Home Resources Regional Support for Local Businesses & Workers Impacted by COVID-19

Regional Support for Local Businesses & Workers Impacted by COVID-19

by Neal Bloom

Government agencies and organizations have launched a myriad of relief and support efforts for businesses and their employees who have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. 

The Fresh Brewed Tech team has compiled a list of available local resources to help our ecosystem during this uncertain time.  

 

  • Annuity.org, a free web finance resource, has created an annuities guide with information on how to generate long-term income to help those out of work or on a reduced income at the moment. Check that out here as well as their COVID-19 Financial Guide here!

 

 

  • The BBB is now accepting applications for the Main St. Matters grant program. Any size small business who has not received federal or local aid through other avenues is eligible to apply. Application: mainstreetmatters.bbbcommunity.org

 

  • A Healthcare Empowerment Fund has been launched to support frontline healthcare workers. Click here to find out more.

 

  • Here is a list of restaurant chains offering free deliveries and groceries.

 

  • Here is a list of services and resources being provided by local San Diego businesses and governments

 

  • Here is a source of Coronavirus Relief Funding Options from the US Small Business Administration website

 

 

 

 

 

  • The Tech Coast Angels has  compiled a list of  resources about government programs and initiatives that may be relevant, including loans for venture-backed startups, grants for companies that can help combat COVID-19, and tips for startups to survive the crunch.

 

  • Mintz, which has an office in San Diego, has launched a Coronavirus Resource Center, which includes information on what organizations should know about the virus’s evolving effects — from travel and visa restrictions to delayed SEC filing deadlines, new data security concerns, supply-chain shortages, employer challenges around sick time and other leave laws, and myriad other issues confronting every sector of the US and global economy.

 

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced a several billion dollar program to help small businesses deal with the crisis. You can find out general SBA information at this link and about the disaster relief program here. The SBA disaster assistance customer service center can be reached at 1-800-659-2955 or e-mailed disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Locally, the SBA’s office in San Diego can be reached at 619-557-7250 and the website found here.

 

  • The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development has compiled helpful information for employers, employees, and all Californians as it relates to the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

  • San Diego Regional EDC has put together this comprehensive page to provide guidance and support for San Diego businesses, including resources for companies looking to pivot, such as distilleries looking to manufacture hand sanitizer, and manufacturers looking to develop low-cost respirators or create personal protection equipment (PPE).

 

  • The City of San Diego has established a Small Business Relief Fund to provide grants, loans and other resources to San Diego businesses.

 

  • The Downtown San Diego Partnership, San Diego Regional EDC, and San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a webinar on April 1 to highlight resources and the next steps small business owners can take to access them. Register here.

 

  • Cox Communications and Viasat are boosting speeds and lowering fees for individuals working at home.

 

  • The San Diego Workforce Partnership can assist business owners with issues surrounding workforce reductions. You can fill out a form here and the partnership has committed to a 24-hour turn around in responding.

 

  • SDG&E has temporarily suspended service disconnections for nonpayment as part of its coronavirus response.

 

  • Innovate78 has launched a list of resources for North County businesses impacted by COVID-19.

 

  • The City of San Marcos has launched a COVID-19 Business Sustainability Program, which will earmark up to $3 million of the City’s General Fund Reserves for a short term business loan program.

 

  • A coalition of philanthropy, government and local business partners has joined together to create the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund held at The San Diego Foundation to rapidly deploy flexible resources to community-based organizations at the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak in San Diego County.

 

  • We Are San Diego has a list of volunteer opportunities, needs and resources related to COVID-19. 

 

  • Relief funds for coronavirus-affected restaurants, bars, and food service workers are listed in Eater.

 

  • Business owners should be aware of options your employees may have in respect to making an unemployment or disability claim if their work hours and compensation are impacted by COVID-19. You can access information at the EDD website.

 

  • Employers are also strongly encouraged to review and follow CDC Guidelines to determine planning, preparation, and response to COVID-19.

 

Editor’s Note: We will continue to update this resource list as information becomes available. In the meantime, we are sending supportive thoughts to all those in our ecosystem who have been affected by this global pandemic. San Diego also continues to be on the front lines of innovation during the COVID-19 crisis. Click here for more info.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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