Happy 2021!

Let’s make it a great one! 

Here's some upcoming downtown happenings: 
From the Economic Development Collaborative:

DEADLINE EXTENSION FOR CA COVID-19 BUSINESS GRANT - JANUARY 13

The State of California has successfully received thousands of completed applications and will extend the closing date to January 13th, 2021, to keep the portal open for those of you still in process and for new applicants to ensure fair and equitable opportunities for California's small business community.

In order to handle the continued high volumes, we are making adjustments to the update and order process. If applicants experienced disruptions in the application process, they will be notified when they can log back in for updates and uploads.

Please do not fill out a new application as this can delay consideration.

New dates and deadlines:
Start a new application – December 30, 2020 – closes January 13, 2021, at 11:59 p.m.
Update and upload documents for in-process applications – January 6, 2021 – January 13, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
The new closing date for Round 1 is January 13, 2021 at 11:59 pm.
 
Please note that you will be notified by email when to log in to complete your unfinished application or upload requested documents.

As a reminder, this is not a first-come, first-serve application process or rolling approval process - all eligible applicants will be considered for the grant at the close of Round 1 on January 13th, 2021 at 11:59 pm and not before.
 
EDC SBDC COVID-19 BUSINESS RESOURCES WEBINAR

Additionally, the EDC SBDC will host a webinar this Friday, at noon to discuss the CA Business Grant and new Care’s Act Funding. We have 142 registrants so far. Please join us if you have questions regarding these new benefits. Register early! Seating is limited.
 
SPANISH RESOURCES FOR CA COVID-19 BUSINESS GRANT
 
Please find a pdf link here with full details of the CA Business Grant in Spanish.
 
NEED ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE?

AS ALWAYS, EDD IS ABLE TO ASSIST ANSWER QUESTIONS, PROVIDE FINANCIAL THROUGH OUR LOAN PROGRAM AND AND CONSULTING SERVICES. IF YYOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CALL 805.409.9159 (ENGLISH) or 805.309.5874 (SPANISH)  TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A BUSINESS ADVISOR AND VISIT OUR RESOURCE PAGE FOR LIST OF CURRENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE.
Reminder to vote for Downtown Santa Barbara Board of Directors by Wednesday, Jan. 6

It's time to elect new board members for the 2021 Downtown Santa Barbara Board of Directors. Please cast your vote for who you would like to support and guide the future of downtown and our business community!

Below is a slate of downtown business professionals that have been nominated to be a board member or are renewing their term for Downtown Santa Barbara's Board of Directors for 2021.


Current Board Members That Would
Like to Renew for Another Term

Robin Gose, Moxi

Bob Stout, Little Kitchen, Wildcat Lounge

Laura Knight, Pascucci      
                                                      
Mark Whitehurst, Voice Magazine

Anne Peterson, Trust for Historic Preservation   
         
Matt LaBrie, Lynx Property Management

Joanne Funari, American Riviera Bank       


Newly Nominated Board Members


Richard Yates, Opal Restaurant      
                 
Heike Schirmer, Amazon

Mary Lynn Harms-Romo, Paseo Nuevo        
                  
Brendan Searles, Mizza & Eleven14 Crafthouse

Sam Edelman, SB Farmer’s Market     
                               
Derek Swafford, Montecito Bank & Trust

Matt Olufs, Compass First   
                                                   
Nancy Burgner, Lovebird Boutique and Jewelry Bar


See photos, bios and learn more at the link below.



Please cast your vote by January 6th for who you would like to be elected for the Downtown Santa Barbara Board of Directors by filling out the form at the button below. Alternatively, you may return the voting card that you will find in the mail in the coming days.
Annual Membership Meeting
Tuesday, January 12th, 8:30 am

Newly elected board members will be announced at the annual membership meeting. Please mark your calendar to attend.

Attend the meeting at the link below:
Downtown Business Spotlight is a virtual interview series, where we chat and get to know our Santa Barbara business owners. Join us for this interview series in collaboration with the Santa Barbara Independent, each Thursday at 3 PM.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 3 PM

TOPIC: New Year’s Resolutions: Taking Care of Mind, Body, and Soul

Join Robin Elander in conversation with Adrienne Smith (Power of Your Om), and Mikki Reilly (Fitness Transform) as they discuss taking care of your mind, body, and soul.
Did you miss the last Downtown Business Spotlight?
Watch it below!
Hear Robin Elander in conversation with Jorja La Barre (Celadon House), and John & Sherine Leenhouwers (Prop and Décor & Tent Merchant) as they discuss getting cozy at home.
State Street Promenade Market Restarts,
Thursday, January 14th and Each Following Thursday From 3 - 7:30 PM. 
BID Membership Benefits Orientation
Wednesday, January 13, 9AM -10 AM
 
We’ll cover all the benefits available to Downtown Business Improvement District Members for 2021 and make sure you know how to use them including: how to update your business page on DowntownSB.org, Social Media opportunities to highlight your business and more. Also be sure to send us your business updates, specials, offerings, events etc. and we’ll include them in our e-newsletters and on our Social Media! We look forward to seeing you at the meeting and supporting you and your business this year.