CHAMBER EVENTS
Help Us Honor Costa Mesa's
Outstanding High School Seniors and
Local College Students!
Our program namesake, Les Miller, was a beloved and high-standing community member for the city of Costa Mesa.

He became the first principal of Costa Mesa High in 1958, holding the position through 1963 when he moved over to work at the district office. He stayed active in both the education and sports worlds for years to come, all the way up till his passing in 1995.

In 1991, OCC named Les its Citizen of the Year for his work and dedication on behalf of local students. In 1999 he was inducted into the Daily Pilot Sports Hall of Fame for his dedication to Newport-Mesa students and athletes. The following year, Costa Mesa High named its administration building in his honor.
Missed Yesterday's
March 2021 Market & Economic Update?

Check out the video below provided by Professor Schwarz

CLICK HERE for the PowerPoint presentation used in the video
LATEST UPDATES
REMINDER: California Small Business Grant - Grant Funding between $5,000-$25,000
Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive package providing urgent relief for the small businesses of California. The application period is from March 25th – March 31st. The grant program is not first come, first served. Based on annual gross revenues for the 2019 taxable year, eligible business can receive the following:
 
Revenues $1,000 to $100,0000 = $5,000 grant
Revenues $100,000 up to $1,000,000 = $15,000 grant
Revenues Greater than $1,000,000 to $2,500,000 = $25,000 grant
 
To apply, please go to: 
U.S. Small Business Administration is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. 
Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.

“More than 3.7 million businesses employing more than 20 million people have found financial relief through SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which provide low-interest emergency working capital to help save their businesses. However, the pandemic has lasted longer than expected, and they need larger loans. Many have called on SBA to remove the $150,000 cap. We are here to help our small businesses and that is why I’m proud to more than triple the amount of funding they can access,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. Learn more
Starting April 15, all Californians 16 and older will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccines; those 50 and older can sign up April 1
Starting April 15, all Californians 16 and older will be able to sign up for COVID-19 vaccines — with those 50 and older becoming eligible earlier, on April 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday.

“With vaccine supply increasing and by expanding eligibility to more Californians, the light at the end of the tunnel continues to get brighter,” Newsom said in a statement. “This is possible thanks to the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration and the countless public health officials across the state who have stepped up to get shots into arms.”
OC Fair returning this summer with capacity limits, other modifications; ticket sales start May 1
The Orange County Fair is set to resume this summer, with modifications, after being canceled last year for the first time since World War II due to the coronavirus pandemic, organizers announced Thursday.

This year’s fair is themed “Time for Fun” and will be held at the fairgrounds in Costa Mesa from July 16 through August 15, according to a news release from the OC Fair and Event Center.

Fair officials have developed a plan in conjunction with public health agencies to safely allow guests to once again enjoy the carnival rides, food, entertainment, animals and more in person this year. The plans are based on COVID-19 projections for summer, meaning they are subject to change if health conditions deteriorate, organizers emphasized.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal today in anticipation of opening applications for the much-anticipated critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

“Help is here for venue operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA has worked diligently to build the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program from the ground up to assist and address the diverse eligibility requirements of each type of applicant and we will open for applications on April 8,” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said. “The SBA knows these venues are critical to America's economy and understands how hard they've been impacted, as they were among the first to shutter. This vital economic aid will provide a much-needed lifeline for live venues, museums, movie theatres and many more.”

Prior to the official SVOG application opening, the SBA will host a national informational webinar to highlight the application process for potential eligible entities from 2:30 to 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. Those interested in participating can register here. Learn more
• Round 5: Thursday, March 25th through Wednesday, March 31st
  • Eligible applicants: current waitlisted small businesses and non-profits not selected in Rounds 1, 2, or 3 and new applicants that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.com
  • Eligible grant award: $5,000 - $25,000
  • Details: Applicants not selected to receive a grant in Rounds 1, 2, & 3 do not need to reapply as they will be automatically moved into Round 5. New applicants will need to apply at CAReliefGrant.com

• Round 6: Date to be announced soon
  • Eligible applicants: current waitlisted small businesses and/or non-profits not selected in Rounds 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 and new applicants that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.com
  • Eligible grant award: $5,000 - $25,000
  • Details: Applicants not selected to receive a grant in Rounds 1, 2, 3 & 5 do not need to re-apply and will be automatically moved into Round 6. New applicants will need to apply at CAReliefGrant.com Visit www.CAReliefGrant.com for more eligibility, criteria, and updates.
The SBA’s Orange County / Inland Empire District office, in collaboration with SCORE, invites you to join us to learn more about the Economic Aid Act and the PPP Relaunch. In this webinar, we will cover the application process, required forms and guidance, and conduct a Q&A session for attendees.

March 30: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm PST
March 31: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm PST




Transportation Corridor Agencies Win Coveted Engineering Award for Oso Parkway Bridge Project
The Transportation Corridor Agencies’ (TCA) Oso Parkway Bridge Project was recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Orange County Branch as Outstanding Bridge Project of the Year at a virtual ceremony held Thursday.

The project, which celebrated its grand opening in January, enhances mobility for South Orange County residents and commuters by connecting the 241 Toll Road and Los Patrones Parkway. A new sidewalk and dedicated bike lanes improve safety for students and families traveling to Tesoro High School. Additionally, businesses in cities such as Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente benefit from increased connectivity provided by the roadway. READ FULL ARTICLE
Transportation Corridor Agencies and CHP Partner to Put the Brakes on Excessive Speeders
The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) are partnering with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to increase the presence of law enforcement officers on The Toll Roads to encourage drivers to respect posted speed limits.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, TCA and the CHP have observed a complete disregard for posted speed limits by some drivers on The Toll Roads, prompting the Boards to act in the best interest of public safety. As a result, TCA will fund nearly 200 hours of targeted enforcement through the end of June.

“As a Director at TCA, public safety is my top priority. Just because fewer cars are on our roads (due to more remote working) does not give people a license to break the law. Neither I, nor anyone at TCA, condones reckless driving. We are putting our dollars to work and ramping up law enforcement because we want people to drive safely and arrive alive,” said Director Don Wagner, Third District Orange County Supervisor and TCA Board Member.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Save the Date!!
We would love to have EVERY small business engaged at some level whether its sponsorship, project lead, or volunteer at a project.

During Covid-19, if you have experienced any hardship, our community would love to bless you with volunteers to help in any capacity.

If you have any area at your brick & mortar that needs cleaning, painting, fixing, feel free to go onto our website www.lovecostamesa.org, and submit a project for us to mobilize volunteers around.

For more information click the link below and email Reina Cuthill at [email protected].
This spring, you can join the American Red Cross national movement to prepare for home fires. You can make a difference by taking two simple steps: practice your 2-minute escape drill and test your smoke alarms monthly.

American Red Cross volunteers will also Sound the Alarm by educating our communities nationwide in home fire safety, helping families create their 2-minute escape plan, and by partnering with local fire departments to install alarms where it is safe to do so.

Now scheduling virtual home fire safety education sessions in your community! To sign up for a personalized session, call 619-354-9609 or sign up on our website at SoundTheAlarm.org/SoCal.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!!!!
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Your continued support of the Chamber is greatly appreciated!
Declining COVID Indicators Show Promise for Reopening of More Business Sectors
COVID-19 statistics continued to move in the right direction this week as the rate of new cases, deaths and positive tests declined and the number of vaccines administered increased.
At mid-week, California had recorded more than 3.5 million COVID-19 cases, but the rate of new cases (5 per 100,000 people) was declining, as was the death rate (.03 new deaths per 100,000). Test positivity (2%) was relatively flat. Nearly 16 million vaccines have been administered. Read the full article
Are you eligible? Find out if it’s your turn by answering a few questions. It only takes a few minutes. If you’re eligible and vaccine appointments are available through My Turn, you can schedule one. If it’s not your turn yet or appointments are not available, you can register to be notified when you’re eligible or when appointments open up. For More Information
Register on Othena.com and get added to the virtual queue. You’ll be notified when it’s your turn to be vaccinated. Download the Othena app now.
Click Here for More Information

Get tested for COVID-19
Testing is currently available by 360 Clinic in partnership with the County of Orange for Orange County residents that meet OC Public Health criteria.

Walk-Up COVID-19 Testing on Weekends at the Costa Mesa Senior Center - FREE!

The City of Costa Mesa is offering free walk-up COVID-19 testing at the Costa Mesa Senior Center. Testing is available by appointment only. The testing kiosk will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, through the end of March. Please visit https://www.360clinic.md/ to make an appointment!
Order and take a COVID-19 test from the comfort of your home! At-home COVID-19 test kits are available free of charge to Orange County residents, and both saliva-based and nasal swab options are available through the OC Public Health website.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES
Costa Mesa’s Business Assistance Collaborative (BAC)
"Costa Mesa’s BAC is seeking to provide support for businesses through sharing data and resources, mobilizing our local patronage through a Shop Costa Mesa campaign, seeking input from the business community through a proactive call center, and providing a watering hole for all businesses and patrons".
California Grants Portal
The California State Library aids businesses with a portal to find all available state grant and loan opportunities. California Grants Portal houses first come, first serve grants for businesses, individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and tribal governments in all sectors of the economy.
Open Enrollment for Covered California
If you need health coverage for 2021, Covered California enrollment is open!
Get covered today: http://covrdca.com/2YoQUBF
HELPFUL WORKSHOPS
Virtual Event Mix
Seminars are offered throughout the year at no or minimal cost across Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Seminar topics include: funding, target marketing, lease negotiation, market research, business planning, financial management, trade and more.
SDCCU and the San Diego County Library System Present Financial Wellness Wednesdays
SDCCU representatives will present on a variety of topics aimed at improving the financial health of the community.
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