Santa Cruz County’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a premier hub of experts experienced in Main street, Tech street, and Agribusiness. Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs receive in-depth advising and training to obtain capital, launch businesses, grow sales, and create jobs.

In response to the unprecedented economic impacts due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the Santa Cruz County Office for Economic Development is presenting a FREE Webinar to provide current information, guidance and resources for local businesses.

Friday, March 20, 2020 at 3:00 p.m

Zoom Webinar ID: 589 373 809

Phone Instructions:

Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

1(669)900-6833 or 1(346)248-7799 or 1(929)436-2866 or 1(253)215-8782 or 1(301)715-8592 or 1(312)626-6799 

Administrator Carranza and officials from the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will discuss the economic relief efforts underway and resources available to small business owners. Join us for this important discussion followed by a Q&A.

Fri, Mar 20, 2020 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM PDT

If you prefer to use your phone, you must select "Use Telephone" after joining the webinar and call in using the numbers below.

United States: +1 (562) 247-8422

Access Code: 578-697-848

Audio PIN: Shown after joining the webinar

A statewide webinar covering updates and resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Learn what information to share with your employees and about state programs that can help them during these challenging times.

Friday, March 20, 2020 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (PDT)

Northern CA SBDC Network Restaurant Program will be hosting a webinar for the restaurant and hospitality community and industry specific information in response to COVID 19. They will have representatives from EDD to help restaurants manage workforce, ABC to talk about licenses that are not active for 30 days and other potential lifting of restrictions during this time, the Health Department to give best practises for those restaurants who are remaining open for to-go and delivery services and the SBA on disaster loans.

Friday, March 20, 2020 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Free of Charge

Contact: Louise Dawson (707) 567-6739

Con el nuevo desarrollo del virus DOVID-19, muchos empleadores tienen preguntas sobre las implicaciones en el lugar de trabajo.

El Small Business Majority, Camara de Comerico Hispana de California, EDD, el Centro de Desarrollo de Small Business(SBDC), y support Latino Business los invita para un webinar estatal que cubre noticias relacionadas sobre COVID-19. Conozca lo que el Estado de California y el Gobernador Newsom estan implementando para garantizar la seguridad publica.

Los temas incluyen:

If you would like to add your name to the list of small business owners and advocates from across the country that have signed The Small Business Majority's letter to urge our Members of Congress to support Main Street during and after the COVID-19 pandemic click here.

The unprecedented economic impacts of the Coronavirus on the business community in California are already being felt. The U.S. Small Business Administration will soon be making low-interest loans available to businesses throughout the state of California. Covered:

Northern California SBDC Hosts a panel of advisors to answer your questions on how small businesses can prepare and apply for an SBA Economic Injury Loan

Panelists include expert financial advisors from across the Norcal SBDC network as well as a representative from the Small Business Administration.  

Along with that, GO-Biz has shared a new FAQ for our small businesses. You can find that information  here  under our  COVID-19 resources page , which includes helpful resources for businesses.

For the latest information from  CDPH, visit this website . Again, we greatly appreciate your partnership at this time and in the future. Please reach out to us with any concerns or questions you may have.

As we enter a new stage of the corona virus pandemic (week of 3/16/20) with the entire San Francisco and Monterey Bay Area region being impacted by shelter in place mandates, it's critical for you to minimize financial losses if you’re closed or partially operating your business. Bryce spoke with SBDC advisor, Larry Hebert this week for the upcoming episode #007 of Bryce’s Small Business-by-the-Bay to get his top 5 tips for strategically planning the financial side of your business (these tips could save you $1,000’s) during Corona Virus, while host, Bryce Root lends his tips on how the marketing side of the equation is critical too.

The Corona Virus small business survival kit is LIVE and updated by the hour. It includes videos by our SBDC Ambassador and Small Business Advocate + Marketing Strategist, Bryce Root as well as links, articles and resources to keep you going strong. From emergency SBA funding to video equipment for your next live stream, it’s all at  www.BryceRoot.com/corona

"This is a very challenging and uneasy time for businesses throughout the US and in particular, our community. And with mandatory business closings for all but a few, the next three weeks can bring fear of the unknown from every direction. But with all this happening, rest assured we WILL make it through together.

I've been engaging with many clients having questions as how to best move through this time and what to do to ensure financial stability. I wanted to pass along to you some ideas and things that have been successful with other businesses in hopes they may have a positive impact on your business.

Two of the key areas to achieve financial stability are planning and communication. It's important to have a solid plan in place for your cash, expense reduction, payment extensions, partial or whole rent abatement, vendor extension for merchandise, employees, etc. And to constantly communicate to all stakeholders in your business; employees, banks, vendors, customers, etc.

Below are some ideas in each area that may be helpful. 

Cash

This is the most important asset in your business. In good times you need to manage and monitor it closely and make prudent decisions. During difficult times scrutinizing every dollar can be the difference between making it or not. Cash flow is the lifeblood of every business and must be maintained to succeed and stay relevant. Over the coming weeks and possibly months, your cash flow will be limited due to lack of sales revenue and continual expenses, regardless if you're open or not. Here are some ideas that may be helpful in maintain an acceptable cash level and help get you through this period.

1) Scrutinize your operating expenses and eliminate all non-essential areas of spending.

2) Pay the minimum on your credit card debt. And call your credit card company and inquire if they will lower or suspend the interest for a period of time.

3) Call your landlord and ask for a full or partial rent abatement for the time you're closed. If they forgive the rent for a period of time, terrific! More than likely they will divide the unpaid rent over a period of months in addition to your normal rent during the summer when revenue is at it highest.

4) Only take out what you need from the business to live on. Suspend any retirement contributions until you are back on solid financial footing. Keep the cash in your business and liquid.

5) If you have a line of credit in place, you have a financial buffer to assist with any shortfall. Use this as a last resort but know it's there if you need it.

6) I just saw on TV there are emergency SBA loans being given at 3.75% interest to assist businesses to stay solvent and get through this crisis. If you have an interest go to your bank and speak with the SBA director to inquire how to apply.

7) If you sell online, work on promoting your business to generate revenue. If people cannot visit your store and are a loyal customer, they will purchase online. UPS and FedEx will continue to make deliveries.

8) If you have an upcoming loan or other types of payments, contact the bank or creditor and see if they can, without penalty, delay the payment for one or more months until you're back in operation.

9) The Federal Gov't just announced they have extended the tax payment period from April 15th to July 15th with no penalty or interest. This applies to personal. partnership and corporate returns. As of this moment the State has extended to June 15th. So if you owe taxes keep the money and use it in your business for cash flow for an additional 60-90 days.

Vendors

1) Contact vendors you are scheduled to receive merchandise from over the next 3-4 weeks and reschedule the deliveries. This will delay your payment, hopefully, and not have goods sitting in boxes for a month with no customers.

2) Contact vendor credit departments and inquire if they will extend the payment period with no penalty, if you own them money.

Employees

1) Let your employees know exactly what is transpiring in regards to payroll. In working with my clients there have been several policies that have been instituted to assist them. I'm not suggesting any of these but providing examples of how others have dealt with employees.

2) Pay what they are owed up to the business closure.

3) Pay employees through the current payroll period even if the business is closed.

4) Continue paying employees for the entire period even when not working.

5) Have them do special projects you've been unable to do and pay them.

6) Provide a stipend to each employee as a % of their normal monthly wage to keep money flowing to them although not as much as their work pay.

7) Per Joy Hallof, our SBDC HR advisor, employees can file for unemployment if the business has been closed due to the Coronavirus. So let them know.

Customers

Communicate through email, your website, videos, social media, store signage, etc. Make sure they are in the loop as they are the supporters of your business and who will return after this is over. Let them know you appreciate their business and look forward to seeing them in the near future. And if they need anything to let you know. They won't be expecting a message from you so differentiate yourself from the competitors and make them a part of this process. 

And communicate, communicate, communicate!!! Landlord, bank, vendors, customers, employees, etc. Let everyone know what's going on. My experience is, if you communicate, most, if not all, will help find solutions for you to make this period as tolerable as possible.

Be proactive in getting through this. Don;t sit back and hope or wait for someone to contact you.....they won't. It's your business and responsibility. Make positive things happen." - Larry Hebert

How to Apply for Unemployment

If your hours are reduced, if you have been laid-off, furloughed, or if you are in a work-share p rogram, you may qualify for Unemployment Insurance. In order to file a claim, you will need this information:

FAQs on laws enforced by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office in relation to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

If You Are Working with the Public, What To Do

If you are currently working with the public, whether you realize it or not, you are providing emerg ency services for our community.

Many people currently have limited contact with others. This means that when they come to your market, restaurant, or if you go to their house to do repairs, you are one of the only other people they will come in contact with.

You are a leader. You are the way that we will stop the spread of this virus. When you model good behavior for others, you will ensure they do not get sick. See the link below for guidelines.

Ways To Support Our Small And Local Businesses

Shop online or via phone. Many businesses, even those who have shut their doors temporarily, have online shops or have arranged curbside pickup.

Amid Coronavirus Outbreak, Social Distancing Doesn’t Have to Be Anti-Social

Over the past two weeks, a new term has erupted in everyday speech. Social Distancing. That’s what we are all supposed to do. But that’s exactly what we should NOT do.  

What we should do is practice physical distancing. Yes, we should not shake hands, gather in crowds, hug, or go to work when sick. But socially, now is the time to be close. And with our technology, we can do it.

How To Host An Online Event Or Webinar That Live Event Attendees Will Love

COVID-19 Preparing For Remote Work Podcast

How you can support businesses during the Coronavirus? A Message from Bookstore Santa Cruz

"After the 1989 earthquake, when the downtown was mostly destroyed, the streets were unpaved and shops operated out of tents, Santa Cruzans rallied together to help save the businesses that they loved. It is precisely because people value local businesses in Santa Cruz that makes this place a great place to do business. I know we can rally together to support our local stores, the stores we love. All of us in local business thank you for being there for us as we try to be there for you." - Santa Cruz Book Store

Here are just a few ways you can help out businesses who have been impacted by the coronavirus

- Write a review on yelp, google, etc.

-Purchase gift cards and certificates to use later

- Take advantage of curbside pick up or order online and have your favorite takeout delivered (if you are healthy)

-Order from your favorite local retailers online

-Send a nice note- spreading kindness doesn't cost a thing and goes a long way

Buy a gift card to your favorite restaurant or store to use when you can go out again.

If you’ve bought a ticket to a canceled arts performance, think about letting the arts organization keep your money as a donation.

Send a care package from a local business to someone in quarantine, working in the health care system, or just needs a pick-me-up at this time. ( Pacific Cookie Company cookie packages are always my go to option).

If you don’t want to be around too many other people, check to see if your favorite store has early morning or late night hours and shop when there are fewer customers in the store. (Bookshop is open until 10:00pm Sunday-Thursday, and until 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday.)

Order food from local restaurants for delivery or ask if you can still come in but space chairs farther apart.

Still buy that birthday present for the party that was cancelled, buy entertainment items for all that time at home (great time to cook and play games) and read. As Ibram X. Kendi just said, “As we practice social distancing, let’s not distance ourselves from books. They will keep us company and connect us back to people, back to society.”

Your Organization Can Endure This Crisis. Here's How.

In the midst of a global crisis that we’re only just beginning to understand, we bel ieve strong branding, communications, and digital experiences for social impact organizations are critical to keep the world moving forward.

Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Survey

We are in challenging times as we adapt to a new normal - Shelter in Place Order, schools closing, restaurants shuttering their doors to only take out service, reducing hours, furlough employees or layoffs and only essential activities are allowed for the next three weeks until April 7.

In speaking with many businesses and relaying their concerns to the government agencies responsible to deploying new programs to help people who are financially and emotionally burdened by COVID — 19, the government leaders ask what can or should be done to help.

This short survey is an opportunity to provide more than anecdotal comments to the public officials in charge. This anonymous survey will collect real data and collate so we have a better story to tell about the short and long term impact to the business community.

Please consider adding your input to the survey. It will be live starting today, March 19 until the following Wednesday, March 25. We will consolidate the responses so they can be reviewed as a collection of information — not associated with any specific responds.

How can the SBDC help during the COVID-19?

With the impact COVID-19 is having on our communities, we want to know how SBDCs can help you. What resources would be most valuable to your small business at this time?

Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the SBDC at (831) 479-6136 or [email protected]

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