Economic Development Business Newsletter |
|
Welcome to the second issue of the Economic Development Business Newsletter, a news report distribution for the Simi Valley business community that contains information and resources that may be of interest to our local business owners and managers.
Look for new installments in the future with updates on COVID-19 data and community impacts, upcoming events and programs offered by the City of Simi Valley and its partners, and other helpful information.
|
|
Progress continues in the County's efforts to combat COVID-19, with Ventura County moving from the Red (Substantial) Tier to the less-restrictive Orange (Moderate) Tier on April 7, 2021. The move marks another big step forward for the County, and is the result of increased vaccine distribution and the continued practicing of social distancing and wearing of masks in public spaces.
State and local officials indicate that we are on track to meet the requirements to move into the Yellow (Minimal) Tier in the coming weeks. The City encourages everyone to continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing, and schedule a vaccination appointment as soon as one becomes available to you.
The County's COVID-19 statistics are provided below.
|
|
For additional information from the County of Ventura on COVID-19 data and upcoming state and local programs, you can sign up for email updates here. |
|
RELIEF PROGRAMS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES |
|
Many resources are still available for those experiencing challenges related to COVID-19, below are some ongoing programs at the State and local levels that can assist those in need with recovery efforts. |
|
|
Restaurant Revitalization Fund |
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund was passed as part of the American Rescue Plan on March 11, 2021. Although the Small Business Administration has not yet released official guidance for the application process, they are expected to begin taking applications by the end of this month. For more information on grant eligibility, timeline, and fund distribution for restaurant operators, please review the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund FAQ. |
|
|
Shuttered Venues Operator Grant (SVOG) |
The SVOG is a $16 billion grant program that was set up to help qualifying live music venues, independent theaters, museums and other live-event spaces hit hard by pandemic-prompted shutdowns. Due to technical difficulties with the application portal, the Small Business Administration temporarily suspended application submittals. The SBA is working closely with their vendor to resolve the technical issues. For more information on grant eligibility and program criteria, please review the SBA’s FAQ Shuttered Venue Operators Grant web page. |
|
|
Emergency Rental Assistance Program For Struggling Tenants and Small Property Owners |
Income eligible renters and landlords who have experienced financial hardship or loss of income due to COVID-19 can apply for financial assistance through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.
Additional information, program eligibility and instructions on how to apply are available in English and Spanish and can be found at Housing Is Key. |
|
|
California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program |
Additional funding continues to be added to the State's ongoing COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, with grant awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
Round six funding eligibility is reserved for small businesses and nonprofits that were not selected in the previous rounds of funding, or new applicants seeking financial relief. The application window is from Wednesday, April 28th at 9:00 a.m. through Tuesday, May 4th at 5:00 p.m. Notifications of funding will begin Friday, May 7.
Additional information can be found at CAreliefgrant.com. Viewers can choose their preferred language when accessing the website. |
|
|
Additional Financial Resources |
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Potentially fully forgiven loan for businesses, nonprofits, veteran organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, independent contractors and other eligible borrowers to keep their workforce employed during COVID-19.
DEADLINE: May 31, 2021
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
Low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.
DEADLINE: December 31, 2021
|
|
|
2021 Housing Element, Step 3 |
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Planning Commission Meeting
The Housing Element is progressing to Step 3 after successfully completing the first two community engagement meetings. Step 3 is a continuation of the engagement process, and provides additional opportunities for community members to provide input on the Housing Element process and how the City can best accommodate the required 2,793 new housing units that have been allocated to Simi Valley between now and 2029.
Step 3 of the Housing Element process is scheduled for the April 21, 2021 Planning Commission meeting. The agenda is available online and can be viewed by visiting the Planning Commission page. |
|
|
Apply to Serve on the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District Advisory Committee |
Applications are still being accepted to serve as the City's representative to the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District Advisory Committee (APCD). The Advisory Committee ensures that private citizens, industry, health and environmental organizations, and government agencies, have an in-depth forum for the discussion of APCD rule development activities and other air pollution concerns.
|
|
|
Here are some additional upcoming events put on by our organizational partner, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce. |
Connections Networking Lunch |
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 - 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Rancho Tapo Community Park (Lemon Park) in the Picnic Pavilion off Avenida Simi
Join your chamber members for an in-person (outdoors) networking lunch! Business owners and operators will have the opportunity to share what they do with Simi Valley's business community. Lunch will not be provided, please bring your own.
|
FREE Community e-Waste Collection Event |
Saturday and Sunday, April 24th and 25th, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
40 W. Cochran Street
Simi Valley, CA 93065.
Bring your e-Waste to this free recycling event. A small service charge may be assessed for major appliances. A full list of of accepted items is available at the Free e-Waste Event page. |
Friday, May 14th, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
40 W. Cochran Street
Simi Valley, CA 93065
The Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce invites business owners and managers to participate in contactless document shredding at a cost of $10 per box with a five box maximum.
|
|
|
Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
40 W. Cochran Street
Simi Valley, CA 93065
The Boomers & Beyond Expo is an opportunity for Simi Valley's community members and their families to meet the businesses and organizations that provide goods and services to the seniors in the community.
|
|
|
WEBINARS AND COMMUNITY PARTNER RESOURCES |
|
Double Your Sales With 5 Easy Steps
Do you have a business idea but need assistance to think through all of the details? This SCORE workshop will take you through the basics of putting your business idea on paper. You will learn the basic content of what is required to have an effective business plan. You will gain knowledge on how to think through some of your issues. It is the information that you need to attract people, money, and clients but it needs to be written. It helps you to describe your product or service, your market, and your potential clients and their needs. Going through the business plan process reveals to you the strengths and weaknesses of your ideas and how to improve them. It gives you the confidence to sell your idea to others. This process forces you to think through the critical issues in an organized way and sharpen your business skills. The business plan will help you prepare your roadmap for success.
|
|
Save Time & Money By Identifying Your Target Market
Want to make your brand a success? Learn the strategies, tactics, and secrets for building a recognizable brand that turns one-time shoppers into lifelong customers. Topics of this SCORE Santa Barbara webinar include: Identify your choir; Needs or dreams focus pitch; and Closing the deal. Oniracom will share unique examples from their 20 year history, and are offering free, 20 minute consultations to webinar attendees.
|
|
Como generar Proyecciones de Flujo de Efectivo en QuickBooks
Únete a nosotros para aprender cómo puedes generar proyecciones de flujo de efectivo que sean significativas y relevantes para ti y tu negocio con nuestra experta invitada Juliana Ramirez. Tambien hablaremos de como utilizar tus proyecciones como una herramienta para obtener financiamiento, ser responsable de tus objetivos de negocio y comprender y administrar mejor tus finanzas. Un seminario web WEV.
|
|
Paid Advertising Tactics Every Business Owner Should Know
Learn the basics of successful paid advertising strategies and how to drive new leads for your business. Online marketing is constantly evolving, which can make it difficult for your business to keep up. In this webinar, SCORE Ventura County will break down the different paid ad campaigns by platform with discussion of best practices that businesses can use to get the most out of their marketing dollars.
|
|
4 Week Series: Learn Skills to Ease Stress and Increase Resilience: Mindfulness Fundamentals for Small Business Owners and Staff
Four weekly, 1-hour, interactive zoom group sessions with guided practice and discussion to enhance work performance, as well as customer and team communication and relationships. Topics include: Developing simple sustainable habits of self-care; Cultivating attention and emotional resilience.; Providing specific ways of working with distracting or negative thoughts and feelings.; Learning to respond rather than react in moments of difficulty.; and Intentionally creating a positive, collaborative workplace culture. Please commit to attending all four sessions to gain the maximum benefit from this material. These SCORE Santa Barbara sessions will be held: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2021 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2021, 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 5:00 p.m.
|
|
How to Generate Cash Flow Projections with QuickBooks
Join WEV to learn how you can generate cash flow projections that are meaningful and relevant to you and your business with WEV QuickBooks coach, David Machacek. You will also learn how to use your projections as a tool to get funding, stay accountable to your business goals and better understand and manage finances.
|
|
Café con Exito
Conecta, Colabora, Aprende con WEV. Únase a nosotros una vez al mes (con su bebida matutina favorita) para conectarse, colaborar y aprender de otras emprendedoras y emprendedores. Al reunirnos una vez al mes de 9:00am a 10:00am acompañados por un invitado especial, tendremos la oportunidad de compartir, escuchar y apoyarnos mutuamente para alcanzar las metas de su negocio.
|
|
3 Secrets to a Winning Small Business Social Media Strategy
Discover the secrets to finding and retaining customers, defeating the competition, and building authority on social media by joining this SCORE Santa Barbara webinar. Topics include: Live video; Serve customer not yourself; and Becoming an expert. Oniracom will share unique examples from their 20 year history, and are offering free, 20 minute consultations to webinar attendees.
|
|
Do You Need Someone To Connect With? Help is Available! |
Mental Health Resources for Business Owners
If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety, depression or just fear of the unknown, we encourage you to reach out to the following organizations to help assist during this time.
Wellness Everyday provides guidance and mental health resources for individuals and families that are struggling to cope with the ongoing effects of trauma and COVID-19.
Ventura County 211 provides assistance with mental health resources, housing, legal assistance and a range of social services.
You are not in this alone. Help is available for those in need.
|
|
|
Looking to grow your existing business? Start a new venture? Know someone that may be looking to relocate their business to Simi Valley? We are here to help! With the City's knowledgeable staff providing business-friendly support, Simi Valley is where your business can succeed and thrive.
Find out how doing business in Simi Valley can benefit your organization by calling the Economic Development Office at (805) 583-6701 or visiting our Business Resource Center today! |
|
Received this newsletter from a friend? Subscribe today for regular updates from the City's Economic Development Team. |
|
2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, CA 93063
Economic Development Department
(805) 583-6701
|
|
Linda Swan,
Assistant City Manager
|
|
Kelly Tinker,
Management Analyst
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
