Greetings!

We want to keep you updated with information that will help you and your business and hope you find these links useful.
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER APPENDIX
BB: Protocol for Private Events (Meetings, Receptions, and Conferences) 1 5/6/2021v2 Protocol for Private Events (Meetings, Receptions, and Conferences): Appendix BB

Effective as of 12:01am on Thursday, May 06, 2021 5/8/2021:
• Clarifies that round table sizes are typically 72” or 60” rounds. Clarifies that attendees (except those who are fully vaccinated and attending an event with only other fully vaccinated attendees) may only eat or drink while sitting in their assigned seats or in a designated indoor or outdoor dining area. 5/6/2021:
• Private Events may increase their outdoor and indoor capacities to the limit specified for the Yellow Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
• Employees who are fully vaccinated may elect not to wear face shields when serving customers who are not wearing face masks; they must still wear face masks. Employers should document employees’ full vaccination status.
• For outdoor events with fewer than 100 people in attendance, fully vaccinated attendees do not need to wear face masks.
• Food trucks may operate in conjunction with or adjacent to Private Events.

The City of Los Angeles is excited to announce the launch of the regional marketplace for public and private contracting opportunities coming this Fall! We invite you to partner with the Mayor's office to spread the word and get businesses registered that traditionally have not done business with the City of Los Angeles or other public agencies.

The City of LA has partnered with our business community to create a space for both public and private entities to post their opportunities in one convenient location. This upcoming decade represents hundreds of billions of dollars worth of events, projects, and infrastructure investments coming to the Los Angeles region. To prepare for this influx of economic activity, we are transforming the Los Angeles Business Assistance Virtual Network (LABAVN- the City’s current solicitation portal) into a Regional Marketplace. This exciting platform will provide unprecedented access to a wide array of opportunities
and resources from both the public and private sectors.

COVID-19 Vaccination of Individuals Age 12 and Over
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted unanimously on May 12 to recommend the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for persons 12-15 years. The CDC recommends that this vaccine be used among 12 to 15 year olds, and providers may begin vaccinating them right away. On May 10, the FDA issued an amendment to the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the use of the Pfizer vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 in this population.
Included in the updated CDC recommendations is that co-administration of COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines is no longer discouraged. CDC states that COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines may now be administered without regard to timing. This includes simultaneous administration of COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines on the same day, as well as co-administration within 14 days. This is an important step to ensure adolescents 12 years and up presenting for a COVID-19 vaccine are able to catch-up on other immunizations they may have missed during the pandemic.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, and virtual classrooms.
As of Wednesday, May 12, 2021, eligible households will be able to enroll in the program to receive a monthly discount off the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting GetEmergencyBroadband.org.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute $10 to $50 toward the purchase price.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Check out the Broadband Benefit Consumer FAQ for more information about the benefit and please continue to check this page for program updates.
LA Job Corps Upcoming Industry Council Meetings


Message from LA Job Corps to LA County Workforce Community
As we revamp some of our trade offerings, our goal is to include community feedback from the County's Workforce Partners and see how we can work together. This is also an opportunity to establish partnerships as we connect and share interests relevant to the industry of discussion. Details with meeting dates and times are included below.
Healthcare Industry
Tuesday May 18, 2021, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
IT - Information Technology
Wednesday May 19, 2021, 11:00AM to 12:00 PM
Renewable Energy
Thursday May 20, 2021,11:00AM to 12:00PM
For questions or further information, please contact LA Job Corps Business & Community Liaison Eboney Pearson.

CALFRESH AWARENESS MONTH
DPSS urges all County residents to #ChooseCalFresh and support activities of the CalFresh Awareness Month campaign by sharing this important information with those in their community who need it most. 
Click here for more information.

During May CalFresh Awareness Month, DPSS would like to thank the many community and faith-based partners that made it possible to reach vulnerable communities in Los Angeles County. 
For information on how to apply, visit GetCalFresh.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH
As Los Angeles County moves into the yellow tier, effects from the pandemic can still affect a person's mental health. May is Mental Health Month and resources are available, even as a new normal comes to light. 

Visit Why We Rise for details on how to access online workshops, art installations and community events.
REMINDERS
COVID-19 Relief and Assistance for Small Business
The Controller’s Office has compiled the following resources from various agencies to help you navigate available COVID-related aid. For additional program information, please visit the agency’s website or contact your local government. The Controller’s Office will update these resources as more program information becomes available. Visit the California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response website for information about the state’s response to the pandemic.
As of May 3, 2021



Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alert Warning Californians About Misleading Claims Made by Healthcare Sharing Ministry Plans
SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert warning Californians about sham health insurance plans offered by some healthcare sharing ministries (HSMs). These HSMs use misinformation to mislead consumers into enrolling under the guise of offering an affordable alternative to health insurance from the Covered California marketplace. However, unlike Covered California plans, healthcare sharing ministries are not obligated to cover preexisting conditions or guarantee coverage for medical costs or services. As a result, consumers have filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Office alleging that their healthcare sharing ministry plans have refused to cover treatments and pay their medical bills.

IRS Tax Credit Available to Small Businesses
Eligible employers can get a tax credit for providing paid time off for each employee receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and the time they may need to recover.
Visit the IRS website to learn more.
 The SBA's Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides direct relief funds to restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments that have experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible businesses include: 
  • Restaurants
  • Food stands, food trucks, food carts
  • Caterers
  • Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns
  • Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars
  • Bakeries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
  • Brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
  • Breweries and/or microbreweries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
  • Wineries and distilleries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Funds must be used for allowable expenses by March 11, 2023. 
The SBA launched a new round of Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance – called Supplemental Targeted Advances – on April 22, 2021 that will provide $5 billion in additional assistance to 1 million small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have been most severely affected by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Effective April 22, the SBA modified the Targeted EIDL Advance application process to determine if businesses also qualify for the additional $5,000 Supplemental Targeted Advance. SBA will contact eligible business entities to apply and applications will be processed on a first-comefirst-served basis. To qualify for the Supplemental Targeted Advance, an eligible business entity must be in a low-income community, suffered greater than 50 percent economic loss, and have 10 or fewer employees.
CalSavers Deadline Approaching
Eligible employers with more than 50 employees must register by June 30, 2021
State law now requires all businesses with five or more employees to participate in CalSavers if they do not offer a retirement savings plan from the private market. Eligible employers must register for CalSavers by their state required deadline, which vary by employer size. The deadline for employers with more than 50 employees is June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2022 for employers with five or more employees. The registration deadline for employers with more than 100 employees passed on September 30, 2020 (extended from June 30, 2020). Eligible employers who have not yet registered should do so as soon as possible to avoid penalties.
Eligible employers can register any time before their deadline. For more information on how to get started, visit CalSavers.com.

The current round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is reaching smaller borrowers (small businesses), with 94% of all loans going to businesses with 20 or fewer employees. SBA is currently offering PPP loans until May 31, 2021. Apply for a first or second draw PPP loan and loan forgiveness.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit
Are you currently hiring? Consider a candidate who may qualify you for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. The WOTC is a Federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain targeted groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment.
COVID Resources: COBRA Health Insurance & Funeral Expense Assistance Available
As part of the recently passed American Rescue Plan, LA County residents who lost their job over the last 18 months will be eligible to remain on their former employer’s insurance plan (through COBRA) at no cost until Sept. 30.
All family members who were previously covered in your insurance plan will also be covered by this benefit. The expanded COBRA coverage also applies if you were shifted from full time to part time, if your status was changed by reduced business hours, or if you took a temporary leave of absence.
Tax Deadline Extended: Learn How to File for Free!
The IRS announced a new deadline for filing tax returns: Monday, May 17, 2021. 
If you haven't filed yet, take advantage of the free tax preparation services available through our non-profit partners across the County. 
Text "TAXCREDITSLA" to 211-211 for info on filing for free and claiming credits to get the most money back in your pocket! 
Watch our video in English and Spanish to learn more. 
Mortgage Relief Available to Property Owners
The County of Los Angeles in Partnership with the NHS Center for Economic Recovery has launched its Foreclosure Prevention & Mortgage Relief Program.
Applications are now open.
Apply for up to $20,000 in assistance to help offset mortgage delinquencies.
Call 1-888-895-2647 or visit the NHS website to learn more. 
Work Sharing Program
Work Sharing Program can be a temporary alternative to layoffs if your business’ production or services have been reduced. The program helps employers minimize or eliminate the need for layoffs, keep trained employees and quickly recover when business conditions improve, and avoid the cost of recruiting, hiring, and training new employees. Employees will be paid based on the standard EDD benefit rate, multiplied by the percent of hours worked (i.e. a full time employee whose hours have been reduced to 32 hours/week would receive 20% of the standard unemployment insurance benefit). Click here for more.
Updates from the State can be found here.
Los Angeles County’s Small Business Stabilization Loan Program
The Los Angeles County’s Small Business Stabilization Loan Program is available through April 16 or until $20 million in funding requests have been received. Mid-month, more than $18 million in funding requests were received by the Los Angeles County Development Authority. Loans range from $50,000 to $3 million. Eligible businesses must have been in operation for the last two years and need money for working capital, equipment purchases, real estate acquisition or refinancing of existing loans. Businesses can visit BizStabilization.lacda.org for more information.

Guidance for Ventilation at Workplace Settings
An important approach to lowering the concentrations of indoor air pollutants or contaminants including any viruses that may be in the air is to increase ventilation. This document provides information on how to improve ventilation through improving air circulation and air filtration. It’s important to take steps in increasing air circulation and improving air filtration to protect staff and customers.
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.
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. 
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.
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
AT&T Business webinars

Business Unusual with Barbara Corcoran
Do you have your customers completely figured out? Join us as Barbara Corcoran and our special guests have a great conversation about how small and medium sized businesses can grow their customer base and master the art of customer engagement.


Tech Demystified: Cybersecurity Basics
We are excited to for our next webinar in our "Tech Demystified for Small Businesses" series, a series with experts who will discuss a variety of technologies and its benefits to small businesses. This month we will help answer the question, "How can cybersecurity protect your small business?"


CMMC compliance: Are you ready?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) has been a requirement for defense contractors since the Fall of 2020. Get the inside scoop about what it means for your organization, how to prepare, what it means for the future, and more.
Reminders for programs you may be aware of.
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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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