Greetings!

We want to keep you updated with information that will help you and your business and hope you find these links useful.
Unprecedented collaboration to bring relief to Valley residents experiencing pandemic hardship
SACRAMENTO – This week, the Legislature joined with the Governor to announce a $9.6 Billion Immediate Action Stimulus Agreement that will deliver much-needed funding for those experiencing pandemic hardship throughout the State. To help ensure California regains economic stability, this stimulus package of immediate actions includes:
 
·        $2 billion in grants for small businesses and nonprofits
·        Fee relief for 59,000 restaurants/bars suffering the economic impacts of COVID-19 closures
·        Fee relief for 600,000 barber & cosmetology businesses
·        $600 stimulus checks for 5.7 million Californians
·        Almost $6 million in CalFresh support for university and community college students struggling with food insecurity
·        $100 million in financial aid for low-income community college students
·        $400 million for child care providers
·        $35 million for food banks/diapers
 
“These actions are critical to our San Fernando Valley community members and businesses that are hurting,” said Senator Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys). “My office will be aggressively reaching out to community groups and businesses to ensure we get our fair share of stimulus funding.” 
 
To learn more about this unprecedented response to the ongoing pandemic, visit this site.
Hope this finds you well. I’m reaching out to share that LAUSD Board Member Melvoin is hosting a virtual event “Navigating screen time during COVID” this Mon, Feb 22 at 4pm with two experts in psychology and social media (FB event link).
 
Additionally, here are some LAUSD resources:
  • Family Help Desk Hotline: (213) 443-1300 – open 6 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday
  • Mental Health Hotline: (213) 241-3840 – open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday
  • Online learning information and resources: https://achieve.lausd.net/resources
  • Information about our COVID testing program: https://achieve.lausd.net/covidtesting
  • Click here to find additional mental health resources for help coping with this crisis
  • Our 63 Grab & Go Food Centers, which have over 100 million meals, are open to anyone in need, no questions asked, weekdays from 7 am to 10 am
 
Business Tax Renewals Due March 1, 2021

The Office of Finance is currently in the midst of it's Business Tax Renewal season. Customers must renew by March 1, 2021 to avoid penalties and take advantage of possible exemptions. All businesses are required to file an annual tax renewal regardless of whether or not the business generated revenue for that tax year. Filing the renewals timely avoids late penalties and fees and also ensures that businesses can take advantage of all available tax credits and incentives.
To assist business owners with renewals, the Office of Finance has created a Business Tax Renewals FAQ in English and Spanish. It provides information regarding our public counter hours, making appointments, and completing the renewals. Please share these FAQs with your constituents. The information can also be found on our website finance.lacity.org.
REMINDERS

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $104 billion of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to more than 1.3 million small businesses since January 11, 2021. Highlights of this newest round of funding include:
  • Reaching more of the smallest businesses; 82% of all loans going to businesses requesting less than $100,000
  • Reaching rural communities in a meaningful way; 28% of businesses who have received funding this round are in rural communities
  • Increasing partnerships with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) who are trusted agents in extending economic relief to minority communities and underserved populations

If your identity was used, without your knowledge or permission, to obtain a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for which you never received any of the loan proceeds, the SBA has recently published a letter with instructions on how resolve this issue. 


In case you missed it! The SBA put together a matrix that compares the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) and the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) eligibility. This matrix is designed to help you decide what is best for your small business.
 
Bad actors are using government logos in phishing emails in an attempt to steal account information. Email image links lead to websites impersonating federal agencies. Any email from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will come from accounts ending in sba.gov.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit
Are you hiring? Giving someone the opportunity to work may result in an IRS tax credit for your small business. 
Federal Coronavirus Resources
State, local, and federal agencies are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Check out coronavirus.gov for updates from the White House's COVID-19 Task Force. Go to cdc.gov for detailed information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Visit covid-sb.org, the official federal resource website for U.S. small businesses affected by COVID-19.
Virtual Mentoring and Training 
Offices around the country may be closed due to the pandemic, but SCORE, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, Veterans Business Outreach Centers and other resource partners are providing free business mentoring and training by phone, email, and video.
Los Angeles COVID-19 Resources
The City of Los Angeles has compiled an extensive list of resources and financial aid programs available to local small businesses. Click here to access the site.
Tax Season is Here, and So Are Scammers: Be Careful of These Top Tax Scams
Tax season is here. Time to gather all your important documents and find the best way to file your income taxes. Whether you’re doing your own taxes or hiring a tax preparer, consumers need to take steps to avoid tax scams and fraud.
Remember, you are legally responsible for what is on your tax return even if it is prepared by someone else.
Scam Alert: Fake Los Angeles County Checks
We want to warn consumers to be on the lookout for a scam involving counterfeit checks that appear to be from the County. Along with the Auditor-Controller, we've received reports that some individuals have unexpectedly received fake checks that look like legitimate County checks even though they were not County employees or vendors.
Consumer Survey: We Need Your Feedback on the Proposed COVID-19 Recovery Charge
The County of Los Angeles is looking for feedback from consumers on a proposed COVID-19 Recovery Charge, which would temporarily allow restaurants, breweries, and wineries to apply a surcharge for onsite dining only. This would not apply to take-out or delivery orders. 
Deadline to complete this survey is tomorrow, February 19.

We're Here to Help! Contact Us Today.
Consumers, small businesses, workers, tenants, and property owners can reach our expert counselors between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Contact us:
(800) 593-8222
 
(833) 238-4450
 
(833) 223-RENT (7368)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will hold a public webinar to present its recently-released Noise Research Portfolio and Neighborhood Environmental Survey on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. ET.
The webinar will provide an overview of the agency’s noise research program, including the survey, followed by a live question and answer session. It will be held on the Zoom platform and livestreamed across social media on the FAA’s Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn accounts. You can register to attend the webinar.
We welcome ideas from County employees, residents, businesses, nonprofits, and the community. We are looking for innovative ideas to assist businesses, streamline contracting processes, and identify potential cost-savings. This effort is part of the County's roadmap to economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Actionable ideas will be a part of a special report to the Board of Supervisors by the Quality and Productivity Commission, in consultation with the Small Business Commission and Economy and Efficiency Commission.

If you know someone who is finding it hard to put food on the table because of the pandemic, there is help. CalFresh provides monthly benefits for groceries at the corner store. It only takes 10 mins but provides help 365 days a year. Visit getcalfresh.org/ for more information. #LetsFeedLACounty
Free Webinars: Starting & Growing Your Business
Do you want to turn your dream into a reality this year? Join the LA Law Library for their free workshops to get all the tips you need! Grow your current business or transform your passion into your purpose. 
Loan Program for Businesses
The Los Angeles County Development Authority has launched a new loan program, providing up to $3 million in loans per business. 
Application is currently open. Learn more
  READY,  
 
  SET,  
 
  APPLY!  

Today, we launch our eighth annual My LA2050 Grants Challenge!
The My LA2050 Grants Challenge is an open call for ideas to make Los Angeles the best place to live, learn, play, create, and connect. A total of $1 million will be awarded among 25 organizations, five per goal category, to implement their winning proposals. Applications are open now through Friday, April 2nd, 2021 at 5 pm (PT). Learn more.
Together, let's make LA's future brighter!

Check it out! FOUR NEW Opportunities to do business with Public Works. 
You can view ALL OPPORTUNITIES on our website, where you’ll also find additional resources to help your business.

BizHelp Webinar Series for Small Businesses!

New Loan Program for Businesses
The Ultimate Bid: Super Bowl LVI!
FREE WEBINAR:
Doing Business with the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs

Do Business with Public Works Calendar
Keep updated with webinars and other virtual events on our SMALL BUSINESS EVENT CALENDAR.

SBA: Recovery Hub
Find the assistance you need to rebuild your small business, keep employees safe and healthy, and revitalize your community!
Reach out to the SBA by clicking HERE for counseling and advice.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Re-Opened
The PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
Our Small Business Counselors Want to Virtually Meet You!
Schedule a FREE one-on-one appointment to learn how to sell to the government
The L.A. County Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) offers one-on-one technical assistance and training to help businesses in Los Angeles County that are interested in local, state, and federal government contracting.
Our PTAC Counselors can help your business with most government contracting matters, including:
  • Becoming a registered vendor;
  • Getting certified;
  • Finding opportunities;
  • Target market analysis; and
  • Marketing to the government.
To schedule your free one-on-one counseling session, please Sign Up As a New Client and we will connect you with a small business counselor.
Click here to see upcoming training opportunities.
Our Call Center Can Help Your Business
DCBA has partnered with the Department of Workforce, Development, Aging, and Community Services, and other County and State agencies to bring you the L.A. County Disaster Help Center. The center has resources for businesses as well as employees to help during the COVID-19 emergency. 
Counselors are available Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to help business owners navigate emergency loan applications and help individuals that were recently laid off due to this emergency. Multilingual help is available. 
Contact the Disaster Help Center:
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates, @LACHelpCenter.
Beware of Vaccine Scams 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers are using robocalls, social media posts, and emails to take advantage of fear, anxiety, and confusion about the pandemic. Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is in Los Angeles County, scammers are targeting local residents with new, vaccine-related schemes. 
FACTS: 
  • Covid-19 vaccine is being distributed in a fair and transparent way. 
  • Covid-19 vaccine will be given to Los Angeles County residents at no cost and regardless of immigration status. 
Learn more at covid19.lacounty.gov
Does your business need help optimizing or creating a website? Do you need help optimizing or creating business listings and a digital presence? Mayor Eric Garcetti launched LA Optimized to help small businesses adapt to the rapid shifts in consumer behavior and technological advances by empowering them to boost their digital marketing, maximize their online business listings, create or optimize their websites, and increase their knowledge and presence in the e-commerce space - all at no cost to businesses. 

In addition, this program will provide grants to select creatives (photographers, graphic designers, videographers, writers, etc) for providing creative and digital content
services including branding, videography, photography, website copy, and
graphic design to small businesses. 

If you are a business owner interested in the program, please learn more here.
If you are a creative professional interested in supporting businesses, please apply here.

Applications will be
accepted on a rolling basis until September 1, 2021.
LADOT Al Fresco Dining Applications

The L.A. Al Fresco program has been a lifeline to Los Angeles restaurants during the pandemic, with more than 2,000 restaurants permitted to-date. While outdoor dining is temporarily suspended, LADOT continues to process and approve applications and implement curbside and street closure dining operations for use as soon as restrictions are lifted. With $2 Million in CARES Act funding to be fulfilled by year's end, LADOT is urging businesses to apply in time to be reimbursed. To apply, click here.
LA County is helping train businesses on the implementation of COVID-19 safety protocols through a no-cost online training course called the COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certification Program (CSCCP). Once completed, business owners receive a certificate, and window seal to display on their storefront, which can reassure employees and customers alike that the business is following COVID-19 infection control and physical distancing requirements.
If you have not yet completed the CSCCP course or want to learn more about it, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/covid19cert.htm. Help support your employees, customers, and community while on the Road to Recovery.
Virtual Meetings and Webinars
Save the Date
From Our Members
Dear Emelita Elementary Parents, Guardians, Friends, and Community:

As expected, some of our most successful fundraising has been on hold and will take a hit this year, but we would love to be able to still reach our goals to enrich our students' experience this year.
The biggest fundraiser for Emelita has traditionally been the Harvest Festival. Since we are unable to have that this year, we are hoping this fund can makeup for it. The goal is to be able to provide educational activity kit items to all students as they are learning remotely:
**Art and science kits for 310 students to be able to have all items necessary to create meaningful and educational projects from home with their virtual class**
So, please can we appeal to you for your help and continued support with this ONE TIME GOFUNDME DONATION for this year? We are committing to use this fund to give each teacher a budget to work with to compile their grade-appropriate virtual learning kits.

 
VAN NUYS AIRPORT INVITES CHILDREN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD OF AVIATION THROUGH FREE VIRTUAL TOUR PROGRAM
 
As parents and educators continue to search for at-home learning adventures, Van Nuys Airport launches a free virtual tour program for
elementary school students
 
(Van Nuys, CA) Van Nuys Airport (VNY), one of the world’s busiest general aviation airports, announces the launch of a free virtual airport tour that invites children to experience the adventure of flight, learn how airplanes fly and explore exciting careers in aviation. 

Guided by the airport’s mascot, Vinny, the tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at the diverse aircraft, operations and aviation businesses located on the 730-acre airfield. Students will view propeller airplanes, jets and helicopters take off and land, as well as learn about taxiways, runways, hangars and other airport components. Along the way, they will also meet airport police officers and firefighters who are busy keeping the airfield and community safe.
 
To extend the virtual educational experience, opportunities are available for tour groups to schedule a live video conference with a pilot, air traffic controller, aircraft mechanic, first responder or other airport employee. VNY also offers a variety of online learning activities and resources to enjoy from home. The virtual tour and online resources are accessible on the VNY kids’ website page at https://www.iflyvny.com/community-information/kids-page.
 
16101 Ventura Blvd. #200
Encino, CA 91436

(818) 907-7783
Our COVID-19 Strike Team
Saving Lives Everyday
 
Ask us about our COVID-19 Strike Team. RNs, LVNS, and caregivers ready to assist you 24/7. With our care, we can help save a life, restore your health and keep you safe at the comfort of your home. We are here for phone and virtual consults to help find you the right care for your loved ones.
 
Call us at (310) 271-1887 or email us at info@aaatlc.com
Reminders for programs you may be aware of.
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The Encino Chamber of Commerce makes no representations or warranties whatsoever about this company, its products or services or the information contained in this email.
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When you access a non-Chamber website, you do so at your own risk and the Encino Chamber is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information, data, opinions, advice, or statements on these third-party websites. The Encino Chamber provides these links solely as a convenience and the inclusion of such links does not imply that the Encino Chamber endorses or accepts responsibility for the content, information collection, or use of such third-party emails or websites or about the companies or businesses to which they relate or belong to.
About Encino Chamber of Commerce 
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at our next event. Please log on to our web site at
 
 
Encino Chamber of Commerce
4933 Balboa Blvd.
Encino, California 91316
  
(818) 789-4711
 
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