Economic Development Business Newsletter |
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Friday, March 12, 2021 - Vol. 1 |
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Welcome to the new 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.
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Ventura County continues to make progress in the fight against COVID-19, and state and local officials indicate that we are on track to meet the requirements to move from the Purple (Widespread) Tier into the less-restrictive Red (Substantial) Tier.
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. Click the link for additional information on vaccine registration, or for additional information on Ventura County's risk level tier status and what it means for Simi Valley businesses.
The County's COVID-19 statistics are provided below.
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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. |
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RELIEF PROGRAMS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES |
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County of Ventura Launches Second $20 Million COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program |
On March 9, 2021, the County of Ventura launched the second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program.
Eligible businesses and nonprofit organizations in Ventura County that did not receive funding during the County's first business grant program in 2020 can now apply for a $5,000 grant. The application window opens March 31, 2021 at 8:00 a.m., and closes April 6, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Applicants can also pre-register one week in advance.
Program information, eligibility requirements, and application instructions are all available in multiple language options at vcbusinessgrants.org. |
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State of California Launching Emergency Rental Assistance Program For Struggling Tenants and Small Property Owners |
The California Emergency Rental Assistance Program is designed to provide aid to income-qualified tenants most at risk of eviction due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program will begin accepting applications from eligible households no later than March 15, 2021. Additional information, program eligibility and instructions on how and when tenants will be able to apply are available in English and Spanish and can be found at Housing Is Key. |
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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 four funding eligibility is limited to nonprofit cultural institutions, with an application window of Tuesday, March 16th through Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021. Round five funding eligibility is reserved for small businesses and nonprofits that were not selected in the previous rounds of funding, with an application window of Thursday, March 25th through Wednesday, March 31st, 2021.
Additional information can be found at CAreliefgrant.com. Viewers can choose their preferred language when accessing the website. |
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California State Fee Waivers |
On February 23, 2021 the Governor signed a legislative package that included licensing fee waivers.
ABC License Fee Waivers
Eligible ABC licensees that have been heavily impacted by the public health and safety restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may qualify for a waiver of the associated license renewal fee. Licensees whose licenses expire between March 1, 2021 and February 28, 2023 may qualify for the waiving of fees ranging from $455 to $1,235. Additional information can be found at California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Barbering / Cosmetology Fee Relief
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology license renewal fees will be waived for all licenses that expire in calendar years 2021 and 2022. The fee waivers will be automatic for all license renewals, with no application required. Additional information can be found in this Barbering and Cosmetology Fee Relief (PDF). |
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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: March 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
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Friday, March 12, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 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.
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2021 State of the City Address with Mayor Keith Mashburn |
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
Join Mayor Keith Mashburn, Board of Education President Kareem Jubran, and Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Board Chair Brian Dennert as they review the City’s triumphs during 2020 and preview what’s on the horizon for 2021 during Simi Valley’s first virtual State of the City. This online event is hosted by the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, and is free to attend and open to the public with registration required.
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2021 Housing Element Workshop |
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 Planning Commission Meeting
The Housing Element is one of seven required Elements of the General Plan, and its purpose is to adequately plan to meet the housing needs of everyone in the community. The Housing Element must be updated every eight years, and California is entering its “6th Cycle Housing Element” (October 2021-October 2029). The deadline to have a compliant Housing Element Update is October 2021.
As part of this process, the City holds a series of workshops to receive public input, and the next workshop is tentatively scheduled for the March 17, 2021 Planning Commission meeting. Once the agenda is posted, it will be available on the Planning Commission website. |
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WEBINARS AND COMMUNITY PARTNER RESOURCES |
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How to Influence, Persuade & Sell Anyone
Have you ever struggled to get someone to accept your ideas or buy your product or service? Well, help is finally on the way, with SCORE Ventura County's breakthrough webinar! In less than an hour you will learn how to convince and sell almost anyone. Suddenly, you'll have an incredible power to persuade all the people in your life, unlike anything you've ever been able to do before. In this webinar for small business owners, top behavioral management specialist James I. Bond will share secrets that will help you grow your business and simplify your life almost immediately.
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Four Digital Marketing Strategies That Improve Your Google Ranking
In this webinar you’ll learn the top four strategies that impact your Google ranking, including the importance of having your business show up in local search results and how you can leverage online reviews to attract more customers. SCORE Ventura County will also show you ways you can use different types of paid ad strategies to get in front of more of your targeted customers. Lastly, they will touch on using social media to build your brand and create a more personalized experience for you followers.
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COVID-19 Business Resources – EIDL, PPP, UI and Grants
The EDC invites you to join their webinar series on alternative Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 pm to answer questions about EIDL, PPP, UI, Grants and all currently available COVID-19 related business resources. Please register in advance. Space is limited.
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Strong Women, Strong Coffee
Connect, Collaborate, Learn with Women's Economic Ventures (WEV). Strong Women, Strong Coffee is WEV's monthly meet-up/community empowerment group and you are invited to join online (with your favorite morning brew) one Friday each month from 9:00am to 10:00am. You’ll meet a special guest speaker and enjoy the opportunity to share, listen and support one another in reaching your business goals. Join WEV and meet this month’s special guest Seana-Marie Sesma, Founder of Your PR Girls and Mary Jane Services Network, who will share ways to create connections that lead to successful partnerships.
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Fundamentals of Starting a New Business
Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business but don’t know where to start? Do you have the passion and work ethic but need education and guidance? Being a small business owner is exciting, but understanding the lifestyle will clarify if it is right for you. Join SCORE Ventura County in this informative webinar and learn what it takes to be a successful business owner.
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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. Un evento WEB.
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COVID-19 Business Resources – EIDL, PPP, UI and Grants
The EDC invites you to join their webinar series on alternative Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 pm to answer questions about EIDL, PPP, UI, Grants and all currently available COVID-19 related business resources. Please register in advance. Space is limited.
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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.
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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! |
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Received this newsletter from a friend? Subscribe today for regular updates from the City's Economic Development Team. |
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2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, CA 93063
Economic Development Department
(805) 583-6701
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Linda Swan,
Assistant City Manager
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Kelly Tinker,
Management Analyst
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