North Coast Small Business Pandemic Update 4/16
Alert: SBA Loan Programs are Currently Closed.
Dear Friends of North Coast SBDC:

We learned from a press release t his morning that both the EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) loan portal and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) were shut down last night. Both loan programs are now closed for now , pending new appropriations from Congress. 

EIDL applicant? Our current understanding is that the SBA is still processing previous EIDL applications already in their system. They're just not taking new applications. New way to check status of EIDL Application:
  • Call (800) 659-2955 (SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Svc Center) 
  • Press 2
  • Press 3
You'll then go to another voice prompt
  • Press 2
  • Press 4 for Loan Status

PPP applicant? N ew PPP loan applications through each lender will likely be placed on hold until now.  Speak with your lender directly --some are taking names on a waiting list. Some are able to continue processing loan applications that got into the SBA system under the wire.
 
Congress is currently working on an additional stimulus package to increase the capacity of both the PPP and EIDL programs. Our hope is that they will resolve their issues and come to an agreement to continue both programs as soon as possible.
 
We will update you with more information as we receive it. 

With respect,

Leila Roberts
Director, North Coast Small Business Development Center
Financial Agility During a Crisis
Special Extended Surviving Together webinar
Friday, April 17th 12-2 pm
We may be on hold until Congress renews emergency lending but we're not on hold for making the best decisions we can no matter what our resources.
Join a special extended two-hour session featuring financial and other experts providing their best advice for small business owners who are in -- or trying to prevent -- deep financial crisis. Let's get creative in the face of hard reality.

We will cover
  • The latest updates on the SBA Loan Programs
  • An overview of local lending options and bridge loans available 
  • Advice from local bankers, lenders, mortgage brokers, financial advisors, real estate experts, and more
  • Some practical steps to take right away to curb spending and boost revenue
  • An extended Q&A session
Remember! This amazing community has mobilized local resources, too.
Please revisit Wednesday's North Coast Small Business Pandemic Update email for information about the local emergency bridge loans being mustered by our community leaders and lenders.
Don't Get Scammed.
Avoid and Report Scams.   Learn more about  what to look out for here . Report scammers to the the FBI at  www.ic3.gov

Here's a useful piece on scams from Inc.com Magazine
Take Other Action:
North Coast SBDC Center Service Continuity
When will I get introduced to my business advisor?
As you can imagine, the Center experienced a surge of new and returning clients once the pandemic emergency really set in. We're welcoming 50 new clients a week since March 16th--not counting returning clients. Your SBDC team is determined to get everyone currently on the waiting list through the process and paired up. Our goal is to reduce pending requests for emergency COVID help to a 1-3 day turnaround by the end of the week. Non-emergency consulting requests will be assigned as soon as possible.
Stay Updated COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Small Business is updated daily or more: northcoastsbdc.org/covid19

Get Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 for your business  here and download the California SBDC's COVID-19 Survival Guide for Small Business here .

Sign up for the Small Business Emergency Response mailing list: surveymonkey.com/r/NorthCoastBizCOVID19

Get confidential layoff or closure help ... manage and support your employees during forced closures or layoffs emailing layoffhelp@northcoastsbdc.org or calling (707) 445-9720

Get confidential management or finance help ... figure out how to maximize income, reduce expenses, apply for disaster funding and more by signing up to speak with a business advisor at northcoastsbdc.org/apply
Is the Center headquarters open?
The office is closed BUT your North Coast SBDC team is working from home during our Shelter in Place order. Please call 707-445-9720 or email admin@northcoastsbdc.org instead. Visit the  North Coast SBDC Service Continuity Update page   to understand how we are handling your needs and questions.

Also, please be aware that staff are working at top intensity to respond to increased demand during the crisis so please start by accessing the resources above to see if we've already answered your question.

Is my workshop still running?
Probably. Most of our workshops through May are still on and are being offered virtually via Zoom. Register for the workshops you want to attend northcoastsbdc.org/calendar and we will send you login instructions. You'll need a computer, decent Internet speed, and ideally a separate phone. The workshops that require a high level of interaction and/or computer labs will be postponed.

Can I still meet with my business advisor?
Yes. Our advisors are independent contractors so we leave it up to you two to decide where and how to meet. Many of our advisors are prepared to meet with you by phone and/or videoconference to make sure you continue to get the help you need.

How do I use Zoom to access services virtually?
Zoom is the videoconferencing services we're using to deliver our workshops live. Most of our business advisors are also using to be in communication with you. It's flexible--can be used as a phone service, a videoconference service, to share views of what's on your computer so you can look at financial statements together, etc.

Please make sure that you have downloaded and installed the  Zoom program  on your computer in advance. It’s fairly fast and easy, but does take a few minutes.

And if this is your first time here is a short video tutorial on YouTube from Geeks on Tour: How do I join a Zoom meeting?
North Coast Small Business Development Center
Humboldt: (707) 445-9720 | Del Norte: (707) 464-2168
North Coast SBDC Learning Programs also generously funded by: