NEWS RELEASE


Saturday, March 21, 2020
 
Contact: 

Gregg Foster
Redwood Region Economic Development Commission

Scott Adair
County of Humboldt

Leila Roberts
North Coast Small Business Resource Center

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS FORM COLLABORATION TO RESPOND TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Local economic development and business support organizations have formed the COVID Economic Resilience Committee (CERC). CERC is focused on supporting North Coast businesses through the COVID 19 pandemic by ensuring the coordinated delivery of critical information, resources and services to local businesses experiencing economic injury.  

CERC participating agencies include the North Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Humboldt County Office of Economic Development, Redwood Region Economic Development Commission (RREDC), Arcata Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), Humboldt Made, local chambers of commerce, representatives from local and state governments, financial institutions, and other organizations that provide direct economic development and business support services. These organizations are meeting daily to coordinate resources and respond to local business’ needs.

As part of this effort to support local businesses and keep them informed, the North Coast SBDC is maintaining a COVID-19 web page that provides links to business resources, FAQs, and the most recent information on local, state and federal programs to help business owners and entrepreneurs respond to the pandemic. It is located at  https://www.northcoastsbdc.org/covid19 . 

The North Coast SBDC will continue providing 1:1 business counseling, educational workshops, group business coaching, enhanced Rapid Response services for businesses considering or facing layoffs, and more. Information on these programs can be found via the SBDC COVID-19 webpage.

In addition, the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services has created an Economic Development Branch. The branch is tasked with collecting and disseminating information to partner agencies and businesses, documenting the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and serve as OES’ economic development Primary Point of Contact to external state and federal agencies. They have created a business hotline, 707-268-2527

Organizations interested in learning more or contributing services to the CERC should contact Lynette Mullen at lynette.mullen@gmail.com . 
 
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North Coast SBDC Center Service Continuity
Stay Updated COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Small Business is updated daily or more: northcoastsbdc.org/covid19

Get Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 and your business here

Sign up at the Small Business Emergency Preparedness mailing list & submit a question: surveymonkey.com/r/NorthCoastBizCOVID19

Get emergency layoff or closure help ... manage and support your employees during forced closures or layoffs with the Layoff Rapid Response team by emailing layoffhelp@northcoastsbdc.org or calling (707) 445-9720 x211

Get emergency management or finance help ... figure out how to maximize income, reduce expenses, apply for disaster funding and more by signing up to speak with a business advisor at northcoastsbdc.org/apply or email admin@northcoastsbdc.org or call (707) 445-9720
Is the Center headquarters open?
No. Given the Humboldt County Shelter in Place order all staff are working from home and the Center's main office at 520 E Street, Eureka is closed. Please call 707-445-9720 or email admin@northcoastsbdc.org instead.

Also, please be aware that staff are working at top intensity to maintain ongoing operations while ramping up during the crisis so please start by accessing the resources at northcoastsbdc.org/covid19 to see if we've already answered your question.

Is my workshop still running?
Probably. Most of our workshops through May are still on and will be offered virtually via Zoom. Register for the workshops you want to attend northcoastsbdc.org/calendar and we will send you login instructions. You'll need a computer, decent Internet speed, and ideally a separate phone. The workshops that require a high level of interaction and/or computer labs will be postponed.

Can I still meet with my business advisor?
Yes. Our advisors are independent contractors so we leave it up to you two to decide when and how to meet. Many of our advisors are prepared to meet with you by phone and/or videoconference to make sure you continue to get the help you need.
North Coast Small Business Development Center
Humboldt: (707) 445-9720 | Del Norte: (707) 464-2168
North Coast SBDC Learning Programs also generously funded by: