December 14, 2021
Your business news & updates
The City of Laguna Niguel is working to support our local businesses during this COVID-19 crisis and beyond. We will provide timely information, resources, programs and updates to help your business thrive!
Remember to Mask Up Starting Wednesday
With a spike in the number of coronavirus cases, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is requiring masks to be worn in all indoor public settings irrespective of vaccine status from December 15 through January 15, 2022. At that point, California will make further recommendations as needed in response to the pandemic. 

Among the indoor public spaces affected are retail stores, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers and government offices that serve the public.

Face coverings are also required for everyone in these settings, whether you've been vaccinated or not:
  • On public transit such as buses, trains, airplanes, ferries, taxis and ride services and in the areas that serve those such as airports, transit stations, etc. 
  • Indoors in K-12 schools, childcare and other youth settings (see exemptions here)
  • Adult and senior care facilities  
  • Healthcare settings including long-term care facilities 
  • Detention facilities
  • Homeless shelters, emergency shelters and cooling centers

Additionally, CDPH updated requirements for attending mega events like concerts and sporting events. Before attending an event, attendees will now require either proof of vaccination, a negative antigen COVID-19 test within one day of the event, or a negative PCR test within two days of the event.

CDPH also issued a new travel advisory effective immediately to recommend that all travelers arriving in California test for COVID-19 within three to five days after arrival, regardless of their vaccination status.  

Find out more information at this link.
Bottega Angelina is Our Last Featured Business of 2021
Have you been to Bottega Angelina yet in Ocean Ranch Village? This picturesque establishment is Laguna Niguel's newest Italian eatery and our latest Featured Business.

Check out this video we produced and contact us at econdev@cityoflagunaniguel.org for information about having your business spotlighted in 2022.
SBA Seeking Nominations for Small Business Week 2022
Do you or someone you know have what it takes to become America’s “Small Business Person of the Year” for 2022? If so, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) wants to hear from you. 

The SBA’s Orange County/Inland Empire District Office is now accepting nominations for its 2022 National and District Small Business Week Awards including the annual Small Business Person of the Year award.

Visit SBA’s dedicated website to download forms, criteria, and guidelines for submitting a nomination. The SBA Awards given in celebration of National and District Small Business Week include the following awards:

OCIE District Small Business Week Categories:

Small Business Person of the Year (National and District)
Small Business Exporter (National and District)
8(a) Graduate of the Year
SBDC Excellence and Innovation Award
Veteran Small Business Outreach Center of the Year
Women’s Business Center of the Year Excellence Award
Small Business Investment Company of the Year Award

Local Awards:

Community Excellence Award
Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
Family-Owned Business of the Year
Micro-Entrepreneur of the Year
Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year
Young Entrepreneur of the Year

All nominations must be received electronically to the district’s box account by 3 pm on January 11, 2022. 

To obtain information or receive a copy of the National/Orange County/Inland Empire District Office Nomination Guidelines, contact sylvia.gutierrez@sba.gov.
Nominations for 21st Annual Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards
The Orange County Business Journal is now accepting nominations for its 21st annual Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards. This event is designed to recognize individuals who exemplify the American entrepreneurial spirit – individuals who, by their creativity and determination, have established and nurtured successful business ventures.

This is the perfect opportunity to recognize clients or business associates who have distinguished themselves by their foresight, determination, and accomplishments. Self-nominations are welcome.

Nominations are due by noon on January 12, 2022. See the nomination form here. The Orange County Business Journal will publish a special EIE Advertising Special Report featuring profiles and photos of this year’s nominees on February 7, 2022. Winners will be announced at the 21st annual Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards Luncheon & Program on March 16, 2022 at Irvine Marriott.