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A Message from
Estelle Bussa,
City of Ventura Economic Development Manager
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Keep Our Community Safe!
When supporting Ventura businesses this weekend, don't forget to cover your face and maintain your space!
Here's a few simple reminders on how you can help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Let's do our part to keep all our loved ones safe!
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With the new information from the State of California that evictions can begin as early as September 1, due to the repeal of the eviction moratorium, (Unlawful Retainer) we understand that landlords may now have a sense of urgency to collect back rent.
HERE IS WHAT WE KNOW:
- The courts and the state are in conversation currently about legislation and extensions that may change the landscape of evictions due to COVID-19
- This is a rolling situation that is still developing
WE ADVISE THE FOLLOWING:
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Submit an inability to pay rent due to COVID-19. All tenants need to have a conversation with their landlord about creative options to resolve disputes. All tenants that are unable to pay rent due to coronavirus and economic hardship should fill out and submit this form to their landlord as soon as possible.
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Schedule a session with a financial advisor. Tenants that are experiencing economic hardship and are facing closure or an increase in debt should look at all financial counseling options available. EDC SBDC financial advisors are available to assist. To schedule an appointment please call 805-409-9159 and visit www.edcollaborative.com for more information.
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Register for our upcoming webinar. EDC is hosting a webinar on September 24, “Creative Solutions for Commercial Landlords and Tenants During COVID-19.“ You can register here. We encourage people who are seeking assistance to tune in.
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Seek legal aid. Free legal assistance is available in Santa Barbara and Ventura County through legal aid self-help. If finances permit and business owners need additional resources they should consider hiring an attorney to work as an intermediary between the landlord and lease obligations. Please visit the following for Santa Barbara and Ventura County legal aid. These offices can assist you in “Unlawful Detainer” and provide resources to assist with landlord/tenant negotiations.
*This information is provided courtesy of our community partner,
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Additionally, our partners at the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) recently hosted a webinar titled "Guidance for Renters and Landlords During COVID19" which provided practical information on navigating tenant/landlord issues during COVID. In addition to the webinar, which was recorded for those that missed the presentation, they created a helpful 2-page guide to help answer the most commonly asked tenant/landlord questions:
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Download the "Guide for Renters and Landlords HERE
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View the recorded webinar HERE
Additionally, in March, the City enacted a temporary eviction moratorium, with a subsequent amendment taking place in April. Key provisions of the eviction moratorium include:
- During the Local Emergency, no landlord shall evict a tenant from any rental unit in the following situations:
- for nonpayment of rent during the local emergency if the tenant demonstrates that the tenant is unable to pay rent due to financial impacts related to COVID-19 or
- for a no-fault eviction unless necessary for the health and safety of tenants, neighbors or landlords
- The tenant is obligated to notify the landlord in writing within (7) days after the date rent is due, of lost income and inability to pay full rent due to financial impacts related to COVID-19. Tenant shall provide documentation to support the claim within (30) days after the date rent is due.
- The tenant shall pay partial rent to the extent the tenant is able.
- The tenant must pay unpaid rent within 6 months of the expiration of the local emergency
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A landlord may not charge or collect a late fee for rent nor may a landlord seek rent that is delayed for reasons stated in the temporary eviction moratorium ordinance
ADDITIONAL TENANT / LANDLORD RESOURCES
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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO...
When enjoying expanded outdoor businesses, alcoholic beverages can not be consumed on public properties, public streets, or sidewalks. We understand the confusion surrounding this special event, especially during COVID-19 and differing business operations, but please keep our City a safe place to live, work, and play by only consuming alcohol on designated restaurant premises or in the safety of your own home. Let’s remember to keep extending kindness to make it another great weekend in our beautiful city!
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Due to COVID-19, the City of Ventura Business Tax Office remains closed to the public but did you know you can electronically file your renewal? E-filing is quick and the calculations are done for you!
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Access the renewal portal HERE
What else can I do online?
If your business is eligible to renew online you may also do all of the following by signing into the e-file portal:
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Make Account Corrections/Modifications - You can make corrections to your account and contact information PRIOR to completing your renewal so that changes will be reflected on your business tax certificate.
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Cancel Your Business License – You must cancel your business license to avoid penalties and further notices if you are no longer conducting business in the City of Ventura. Submit your business license cancellation online.
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View Your Renewal Form – You may view a copy of your renewal notice online.
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Request a Deferral of Payment – Due to the unprecedented circumstances, you may submit a request to defer your business license tax payment to the Business Tax Office. Submit a request online for consideration.
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QUESTIONS? Please include your account # (same as Business License #)
in the subject line of all correspondence
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Weekly: Monday & Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.: The SBDC is providing Monday and Wednesday webinars for the Small Business Community on information as it relates to funding information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics will include Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Payroll Protection Program, Disaster Bridge Loan, 7a Forgiveness Program, and other funding opportunities for your business.
Thursday, August 20, 10:00 a.m. The Ventura Chamber of Commerce is excited to partner with Schneiders & Associates, L.L.P. Attorney Christopher Correa will discuss employment issues related to COVID-19, such as paid time off, getting employees back to work safely, workers' compensation, and much more!
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Register in advance for this meeting HERE
Tuesday, September 8, 10:30 a.m. - noon. Join SCORE for a free webinar titled "Using QuickBooks® to Manage Your Finances During Covid-19 and Beyond". Every Small Business can benefit by learning how to use QuickBooks® to keep track of sales, manage bank accounts, create financial reports, and properly track COVID-19 loans. Juliana Ramirez from JR Bookkeeping will address common bookkeeping issues facing entrepreneurs.:
- How to keep track of accounts receivables and payables, how to manage invoicing, and how to manage reports.
- How to use QuickBooks® to manage your business, examples of how QB can work for you.
- How to improve ability to track and control financial information, invoices, bank accounts, and more.
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Register HERE
Wednesday, September 9, 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Join SCORE for a free webinar titled "The Amazon Effect - Its Impact on Your Customer's Expectations". In this webinar we will discuss how Amazon (and companies like them) have changed your customers’ expectations and some basic steps on how you can adjust your business to meet them. These concepts can be applied to your business no matter if you have products to sell or you deliver services.
Monday, September 14, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Join WEV and learn the basics of small business bookkeeping using QuickBooks Desktop.
- Build confidence in performing everyday financial tasks and tracking your business performance
- 4-week introductory course
- Instructor-led, online, group learning*
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Register HERE
Tuesday, September 15, 10:30 a.m. - noon. Join SCORE for a free webinar titled "Everything You Need to Know About Google My Business". Gain an understanding of the overall importance of optimizing your Google My Business listing and how to make your existing listing even better!
Wednesday, September 23, 10:30 a.m. - noon. Join HUTDogs! and SCORE for a free webinar titled "Social Media & Email - Build a Powerful Online Marketing System". Email marketing and social media are power tools for your business /organization. In this webinar we will look at how Email Marketing and Social Media can work for you. We will look at best practices, real-world examples and provide tips and ideas.
Thursday, September 24, noon. Join the EDC for a free webinar titled "Creative Solutions for Commercial Landlords and Tenants During COVID-19.“ The webinar will cover commercial leasing and finding creative solutions to tenant-landlord disputes during COVID-19 with partners and associate attorneys from Myers, Widders, Gibson, Jones, & Feingold. Their excellent panel with extensive experience in lease negotiation, civil litigation, and resolving business disputes will review:
- Lease provisions during COVID-19
- The September eviction moratorium
- Effect of bankruptcies on commercial tenancies
- Strategies to achieving win-win solutions for both tenants and landlords
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Register HERE
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It's the Final Count! The Census helps determine how our community gets the funds we need to support education, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. By participating, you make an impact on our community for the next 10 years.
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We've created a central location for you to get print and digital Coronavirus COVID-19 design resources from local, state, and national agencies. This toolkit includes social media graphics and printed materials available for download. Click HERE.
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CITY OF VENTURA
501 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001
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