COVID-19 Business Assistance

This page also includes resources for nonprofit organizations.

Local Resources

Your Mountain Communities Chamber of Commerce team is here to help.  We have been monitoring the COVID-19 situation continuously, collecting resources and information, and advocating for the needs of the mountain communities. 

We will do our best to assist and to direct you to grants, loans, and service programs. 

County Resources (Kern, Los Angeles, Ventura)

Central California SBDC Network is ready to assist businesses in navigating the negative impacts arising from the COVID-19 outbreak, from providing assistance in applying for Federal SBA Disaster Loans to offering no-cost consulting.  Several on-demand webinars are available, and live webinars continue to be offered.  Learn more.

Kern Community Foundation has established a COVID-19 Relief Fund.  Nonprofit organizations and public agencies meeting eligibility requirements may apply at any time.  Learn more.

Kern County has established the Kern Recovers Program, which provides forgivable loans up to $75,000 to small businesses and certain classifications of nonprofit organizations.  Applications open on May 26.  Learn more

Valley Strong is awarding grants to local nonprofit organizations.  Eligibility requirements: Must be a 501(c)(3) organization located within Kern County whose mission addresses the needs of the community.  Learn more.

Ventura Community Foundation has established a COVID-19 Relief Fund.  Organizations providing basic human needs to individuals and families throughout Ventura County are invited to apply, as are small business owners.  Learn more.

Ventura County is expected to launch an Economic Stabilization and Recovery Program on June 17.  One component of the program offers $5,000 grants to small businesses to help alleviate impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Funding should assist with payroll support, rent, protective equipment, and operation/business expenses related to compliance with protocols for reopening.  Applications will be available here when the program is approved and opened.

State Resources

CA Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank)

IBank has a Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program which provides loan guarantees of up to $1 million for small business borrowers in declared disaster areas.  There is also a Jump Start Loan Program which offers loans from $500 to $10,000 for low-wealth entrepreneurs in declared disaster and emergency areas.  

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.  

Employment Development Department

Work Sharing Program:  Employers can apply for the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Work Sharing program if reduced production, services, or other conditions cause them to seek an alternative to layoffs.

Federal and National Resources

CARES ACT

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27.  The Act is intended to be the third round of federal government support in the wake of the coronavirus public health crisis and economic fallout.  There are several aspects of the bill that provide more support for small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals.

The Small Business Summary we have shared here also applies to nonprofit organizations.  See the FAQ in the document for more information.

NOTE:  On 4/15/2020 appropriations lapsed and applications were not being accepted for the Paycheck Protection Loan Program (PPL).  Funding was restored on 4/27/2020 - apply soon before funding runs out again.

CDC Resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides extensive information and updates on how to prevent community spread.  Below is specific guidance for community organizations, businesses, and event planners.

SBA Resources

The Small Business Administration (SBA) released a toolkit offering guidance for businesses and employers to plan and respond to Coronavirus.  They also offer the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program that provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.  NOTE: As of 4/15/2020, appropriations have lapsed and loan applications are not being accepted at this time.

U.S. Department of Labor

The U.S. Department of Labor provides information on common issues employers and employees face when responding to influenza, pandemics, or other public health emergencies.

Funding Programs & Business Support

The Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses.  NOTE:  As of 4/15/2020, appropriations have lapsed and applications are not being accepted.  Learn more.

Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits through their Small Business Grants Program.  Grants will only be available to businesses operating near a Facebook hub location.  Learn more.

GoFundMe has established a Small Business Relief Fund.  The Fund will provide one-time matching grants to qualifying small businesses to help alleviate financial burdens.  Learn more.

JPMorgan pledged $50 million global philanthropic commitment to support communities and people hit hardest by this pubic health crisis, including $2 million to existing nonprofit partners and $8 million to assist small businesses.  Learn more.

Kabbage launched an online hub to help boost sales for U.S. small businesses impacted by COVID-19, including a system through which businesses can sell gift cards to consumers for use at a later date.  Learn more.

Kangaroo is offering a security camera and monitoring kits free (for three months) for business owners who are unable to be physically present at their offices.  Learn more.

The James Beard Foundation is launching a fund that will be gathering support from corporate, foundation, and individual donors to provide micro-grants to independent food and beverage businesses in need.  Learn more.

MainVest, a crowdfunding platform, announced its new Main Street initiative; a $2,000 zero-interest, 120 day loan for restaurants or other brick and mortars affected by the shutdown.  Learn more.

No Kid Hungry is taking inquiry forms for emergency grants from organizations and school districts that are providing nutritious meals to youth during the coronavirus shutdown.  Learn more.

Opportunity Fund, which specializes in money lending to small business owners owned by women, immigrants and people of color, is collaborating with investors and nonprofits to put together a coronavirus relief fund that will provide grants and low-interest rate loans.  Learn more.

United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation will begin accepting applications to the Save Small Business Fund on April 20, 2020.  Grants up to $5,000 will be available to small businesses with between 3-20 employees, located in an economically distressed area, and have been harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic.  All zip codes in the Mountain Communities qualify as an economically distressed area.  Learn more. - NOTE: This program reached capacity the same day it opened.  The program is currently closed pending more funding.

Verizon, in partnership with LISC has established a Small Business Recovery fund for grants up to $10,000.  Grants are available to businesses facing immediate financial pressure due to the COVID-19 shutdown.  This is for immediate operational costs such as payroll, rent, supplies, and accounts payable.  The first application deadline is April 4.  Learn more.