March 2021
Volume XI Episode 1
Welcome to the Business Scene Newsletter -- providing bimonthly updates to Camarillo business owners, managers, and others interested in economic development in Camarillo.

In this edition we:

  • Share reopening news from the State and County
  • Provide information on grants that may help in your business recovery
  • Promote CA's Rental Relief Program for Tenants and Landlords
  • Inform you about CA's extension of the commercial eviction moratorium
  • Share local resource providers and events that may assist your business
Ventura County Moves Into Red Tier
The County of Ventura will move to the red tier beginning Wednesday, March 17th.
Here's what can be open in the Red Tier:
 


  • Indoor Shopping Malls can increase capacity to 50 percent with common areas remaining closed; food courts can open at 25 percent capacity adhering to the restaurant guidance for indoor dining.

  • Movie theaters can open indoors with 25 percent capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.

  • Gyms, Fitness Centers, Yoga and Dance Studios can open indoors with 10 percent capacity with 6-ft social distancing instead of the previous requirement of 12 ft.

  • Museums, zoos, and aquariums can open indoor activities at 25 percent capacity. 

  • Breweries, wineries and distilleries that do not serve meals can open outdoors only with modifications. The modifications include ensuring that patrons have reservations and patrons observe a 90-minute time limit. Service for on-site consumption must end by 8:00 p.m.

  • Bars that do not serve meals remain closed in the Purple and Red tiers. 

  • Private gatherings can occur both outdoors and indoors with up to 3 separate households.

  • Schools are permitted to re-open for in-person instruction adhering to all state and county directives. This includes grades 7-12. Grades kindergarten - 6 already had the option of opening.

  • Family entertainment centers (kart racing, mini-golf, batting cages) can open outdoors with modifications.

  • Personal care services can continue to operate indoors following state guidance. 


Changes starting on April 1st

  • Professional sports: outdoor only at 20% capacity
  • Schools: in-person instruction after five days out of the purple tier
  • Theme parks: can reopen at 15% capacity
  • Live performances: outdoor only at 20% capacity

For up-to-date information about what activities are currently allowed, please visit Ventura County's FAQ webpage.
Business Recovery Resources

Businesses and nonprofits based in Ventura County may be eligible for $5,000 grants. The County of Ventura is launching a second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program for business and nonprofit organizations that did not receive a grant during the County’s first program in 2020. 

Application Window is March 31 from 8 am to April 6 at 6 pm.

People can pre-register from March 24 through March 30th. 
Round 4 (specifically for non-profit cultural institutions) is open from March 16th - 23rd. Round 5 (currently waitlisted and new applicants) will open March 25th - 31st.

The City of Camarillo is looking to aid small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic with loans that range from $10,000 to $50,000. In partnership with the Economic Development Collaborative, this new loan fund is designed to assist business owners in overcoming issues during this challenging time.
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program
If you’re an income eligible renter who has experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19 and have past due rent, or you’re a landlord who has experienced a loss in income because of unpaid rent, you may be eligible to get financial assistance now through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.

Who Can Apply?

Landlords who have income-eligible renters experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19 with past due rent.

Renters who have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19, have past due rent or utilities, and have a household income that is not more than 80% of the area median income.
Commercial Eviction Moratorium Extended
Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order extending authorization for local governments to halt evictions for commercial renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through June 30, 2021.

The text of the Governor’s executive order can be found here and a copy can be found here.
We know this may cause much confusion around those who have found them in a sort of limbo with the March 31st date being the target where such moratoriums ended.

To that end, the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) offered a free webinar with a particular focus on commercial tenant needs.
Local Assistance
If your business has experienced economic injury due to the impact of COVID-19, you do not have walk alone. Connect with a business advisor today at no-cost.

Please call 805.409.9159 (ENGLISH) 805.309.5874 (SPANISH) to schedule an appointment.
The EDC invites you to join their webinar series on Fridays at 12:00 pm to answer questions about EIDL, PPP, UI, Grants and all currently available COVID-19 related business resources. The next webinars in this series are on March 19, April 9 and April 23. Please register in advance.
 
Is Your Business Hiring?

Your business can join Channel Islands Virtual Career and Internship Fair to attract new talent. For more information, visit: go.csuci.edu/careerfair

Also, you can view and post Camarillo job openings on our City's website here.
Best wishes,

Georg Winkler, Economic Development Coordinator
City of Camarillo | 601 Carmen Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010

Las Personas son la Ciudad - The People are the City
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Please stay updated with local COVID-19 updates.