On Tuesday, San Diego County moved closer to the red tier, but did not yet cross the threshold to move to this less restrictive tier. County metrics have been progressing in the right direction and we are optimistic that we should advance to the red tier in the coming weeks. Last week, the state announced additional criteria, like vaccine distribution, to its tier-status determination. These additional criteria are expected to help San Diego County move to less restrictive tiers, faster. The county anticipates it could be as early as March 17. To see the latest tier status and what that means for different industries, visit the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy page.

In preparation for a future move to the red tier, here’s a reminder of what will change:

As the county moves through less-restrictive tiers, the city’s temporary outdoor activation program will continue to allow businesses to operate on private property or in the public right of way with the appropriate permits. This program is intended to help businesses mitigate lost indoor operating space due to health order restrictions. Any business interested in activating outdoor space can visit this page for more information.

This table shows the most common available relief programs and expenses they can be used for. For more details on available programs, click here.

Deadline Approaching – Paycheck Protection Program 

The deadline to apply for the current PPP round is March 31. Please note that not all financial institutions are processing PPP loans. If you are interested in applying for a PPP loan, but are having trouble finding a lender, try this resource. You are not obligated to use a local lender. 

As was noted in our City Manager’s Update earlier today, the President signed the American Rescue Plan into law, today. The Associated Press has a good summary of what’s included, from direct payments to individuals, extended unemployment benefits, aid for schools and business, plus a lot more. This will be welcome news to everyone who has been impacted by this year-long pandemic.  

Part of the American Rescue Plan includes grants equal to the amount of a restaurant’s revenue losses, up to a maximum of $10 million per company and $5 million per business location. Eligible companies cannot own more than 20 locations, and they cannot be publicly traded. This program sets aside $5 billion for the smallest restaurants, whose annual revenue is $500,000 or less. As program details become available, we will include in a future Joint Communication. 

California Small Business Relief Grant 

Funding for the Small Business Relief Grant Program was recently quadrupled to $2 billion, with multiple funding rounds announced. The program, which has grants between $5,000 and $25,000, prioritizes small businesses in disadvantaged communities. Businesses that do not get funded in a particular round are automatically waitlisted for subsequent funding rounds. New applicants will need to apply through the program website. 

California Small Business Rebuilding Fund applications are being accepted now.  

Updates to Carlsbad Business Loan Program 

The Carlsbad Business Loan Program has been updated to provide increased access to relief and rebuilding funding for Carlsbad small businesses to keep operations going. There are two loan types for Carlsbad small businesses. 

Applicants may also apply for multiple loan products if they meet all eligibility requirements. Those that have been approved for a loan, may reapply for a second loan up to the current total limit. No business may receive more than $60,000 total between all loan products. 

#StaySafeStayOpen 

The city’s communications team has been diligently promoting ways that residents and guests can safely patronize our Carlsbad merchants. With ads being featured on platforms across North County, and resources being developed for Carlsbad businesses to help promote our safe environment, the campaign shows both how we can all support our business community and how some of our Carlsbad businesses are going the extra mile to keep us safe. Keep checking back as this program evolves to feature new resources. 

Between February and May 2021, the City of Carlsbad Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED) is assessing COVID-related impacts and response for future economic strategy and programming. As part of the process, a series of stakeholder engagement sessions with local businesses and intermediaries will provide essential context on COVID impact, city response, and potential gaps to address.  

The week of March 22, OIED will be hosting a series of stakeholder input sessions, with emphasis around business support organizations, innovation companies and start-ups, tourism businesses, local small businesses, and disables, veteran, minority, and women-owned businesses. To participate, please contact us at [email protected] for more information. 

With the anticipated tier change and continued progress toward further reopening, the Office of Innovation & Economic Development is available to assist businesses with challenges they may be facing through the recovery. Please email us at [email protected] with any questions.