Recovery Information for Business Owners
Preparing to Reopen | Updates | Fed. Aid | Other Loans | Resources | Reaching Customers
Please contact us with any questions. We’re here to help! Check back regularly for new information.
Shoppers: Support these shops and businesses online.
Preparing to Reopen
As you prepare for the day you can reopen, we know a lot is on your mind. We are here to help you with ideas to provide a safe environment.
Please know that many new protocols will likely be required when you reopen. As soon as the County releases guidelines, we will share them.
Call us at (805) 620-7023 and leave a message. We will get back to you shortly.
Other Immediate Actions to Stay on Your Feet
Come to us with your questions
We provide the following support.
- Assistance in applying for the PPP forgivable loan or other loans
- Assistance with preparations to reopen
- Assistance with any unique circumstance you are facing
Phone: Call us at (805) 620-7023 and leave a message. We will get back to you shortly.
Email: Kevin Clerici, Executive Director, Julie Henszey, Activation Manager
Updates from DVP to Biz Owners
For earlier updates, see below.
Federal Aid
The following three programs have been rolled out as part of the CARES Act, passed by Congress to assist during the COVID-19 crisis. They are all administered by the Small Business Administration.
1. PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
2. SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER EMERGENCY ADVANCE (GRANT)
3. SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN
Other Loans
These loans are designed to help through crises such as this one. We realize in talking to many of you that repayable loans are not high on your list of recovery options. However, in the long run, they may be a good choice for some of you.
EDC’s DISASTER LOAN FUND – from Economic Development Collaborative
4.25% interest rate | $5,000- $50,000
Purpose: To give a cash flow boost to businesses impacted by reduced sales and other challenges related to COVID-19. This is a 48- month loan, with interest-only payments for the first three months.
Learn more: Call 805.409.9159. You cannot receive information any other way.
WOMEN’S ECONOMIC VENTURES (WEV) QUICK RESPONSE LOAN
4.5% interest rate | Up to $10,000 | 36 month repayment
Purpose: To provide financial support to businesses experiencing economic hardship.
Learn more: Go directly to the loan application.
Details: No fees and no payments for the first three payment cycles. Your residence and business must both be located in Santa Barbara or Ventura Counties.
WEV stands for Women’s Economic Ventures, but gender is not a criteria for approval.
QUICK RESPONSE LOANS from the JEWISH FREE LOAN ASSOCIATION
The Jewish Free Loan Association is offering no interest quick response loans to those who have been impacted by COVID-19. Loans can be applied for business economic injury, childcare costs and much more.
Learn more: Visit their website for more information.
Applicants must be a resident of Ventura or Los Angeles County
Resources
Employment Development Department
Site – Information for employees and employers, including an FAQ.
File for unemployment insurance now. Start here.
California Labor Secretary Julie Su sent out a two-page letter on April 14 worth reading. It discusses unemployment insurance and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, provides insight into how the process is working, and describes the steps they are taking to ramp up and serve everyone more quickly.
Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County
Site – Includes a guide that will be updated as appropriate. Also includes an “Immediate Steps to Take” section.
Free counseling from the Economic Development Collaborative
For businesses that have experienced disruptions, Small Business advisors can provide free guidance and discuss small business loans and other financing options during this time. Contact the EDC office at 805-409-9159 to request an appointment.
Reaching Your Customers
Current Initiative
Let’s keep your business front and center for your customers.
Tell us how customers can connect with you for transactions and purchases, such as online shopping, curbside pick-ups, and deliveries.
We will promote customer options for your business in two ways.
- Web site featuring a list of businesses for each transaction method.*
- Weekly newsletter reaching 3000 subscribers.*
Please fill out this form to be included in this initiative.
* DVP’s strategies to market to your customers will evolve as conditions evolve.