This Week
March 22 - Como Abrir un Negocio de Alimentos ~ Como Navegar el Sistema-8 part accelerator program, entrenamiento 3 de 8. (NorCal SBDC Restaurant Program)

March 23 - Introduction to Worker Owned Cooperatives (North Coast SBDC)

March 24 - Disaster Relief Loan Updates & Caseforce (NorCal SBDC Finance Center)

March 24 - Restaurant Financial Bootcamp, 3 of 4 (NorCal SBDC Restaurant Program)

March 25 - Marketing Your Business (NorCal SBDC)

March 25 - SBA Resources for Small Businesses (NorCal SBDC Finance Center & City of Milpitas)

Pandemic Updates
CA Relief Grant Program opens Round 5 March 25-31!
The state of CA added $2 billion this grant program for small businesses, nonprofits, and tribes impacted by the pandemic.

If you have not yet applied: Round 5 of the Grant opens for NEW APPLICANTS from 3/25 - 3/31.

If you were waitlisted for Rounds 1, 2, or 3 the program coordinator Lendistry will automatically move you into Round 5 consideration. No need to do anything.

Please bookmark careliefgrant.com and share this email with peers who still want to apply.
Shuttered Venue Operator Grant Portal Launched. Opens for Applications on or after April 8.
Paycheck Protection Program loan applications still open through March 31st.
In the March 11th "New American Rescue Plan for Small Businesses" Congress added $7.25 billion more for the Paycheck Protection Program. Qualifying lenders are still able to accept PPP loan applications until Wednesday, March 31, 2021

See here for First Draw info and here for Second Draw info.

Questions about Forgiveness? Start here.


Targeted EIDL Advance
In the March 11th "New American Rescue Plan for Small Businesses" Congress added $15 billion more for Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDL) payments.

Applicants do not need to take any action. SBA is reaching out to those who qualify.

Advance funds of up to $10,000 will be available to applicants located in low-income communities who previously received an EIDL Advance for less than $10,000, or those who applied but received no funds due to lack of available program funding.

SBA has released a new mapping tool to help small businesses determine if they are located in a low-income community, which is a requirement to qualify for a Targeted EIDL Advance.
Got Questions? Ask SBDC.
Do you have questions about all the COVID relief funding options out there? AskSBDC reviews them all and includes time for Q and A. Alternate weeks include guest attorneys from CaseForce

Wednesdays at 10:30 am via Zoom.
Events & Programs Coming Soon
Pregunte a Maddy McLaughlin o Leila Roberts para servicios en español: espanol@northcoastsbc.org o (707) 445-9720.
Worker Ownership Academy (Apr)
Are you interested in starting up a new worker-owned cooperative? Learn more at northcoastsbdc.org/worker-owned


Are you a business owner interested in selling to your employees? Email Director Leila Roberts for info about a feasibility consultation with Project Equity.
Digital Marketing Intensive (Spring)
Get ready for the return of in-person retail and the summer tourist season by sharpening your web presence, search engine results, and social media best practices.

SAVE THE DATES! The spring Digital Marketing Intensive Program includes:
  • A personalized audit of your web site and social media engagement (for qualified applicants). You'll get a written report by April 16th.
  • Daily 12-1 pm webinars Monday-Friday April 19-23 on every aspect of your audit.
  • 10 hours of individual digital marketing or e-commerce consulting (optional).

Digital Audit applications and workshop registrations will be launched at northcoastsbdc.org/ebiz by March 29th.

Sign up to be notified when the April intensive registration opens up.
Humboldt Small Farm Business Workshop Series (Apr-Oct)
Do you have or want to start a farm business in Humboldt?

Register now for the free State of the Industry for Humboldt Farmers: Monday, April 19, 5:30 to 7:30pm.

includes an Info Session for the upcoming Small Farm Business Workshop Series.

North Coast Growers Association (NCGA) and North Coast SBDC are proudly partnering to bring you fresh programming and coaching this year. Visit northcoastsbdc.org/farm for general program details.

Sign up to be notified when the May - October program registration opens up.
You know food. We know food business. (All Year)
The regional Northern California SBDC offers excellent online programming for food businesses. View their winter/spring 2021 line up.
Como Abrir un Negocio de Alimentos (8 mars - 26 abril) Gratis! Curso de 8 semanas. Cada lunes desde 2 a 4 hrs. Registrarse aquI
Sign up to be notified when the popular North Coast SBDC Fall 2021 Food Business Program applications open up.
Pivot to Product Workshop
During the Pivot to Product workshop on April 6 from 3:30-5pm, Oakland's Port Product Labs helps you construct a plan to diversify your business by offering new products.

This workshop is for both existing product-based businesses looking to expand into new lines, and service-business exploring opportunities to transition into products.

Whether you’re a restaurateur looking to bottle your sauces, an educator producing DIY kits, or farmer building green houses, this workshop is for you.

Space is limited. Please RSVP by March 30, at portlabs.co/pivottoproduct
Business Succession in Uncertain Times (Apr-May)
Own a business? Own your exit. Smart business owners plan their exit from day one. We're lining up coaching, business value assessment consulting, and workshops for seasoned business owners planning to sell in 1-10 years.

SAVE THE DATE: Navigating Your Business Exit in Troubled Times. Wednesday, April 21st 5:30 - 7:30 pm.

May Date TBD: Worker Owned 101: A Smart Option for Your Business Legacy
Sign up to be notified when the business exit workshop registrations open up.

Visit:
Partner News & Events
Greater Eureka Chamber
Job listing for the Smart Workforce Center has changed to regional website for jobseekers. You can now find and post job listings at https://northstatejobs.com/smart/
Arcata Chamber
McKinleyville Chamber
Southern Humboldt Chamber
Willow Creek Chamber
Fortuna Chamber
North Coast Small Business Development Center
Humboldt: (707) 445-9720 | Del Norte: (707) 464-2168
North Coast SBDC Learning Programs also generously funded by: