COVID-19 Resources for Startups & small businesses
To help startups and small businesses in our region navigate the challenges presented by the coronavirus, we have updated news and resources.
If your business has been impacted by the coronavirus epidemic, you can find assistance and updates on this page.
News Releases
On February 23rd, Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive package providing urgent relief for the small businesses of CA. The package provides an additional $2 billion – a four-fold increase over the $500 million currently being distributed – for grants up to $25,000 for small businesses impacted by the pandemic and allocates $50 million of this total for non-profit cultural institutions.
Interested applicants should click here to apply now.
The City of Seaside has allocated funds for small business loans to provide relief for existing businesses within city limits. Businesses may use these funds to cover expenses like rent, payroll, and utilities. Repayment of the loan begins after the pandemic emergency is declared over. Loans are available for $5,000 or $2,500. Applicants will be asked to complete an Experian credit check after submitting their application.
Interested applicants should click here to apply now.
Email info@ci.seaside.ca.us with any questions.
Monterey County Resources
Monterey County Daily Situation Report
Cal Coastal SBDC
- Webinars
- Federal Resources for small businesses
- State Resources
County of Monterey Health Department
San Benito county resources
Cal Coastal SBDC
- Webinars
- Local, state and federal resources to support small businesses
- Business advisors
San Benito County Health and Human Services
San Benito County Business Reopening
Santa Cruz County Resources
Santa Cruz Health Services Agency
Santa Cruz SBDC
- Webinars
- Federal Resources for small businesses
- State Resources
Santa Cruz Works
County of Monterey Health Department
COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide
Monterey County Emergency Microloan
COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide
Tax Relief for Businesses in California
March 19 stay at home order
Stay Home Except for Essential Needs
- Please see the list of Essential Infrastructure Workers (PDF).
- If your business is on the list of exempt sectors, it may still operate.
- This list is subject to updates.
- Your city or county may have additional guidance. Please check with your local government.
- Contact GO-Biz with questions, the team can help you.
- Follow the stay at home order issued by Governor Newsom.
- Review the financial, technical, and workforce assistance resources on this page.
Please send GO-Biz an email that describes your business, the product or service, and any other important details. You can contact the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).
Essential Resources
Help Avoiding Layoffs
Workshare (help avoid layoffs)
Workforce Development Board
Layoffs, Closures, and Unemployment Insurance
Child Care Provider Resources
Bureau of Alcohol Beverage Control—temporary rules, licensing process changes, and waiving certain fees connected with business and licensing transactions
- Paid Sick Leave
- Disability and Unemployment Insurance
- Paid Family Leave
- Workers Compensation
For more information, visit the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency
Financial Assistance
Work with your financial institution to explore refinancing, deferred payments, and other appropriate tools for your situation.
SBA’s Disaster Loan Assistance—California is now eligible region for SBA Loan Assistance. For guidance filling out the form contact the Disaster Helpdesk from 8AM to 8PM EDT 7 days a week at 800-488-5323
Facebook Small Business Grants Program
US Bank Small Business Services
Bank of America
California Capital Access Program (CalCAP) (1-500 employees)
- 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.
- To contact the California State Treasurer’s Office:
- Email CalCAP: HERE
- Call: Call: 1-916-653-2995
Special loan programs designed to help businesses survive the COVID19 emergency.
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDLs) funds come directly from the U.S. Treasury. Applicants do not go through a bank to apply. Instead apply directly to SBA’s Disaster Assistance Program at: DisasterLoan.sba.gov
- COVID-19 updates from the Franchise Tax Board.
- Visit the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website to apply for special assistance, including filing and payment extensions, and/or relief from interest and penalties.
- Employers experiencing a hardship may request up to a 60-day extension from the Employment Development Department to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest.
- California’s network of small business support centers help businesses figure out which loans are best for them, develop resiliency strategies, and find other resources. Click here to learn more.
- Santa Cruz county businesses can contact the Santa Cruz SBDC
- Monterey and San Benito counties can contact Cal Coastal SBDC
- The Office of the Small Business Advocate has also provided answers to a list of frequently asked questions to help support California’s small businesses. Click here to learn more.
- If you need to talk to a specialist in GO-Biz’s Office of the Small Business Advocate directly, please contact the team.
California’s network of small business support centers help businesses figure out which loans are best for them, develop resiliency strategies, and find other resources. Please click this link to learn more.
Useful Business Data
Emerging data about online selling in the COVID emergency
SBA’s Disaster Loan Assistance—California is now eligible region for SBA Loan Assistance. For guidance filling out the form contact the Disaster Helpdesk from 8AM to 8PM EDT 7 days a week at 800-488-5323
Facebook Small Business Grants Program
US Bank Small Business Services
California Capital Access Program (CalCAP) (1-500 employees)
- 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.
- To contact the California State Treasurer’s Office:
- Email CalCAP: HERE
- Call: Call: 1-916-653-2995
Overview of the Venture Capital environment in the COVID19 emergency.
Regional Informational Websites
Cal Coastal SBDC
- Webinars
- Local, state and federal resources to support small businesses
- Business advisors
Santa Cruz SBDC
- Webinars
- Federal Resources for small businesses
- State Resources
Santa Cruz Works
Monterey
Santa Cruz
San Benito
state and National Informational Websites
SBA
CMTC
Federal Reserve Board
Financial Assistance for Small Businesses
Tax Relief for Businesses in California
COVID19.CA.GOV
CDC
