Where Businesses Start, Grow, and Prosper
Santa Cruz County’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a premier hub of experts experienced in Main street, Tech street, and Agribusiness. Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs receive in-depth advising and training to obtain capital, launch businesses, grow sales, and create jobs.
WEBINARS
COVID-19 Stimulus Package:
What's in the new law for small businesses

Congress and the Administration recently passed a $2 trillion stimulus package designed to combat the financial losses COVID-19 has caused businesses across the country. Join us for a free webinar to learn about how your small business could be impacted by the current package and resources you can take advantage of at this time.
Improve your Client's FICO Score
Learn how to improve your credit score to increase your ability to obtain capital.
How To Talk To Your Landlord During A Crisis
Global Workspace had Laurent Dhollande, CEO of Pacific Workplaces, and Wolf Bielas, Managing Partner at Downtown Works on the Coworking Council Series, for an honest discussion of how best to approach talking through your options with your landlord during a time of crisis.
Recursos Para Pequeñas Empresas en EE. UU. Afectadas por COVID-19

Small Business Majority los invita para un webinar gratis para aprender sobre las opciones de financiación que existen para su pequeña empresa. Ahora más que nunca, estar informado con la información más recente es clave para tomar decisiones con respecto a la salud financiera de su negocio.

Jueves 2 de abril, 2020 9:00 AM (PT)
1099 Contractor Support Huddle with Small Business Majority

Freelancers make up 35% of the working population and drive $1 trillion in income. As the realities of COVID-19 set in and government bailout plans start to emerge, 1099 contractors are left wondering how they will be supported during these challenging times. Join this call which will offer support, share resources, and insight around how contractors should be navigating this time of uncertainty.

Friday, April 3, 2020 10:00 AM (PT)
Congressional CARES Act: What Silicon Valley small business owners need to know

On March 27, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the third phase of the $2 trillion stimulus package. Join Small Business Majority, the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce, Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce and Silicon Valley SBDC for an interactive webinar on how self-employed, sole-proprietors and small business owners affected by COVID-19 can take advantage of the new law.
Friday, April 3, 2020 at 10:00 AM (PT)
National Resources and Policy Updates for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Join Small Business Majority and America's Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) for a national webinar covering the new loan programs made available by the stimulus package, resources related to COVID-19 and policy recommendations to bolster small business owners right now.

Monday, April 6, 2020
CMAA NorCal COVID-19 Small Business Webinar

SBA San Francisco District Director Julie Clowes will discuss who qualifies, how to apply, what are the terms, and field questions from the audience. Also hear first-hand accounts from other small business construction leaders on measures they have taken to mitigate the effects of this crisis.

Thursday, April 16, 3:00 – 4:30 PM
The Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act
Update On SBA COVID-19 Business Assistance

There have been a number of new developments in the delivery of disaster assistance for businesses adversely affect by COVID-19, particularly on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). March 31, 2020
The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain nonprofits and other employers.
Implementing New FMLA & Sick Leave Laws
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires qualifying employers to provide expanded FMLA and Sick Pay to employees due to the following:

  • Sickness or isolation
  • Care for a family member who is sick or isolated
  • Care for a child under 18 whose school is closed
  • Other "substantially similar" conditions

For more information see the Department of Labor website and the IRS Website.
Mandatory FMLA/Sick Leave Posters For Your Workplace

The Department of Labor requires businesses to post the following notices for their employees effective April 1, 2020.
How To Administer FML & Sick Leave
Administering FMLA and Paid Sick leave in compliance with federal law requires a specific series of communication with employees.

All of this starts with a Leave of Absence Request Form. This is the first form you will have your employee fill out if they are requesting any type of leave (vacation, sick, FMLA, etc), Below is a sample Leave of Absence Request Form created by Cal Chamber, a leader in HR law in California.

Additional documents for administering FMLA leave include:
  • Notice of Eligibility Rights and Responsibilities
  • Certification of Healthcare Provider
  • Designation Notice
  • Fitness for Duty Certificate
Fortress and Flourish is currently not charging for services related to COVID-19 and providing up to date information through email and their website. If you need assistance, please reach out.
Stimulus Package: Business Assistance
Payroll Protection Program (PPP)
The CARES Act establishes a new $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Program will provide much-needed relief to millions of small businesses so they can sustain their businesses and keep their workers employed.
"We are taking pre-applications for SBA 7(a) loans available under the newly signed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.   We say "pre" applications because the program has not yet been released by the SBA Administrator in Washington DC. However, we are taking proactive steps to help businesses get started on the application process.
We have developed a safe, secure, and streamlined, "shelter in place friendly" application, which is now available on our website: https://www.sccountybank.com.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Assistance
  • Available through the SBA
  • Up to $2,000,000 available
  • The interest rate for small businesses is 3.75%. For non-profits, the rate is 2.75%.
  • The SBA will determine the payback period, up to 30 years.
  • No prepayment penalties.
  • The SBA will look at total debt, operating expenses, and reasonable amount of working capital required.
  • Must be personally guaranteed by the owners (at this point in time.)
  • Cannot be used for cash dividends, bonuses, payments to owners. Keep records of how money was spent for three years.
  • Should take about 3 weeks for determination of loan amount. This might increase as applications increase.
SBA Debt Relief
  • Under this program the SBA will pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
  • The SBA will also pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months.
  • Contact your local SBA Lender
SBA Express Bridge Loans
  • Allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan. 
  • Contact your local SBA Lender
CONTACTS AND RESOURCES REGARDING PRODUCING MEDICAL SUPPLIES

Customs & Border Patrol has established an email address ( [email protected] ) where they will accept private sector inquiries about general matters or specific shipments. This single intake is used by CBP to get definitive answers based on coordination with ports of entry, HQ trade offices, etc.  
FEMA Here are some publicly available web links and contacts from Federal Emergency Management Agency that you may find useful for your own businesses and organizations, or to refer companies and constituents who may approach you regarding medical supplies.

  • To sell medical supplies or equipment to the federal government, please email specifics to [email protected].
  • If you have medical supplies or equipment to donate, please provide FEMA details on what you are offering.
  • If you are a private company that wants to produce a product related to the COVID response – email [email protected].
  • If you are a hospital and other companies in need of medical supplies, contact your state Department of Public Health and/or Emergency Management.
  • For non-medical supplies, services or equipment, if you are interested in doing business with FEMA, visit our Industry Liaison Program.
  • For additional information please visit FEMA’s website: https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus/. 
EXPERT ADVICE
COMMUNITY SUPPORT DURING THIS TIME OF NEED
KEEP SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
Here are just a few ways you can help out businesses who
have been impacted by the Coronavirus

  • Write a review on Yelp, Google, etc.
  • Purchase gift cards and certificates to use later
  • Take advantage of curbside pick up or order online and have your favorite takeout delivered (if you are healthy)
  • Order from your favorite local retailers online
  • Send a nice note - spreading kindness doesn't cost a thing and goes a long way
The Santa Cruz Works and their partners plan to launch over 10K locals on Friday, April 3. T hey'd like your help listing your members/readers on this site AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! It’s a simple, free, two step process:

Spread the word on social media using #rideoutthewave.
HELPFUL ARTICLES
Here are two of McKinsey & Company's articles taken from their Top Ten articles for this quarter regarding the coronavirus's impact on society and the future.
COVID-19: Implications for businesses
Beyond the coronavirus: The path to the next normal
Google Commits $800 Million In Coronavirus Aid, Small Business Support
Google CEO Sundar Pichai said the company was committing $800 million in resources, targeted to help small and medium sized businesses, health organizations and governments, health workers, and others responsible for responding to the pandemic.
10 Netflix Documentaries Every Entrepreneur Should See
If you want to stay motivated and enrich your business knowledge, while getting your mind off coronavirus news, here are 10 documentaries we recommend you see.
PARTNERS
Santa Cruz SBDC is a Partnership Program with the SBA, administered by the State University of California. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. All SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the SBDC at (831) 479-6136 or [email protected]
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