The list includes the following:​
    • Program-specific SBA contacts for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and newly launched Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) and Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) 
    • Links to SBA Resource Partners for one-on-one technical assistance and business mentoring
    • Links to report disaster fraud and SBA loan fraud
    • Sacramento District Office information, including types of assistance and our website for business training events and E-newsletter sign-up​​

State Financial Assistance

The State of California has funding programs available to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19.
  • California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant 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. The application period end on January 13, 2021.
  • California Rebuilding Fund is a loan program to support California's small businesses. Those 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.
  • Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program  provides guarantees for loans up to $50K for small business borrowers in declared disaster areas that may 
  • CalCAP is a loan loss reserve program which may provide up to 100% coverage on losses as a result of certain loan defaults. Individual borrowers are limited to a maximum of $2.5 million enrolled over a 3-year period. Contact a Participating Lender to enroll.
  • Employment Development Department Through the State of California employees and employers may receive benefits under the following categories:
  • Disability Insurance is offered to those unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness related to COVID-19.
  • Paid Family Leave is offered to those unable to work because they are caring for an ill or quarantined family member.
  • Unemployment Insurance is offered to those who have lost their job or had hours reduced due to coronavirus.
  •  Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is offered for those who are business owners, self-employed or independent contractors.
  • Work Share Program is offered to companies as an alternative to layoffs. It allows employees to receive unemployment benefits while still keeping their current jobs.

Other Emergency Business Loan and Grant Programs

Tax Relief 

  • The U.S. International Revenue Service is offering tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and others impacted by COVID-19.
  • Employee Retention Credit is a fully refundable tax credit for employers equal to 50 percent of qualified wages (including allocable qualified health plan expenses) that eligible employers pay their employees.
  • The California Franchise Tax Board is offering resources to help California individuals and businesses affected by COVID-19.​

 Local Business Resources and Free Webinars​

Utilities

Food & Beverage Industry​

​​​Self-Employed​

    • California EDD’s Self-Employed/Independent Contractor website
      • ​The available benefits are insurance programs. To be eligible, either you or an employer had to make contributions in the past 5 to 18 months. It is possible these contributions were made at a prior job, or if you were misclassified as an independent contractor instead of an employee. We encourage you to apply for the benefit program that is most appropriate for your situation. 

      ​​​Health Resources​

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