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COVID-19 Resource Guide

March 17, 2020
Posted in Featured, News
17 Mar 2020
Featured, News 351 Comments
March 17, 2020 Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

COVID-19 Resource Guide

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Resource Guide is a comprehensive list of important resources for our members that are being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The list is being updated regularly, so please continue to check back.

Staying informed and adhering to health and government regulations and advice are still the most important thing we can do right now to keep ourselves and our community safe. For additional updates look out for our weekly e-news and follow us on social media. Please feel free to contact us at  [email protected] with any additional questions and concerns you may have during this time.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is providing a list of weekly webinars with important updates and resources for businesses and the community. Past webinars and power point presentations are also available. 

  1. Business Resources
  2. City Updates
  3. Other Government Updates
  4. Health Updates

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES & NONPROFITS

FUNDING AND BUSINESS ASSISTANCE SERVICES

Researching and applying for COVID-19 related loans and other funding opportunities for your small business or nonprofit can be overwhelming and confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. Below we have provided you with information to free or low-cost funding and other business assistance. 

EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT BENEFITS & RESOURCES

BUSINESS INSURANCE CLAIMS

LEGAL SERVICES & STRATEGIES

PAID FAMILY LEAVE

Employees who need leave to take care of children or family issues can also apply for Paid Family Leave (PFL) through State of California EDD. Use this link to register online. Do not call — the phone lines are swamped. Use the online application: Click Here

UTILITY ASSISTANCE

SoCal Gas to waive late payment fee for small businesses

LADWP is offering generous extended payment plans for all customers experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19

TAXES

  • The deadlines to FILE and PAY federal income taxes are extended to July 15, 2020.
  • Employee Retention Credit Available for Many Businesses Financially Impacted by COVID-19. The Employee Retention Credit is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes equal to 50% of the qualified wages an eligible employer pays to employees after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. You can get immediate access to the credit by reducing the employment tax deposits you are otherwise required to make. Also, if your employment tax deposits are not sufficient to cover the credit, you may get an advance payment from the IRS.
  • Coronavirus-Related Paid Leave for Workers and Tax Credits for Small- and Mid-Size Businesses. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (PDF) gives all American businesses with fewer than 500 employees funds to provide employees with paid leave, either for the employee’s own health needs or to care for family members. Get details on paid leave for employees.
  • Payroll Support for Air Carriers and Contractors. Get answers about tax treatment of the air carrier payroll support payments.
  • Online resources for tax exempt and other entities:
    • Delay of Payment of Employer Payroll Taxes this provision would allow taxpayers to defer paying the employer portion of certain payroll taxes through the end of 2020, with all 2020 deferred amounts due in two equal installments, one at the end of 2021, the other at the end of 2022 Learn More.
    • Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Click here.

EVICTION MORATORIUM AND RENT FREEZE

RESTAURANT SUPPORT

NONPROFIT SPECIFIC RESOURCES

Southern California Funders’ Discussion on COVID-19: Providing weekly webinars on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is far-reaching and includes major implications for nonprofits and the communities that they serve.

New online nonprofit directory connects Angelenos to service opportunities. Nonprofits working to provide services during this pandemic that are in need of volunteers can join the directory. And Angelenos who are looking for a way to put their particular skill sets to work can search the website for an appropriate organization. To get involved, visit volunteer.lamayor.org and click on the button that says “Nonprofit Directory.”

Learn more about pivoting to remote work with this COVID-19 Response Course Track for Nonprofits from Techsoup

 

  • Mayor Garcetti’s Emergency Orders
  • MAY
  • APRIL
    • 4/29 COVID-19 Response Update from Mayor Garcetti.
    • 4/29 Mayor Garcetti announces free COVID-19 testing now open to all residents, with or without symptoms
    • 4/29 Mayor Garcetti announces partnership to acquire 24 million N95 masks for first responders, medical community
    • 4/29 New City-County partnership connects Angelenos with resources to open a safe and affordable bank account
    • 4/27 Mayor Garcetti announces expansion of senior meals program employing laid-off hospitality and restaurant workers.
    • 4/20 COVID-19 Response Update from Mayor Garcetti. Watch now.
    • 4/20 Starting April 20, the City is surging a deployment of street medical teams to help fight COVID-19 among Angelenos experiencing homelessness.
    • 4/20 Medical Relief Center is up and running at the L.A. Convention Center
    • 4/20 Mayor Garcetti is calling for the creation of CARES Corps, a federally-funded initiative that would strengthen America’s response to COVID-19 and help accelerate economic recovery from the crisis.
    • 4/20 Mayor Garcetti announces launch of Emergency Senior Meals Response initiative, apply here.
    • 4/20 City’s coronavirus website highlights data and and dispels common myths
    • 4/16 COVID-19 Response Update from Mayor Garcetti. Watch now.
    • 4/10 The City’s Safer at Home order extended through May 15th.
    • 4/10 COVID-19 Response Update from Mayor Garcetti. Watch now.
    • 4/10 Mayor Garcetti issues order requiring essential workers and customers to wear face coverings.
    • 4/10 Mayor Garcetti launches initiative to support hospital workers and their families. Read more.
    • 4/7 Mayor Garcetti issues an Emergency Order for Sick Paid Leave for Employees that have been affected by the COVID-19 virus. CLICK HERE to read the Order.
    • 4/7 COVID-19 Response Update from Mayor Garcetti, click here to watch.
    • 4/7 Mayor Garcetti announces expansion of City’s free COVID-19 testing program. Learn more.
    • 4/6 Listen to regular briefings from LA City Mayor Garcetti on Podcast here.
    • 4/2 COVID-19 Response Update from Mayor Garcetti, click here to watch
    • 4/1 COVID-19 Response Update from Mayor Garcetti, click here to watch.
  • MARCH
    • 3/31 Mayor Garcetti orders halt to rent increases on rent stabilized units. Learn more.
    • 3/31 Mayor Garcetti launches partnership to produce 5 million masks. Learn more.
    • 3/31 COVID-19 Response Update from Mayor Garcetti, click here to watch.
    • 3/30 COVID-19 Response Update from Mayor Garcetti, click here to watch.
    • 3/24“Safer at Home” emergency order will be strictly enforced. Learn more.
    • 3/24 Mayor Garcetti orders new restrictions, announces moratorium on Water & Power shutoffs. Learn more.
    • 3/24 Mayor Garcetti announces new online COVID-19 testing portal. Check to see if you qualify.
    • 3/20 Mayor Eric Garcetti issues Safer at Home emergency order stopping non-essential activities outside of residences in response to COVID-19 Click here to learn more.
    • 3/20 Mayor Garcetti launches online jobs portal for those who have lost their job or had their hours cut due to the COVID-19 crisis. Enter here.
    • 3/20 Click here for an update on COVID-19 Testing.
    • 3/19 To further combat the spread of COVID-19, Mayor Eric Garcetti has issued a “Safer at Home” emergency order — ordering all residents of the City of Los Angeles to stay inside their residences, and immediately limit all movement outside of their homes beyond what is absolutely necessary to take care of essential needs. Click here for more details.
    • 3/19 Mayor Eric Garcetti today announced an $11 million economic relief package for small businesses impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). “As part of the program, which was approved by the Los Angeles City Council, the Economic and Workforce Development Department will provide $11 million in no-fee microloans of $5,000 to $20,000 — which may be used to cover working capital. Since cash flow is critical at this unprecedented time, the program will offer relaxed underwriting with no credit score minimum, a generous allowance to meet debt service, and a 100% Loan to Value ratio. The interest rate can either be 0% for a term of six months to one year, or 3% to 5% for a term of up to five years. ” Click here to learn more & apply.
    • 3/19: Mayor Garcetti released the L.A. City Small Business Resilience Toolkit, download a PDF copy here.
    • Mayor Garcetti ordered a moratorium on commercial evictions of tenants unable to pay rent — a move that follows a similar ban on evictions of residential tenants. Click here to learn more.
    • Mayor Eric Garcetti on Sunday night announced an Emergency Order to close bars, nightclubs, restaurants — with the exception of takeout and delivery — entertainment venues and gyms in an attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus. Click here for more. (via LA Times)
    • Mayor Eric Garcetti relaxes parking enforcement as part of emergency response to novel Coronavirus. Click here for more information. (via LAMayor Press)

  • COUNTY UPDATES
  • MAY 
  • APRIL
  • MARCH
    • 3/31 Attention Hotels & Motels: County of Los Angeles COVID-19: Request for quotes for Medical Shelter Rooms. Click here.
    • 3/31 Read L.A. County’s “Safer at Home” Public Health Order
    • 3/24 “Safer at Home” emergency order will be strictly enforced. Learn more.
    • 3/23 L.A. County increases coronavirus testing capacity, securing 20,000 new tests. Click here to read more.
    • Supervisor Kathryn Barger and medical officials announce countywide closures, resident & small business assistance, updates, and precautions. Click here to watch.
    • A federal judge has scheduled an emergency status conference to address a lawsuit seeking to have the city and county of Los Angeles ordered to provide shelter space for the thousands of homeless at risk of contracting coronavirus. Defendants include the city and county of Los Angeles.
    • The Homeland Security Advisory Council at Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy has published real-time SALUS maps, in Spanish and English, for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Los Angeles County. The interactive maps contain:
  • STATE UPDATES
  • MAY
    • 5/8 Governor Newsom issued an executive order extending some critical deadlines that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Governor Newsom issued an executive order to ensure that Californians can exercise their right to vote in a safe and accessible manner during the General Election this November.
    • 5/7 The state released updated industry guidance – including for retail, manufacturing and logistics – to begin reopening with modifications that reduce risk and establish a safer environment for workers and customers.
    • 5/6 The state launched an interactive website to help Californians find COVID-19 community testing sites near them.
    • 5/6 Governor Newsom issued an executive order waiving penalties on property taxes for residents and small businesses experiencing economic hardship based on COVID-19 and extending deadline for filing property tax statements.
    • 5/6 Governor Newsom issued an executive order that creates a time-limited rebuttable presumption for accessing workers’ compensation benefits applicable to Californians who must work outside of their homes during the stay at home order.
    • 5/1 Governor Newsom issued an executive order that temporarily broadens the capability of counties to enroll persons into the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program using various eligibility verification methods due to social distancing requirements.
  • APRIL
    • 4/30 Governor Newsom issued an executive order allowing adults to obtain marriage licenses via videoconferencing rather than in person amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • 4/30 California launched covid19.ca.gov/childcare to provide convenient access to safe and reliable child care options for working parents, including essential workers and vulnerable populations.
    • 4/29 The Governor announced that that CalFresh recipients will receive the maximum benefits for the month of May and families with children eligible for free or reduced price meals are eligible to receive additional support thanks to the Pandemic Emergency Benefits Transfer Program (P-EBT).
    • 4/29 Philanthropy committed to a  $15 million campaign to fund Farm to Family program through the end of the year.
    • 4/29 The state expanded its Farm to Family program to help meet the growing demand at California food banks.
    • 4/24 California is mobilizing more than 1,000 callers through the Social Bridging Project to proactively reach out to older Californians who are isolating at home.
    • 4/24 The state is expanding Friendship Line California to provide statewide support to lonely and isolated older Californians.
    • 4/24 California is launching a first-in-the-nation program that will enlist community restaurants to prepare and deliver meals to older Californians who are isolating at home during California’s stay at home order.
    • 4/23 Governor Newsom issued an executive order addressing a variety of issues in response to the COVID-19 pandemic including extensions for customers on several Department of Motor Vehicles deadlines and suspension of late fees for expired vehicle registrations.
    • 4/23 Governor Newsom issued an executive order giving flexibility to the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Medi-Cal providers on a variety of deadlines and requirements to ensure continuity of service to patients and customers.
    • 4/23 Governor Newsom issued an executive order to empower schools to focus on responding to COVID-19 and to provide transparency to their communities.
    • 4/23 Governor Newsom issued an executive order to stop debt collectors from garnishing COVID-19-related financial assistance.
    • 4/23 Governor Newsom announced that most private student loan servicers have agreed to provide payment and other relief to borrowers, including more than 1.1 million Californians with privately held student loans.
    • 4/21 California Volunteers’ launched the #CaliforniansForAll service initiative to connect Californians with safe volunteer opportunities and encourage those unable to physically volunteer to think creatively about ways to make a difference in their communities.
    • 4/20 The state secured commitments from companies, business leaders, and philanthropists to provide Internet access for hundreds of thousands of households and laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets for over 70,000 students.
    • 4/20 The California Public Utilities Commission is making $30 million available to help school districts ensure that families have Internet access and computing devices for distance learning.
    • 4/20 The California State Transportation Agency is partnering with the City of Sacramento to convert and deploy seven transit buses to be used as super hotspots.
    • 4/18 California negotiated master agreement template with Motel 6 which counties can now use to access these facilities for Project Roomkey.
    • 4/17 Governor Newsom issued an executive order allowing temporary waivers to certain foster youth programs to ensure continuity of care in response to COVID-19.
    • 4/17 Governor Newsom established a state Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery to chart a path forward on recovery in the wake of COVID-19.
    • 4/17 Governor Newsom issued an executive order addressing upcoming admissions criteria for the CSU system, background checks for essential workers, and deadline extensions to real estate licenses and more. 
    • 4/16 Governor Newsom issued an executive order increasing health and safety standards by permitting workers at food facilities to wash their hands every 30 minutes, or as needed. (4/16/2020)
    • 4/16 Governor Newsom issued an executive order to give two weeks of supplemental paid sick leave to certain food sector workers if they are subject to a quarantine or isolation order or medical directive.
    • 4/15 Philanthropic partners committed to raising a $50 million to support undocumented Californians.
    • 4/15 California invested $75 million in statewide Disaster Relief Assistance funding to provide financial support for immigrant workers affected by COVID-19.
    • 4/15 The Employment Development Department is implementing a one-stop shop for those applying for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, including the self-employed and independent contractors.
    • 4/15 The state launched a new initiative to expand call center hours at the Employment Development Department to better assist Californians with unemployment insurance applications.
    • 4/14 Governor Newsom signed an executive order to address the release and reentry process at the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) so that eligible youth serving time at DJJ can be discharged safely and expeditiously.
    • 4/14 Governor Newsom outlined six critical indicators California will consider before modifying the stay-at-home-order and other COVID-19 interventions.
    • 4/13 California invested $42 million to protect younger Californians who are at heightened risk for abuse and mistreatment due to COVID-19.
    • 4/10 Governor Newsom announced the release of $100 million to support child care services, and to support child care providers who are stepping up to serve essential infrastructure workers and vulnerable populations and their children.
    • 4/10 The USNS Mercy is taking non-COVID-19 patients to help decompress skilled nursing facilities in the Los Angeles area.
    • 4/10 California is providing stipends to certified nurse assistants, licensed vocational nurses and other critical staff at nursing homes to make sure their needs are met.
    • 4/9 The state created a program to provide doctors, nurses and other critical front-line health care workers access to no-cost or low-cost hotel rooms. 
    • 4/9 California is partnering with United Airlines, which will provide free, round-trip flights for volunteer medical professionals from across California and the country who join the state’s health care workforce.
    • 4/9 The state will begin implementing new federal benefit payments of $600 on top of the weekly benefit received by California workers as part of the new Pandemic Additional Compensation (PAC) initiated by the CARES Act.
    • 4/7 Governor Newsom issued an executive order that provides additional support for older adults and vulnerable young children. 
    • 4/7 Governor Newsom issued an executive order to help the state procure necessary medical supplies to fight COVID-19.
    • 4/7 California’s Surgeon General released new stress management playbooks for individuals, caregivers and kids.
    • 4/7 California published a consolidated page of helplines and resources for those experiencing stress, anxiety or depression, facing substance abuse disorders, violence at home, or seeking to protect child welfare and address child abuse or neglect. 
    • 4/4 California secured 4,613 additional beds to fight COVID-19 and is aggressively planning for a surge in hospitalizations in the coming weeks, aiming to add 50,000 beds to our existing hospital capacity of nearly 75,000 beds.
    • 4/4 The Governor created a COVID-19 Testing Task Force, a public-private collaboration that will work with stakeholders to rapidly boost testing capacity. (4/4/2020)
    • 4/4 California launched a new website, covid19supplies.ca.gov, to allow individuals and companies to donate, sell or offer to manufacture 13 of the most critical medical supplies including ventilators, N95 respirators and testing materials.
    • 4/3 Governor Newsom issued an executive order allowing health care providers to use video chats and applications to provide health services without risk of penalty.
    • 4/3 Governor Newsom signed an executive order expanding consumer protection against price gouging on critical items, such as food and medical supplies, during the COVID-19 crisis.
    • 4/3 The state is securing thousands of isolation rooms in hotels and motels through Project Roomkey, for extremely vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness, to help flatten the curve & preserve hospital capacity.
    • 4/3 California is the first state in the nation to secure FEMA approval for 75 percent federal cost-share for housing vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness.
    • 4/2 Governor Newsom signed an executive order that will restrict water shutoffs to homes and small businesses while the state responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • 4/2 The state is providing $50 million in loan guarantees for small businesses that may not be eligible for federal relief.
    • 4/2 California is also allowing small businesses to defer payment of sales and use taxes of up to $50,000, for up to 12 months.
    • 4/2 Governor Newsom announced $17.8 million in new state initiatives to support California workers impacted by COVID-19. The allocation will come from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds with $7.8 million going to the Los Angeles region and $10 million made available statewide.
    • 4/2 California is partnering with Google, which will be donating Chromebooks and will fund the use of 100,000 donated mobile hotspots to provide free and unlimited high-speed Internet connectivity for the remainder of the school year.
    • 4/1 Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order Providing for Expedited Resources for COVID-19 Response. Learn more.
    • 4/1 Governor Newsom Announces Agreement Between Teachers, Classified Employees and School System Management to Support Student Instruction During COVID-19 Outbreak. Learn more.
  • MARCH
    • 3/31 California launched a statewide hotline(833-544-2374) and call center in partnership with 2-1-1 to connect older Californians with essential services like food and medication.
    • 3/31 Governor Newsom called for community members to check in on senior neighbors, friends, and family as part of the ‘Stay Home. Save Lives. Check In.’ 
    • 3/31 The state is urging local non-profits and faith-based organizations to call to check inon all of the older Californians in their networks. 
    • 3/31 In partnership with AARP, the state is sending a mailer to every older Californian with information and resources to adapt to the stay at  order.
    • Governor Newsom issued an executive order to expand the health care workforceand staff at least an additional 50,000 hospital beds needed for the COVID-19 surge. (3/30/2020)
    • The state launched the California Health Corps– health care professionals with an active license, public health professionals, medical retirees, medical and nursing students, or members of medical disaster response teams in California are all encouraged to join and staff the surge in COVID-19 patients. (3/30/2020)
    • Governor Newsom signed an executive order providing relief to small businesses–  it includes a 90-day extension in state and local taxes and extends licensing deadlines and requirements for a number of industries. (3/30/2020)
    • The state secured partnerships with leading digital and media platforms, businesses and celebrities from across the state on the COVID-19 public awareness campaign. (3/29/2020)
    • 3/27 The Governor issued an executive order enabling the Chief Justice to take emergency actions for the state’s courts to be able to conduct business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • 3/27  Governor Gavin Newsom Announces Major Financial Relief Package: 90-Day Mortgage Payment Relief During COVID-19 Crisis. Governor Newsom secured support from Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo and nearly 200 state-chartered banks, credit unions, and servicers to protect homeowners and consumers. Read more and apply.
    • 3/27 Field offices are temporarily closed to the public statewide beginning March 27. All appointments at this time have been canceled and no appointments are currently available. Please continue to check the DMV website for updates.
    • 3/24: Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order on State Prisons and Juvenile Facilities in Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak
    • 3/22: California Secures Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to Support State’s COVID-19 Emergency Response
    • 3/22: COVID-19 Resources for Employers and Workers from the Labor & Workforce Development Agency
    • 3/22: The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development has compiled helpful information for employers, employees and all Californians as it relates to the cornonavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Click here.
    • 3/19: Governor Newsom called for a Stay at Home Directive to preserve the public health and safety of all Californians; and ensure that our healthcare delivery systems are not overwhelmed. All residents have been ordered to stay inside their residences, and immediately limit all movement outside of their homes beyond what is absolutely necessary to take care of essential needs. Click here for details.
    • Governor Newsom signs executive Order ensuring State Funding for Schools Even in Event of Physical Closure. Click here to learn more. 
    • California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Beginning March 16, 2020, DMV allows customers to avoid coming to a DMV office for 60 days. If your driver license is expiring soon, you may request an extension. Visit their website for additional DMV updates.
    • STATE GOVERNMENT RESOURCES:
  • NATIONAL UPDATES

We are in constant communication with our largest member hospitals serving the Hollywood community, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA), Kaiser Permanente, Hollywood, and CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. They are working together and assure us they are well-prepared and all services are intact. Here you will find updates from our health care partners:

OTHER IMPORTANT HEALTH RESOURCES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-LATEST COVID-19 UPDATES

California Department of Public Health LATEST COVID-19 UPDATES

Los Angeles Department of Public Health LATEST COVID-19 UPDATES

World Health Organization LATEST COVID-19 UPDATES

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES AND ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES & NONPROFITS

Small Business Administration (SBA)  UPDATE  on SBA loans providing COVID-19 relief, on April 23 the House passed a $480 billion relief package that will be allocated to small businesses and healthcare providers. Here is what it entails:

  • $320 billion would go the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with forgivable loans to keep their workers employed during the crisis. $60 billion of this funding is specifically being set aside for small lenders and community financial institutions. $30 billion will go to community lenders, small banks, and credit unions, and the other $30 billion will be allocated for medium sized banks and credit unions.
  • $60 billion will be used to replenish the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan,which provides up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. (pending approval from President).

SBA Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. 

LISC grants to small business – Deadline April 4! Thanks to a $2.5 million investment from Verizon, LISC is offering grants up to $10,000 to help small businesses fill urgent financial gaps until they can resume normal operations or until other more permanent financing becomes available. The first round of grants is closed, but a second round is expected to become available in April.  Stay posted here for details.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Save Small Business Fund opens April 20 and will be providing $5,000 supplemental grants to small employers in economically vulnerable communities.

The Facebook Small Business Grants Program is providing $4,000 grants to Small Businesses who have within 2 to 50 employers and are experiencing disruptions resulting from the global outbreak of COVID-19.

USC Small Business Relief Grant Application is providing grants to businesses that are promoting the best interests of the community and that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Priority will be given to minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses.

Salesforce Small Business Grants (West) is providing grants to organizations who have within 2 to 50 employers and that have been in business for at least two years.

Los Angeles County Employer Assistance Grant Fund: Apps closed but waitlist open.

City of Los Angeles No-Fee Microloans of $5,000 to $20,000 — which may be used to cover working capital. Click here to see if you qualify and apply today.

JFLA Free Loan provides no fee and interest-free small business loans up to $10,000 to cover.

IBank Los Angeles partner Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Development Corporation offers Disaster Loans in response to COVID-19.

Arts Emergency Relief Fund from the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

Loans available for nonprofit organizations in the CARES Act.

American Farmland Trust’s Farmer Relief Fund.

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE SERVICES

Researching and applying for COVID-19 related loans and other funding opportunities for your small business or nonprofit can be overwhelming and confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. Below we have provided you with information to free or low-cost funding and other business assistance. 

The California Capital Access Program (CalCAP) for Small Business encourages banks and other financial institutions to make loans to small businesses that have difficulty obtaining financing.

L.A. County Business Concierge Services. The County’s Department of Consumer and Business Affairs’ Office of Small Business can help connect you to local, state and federal resources, including layoff aversion and emergency loans. Visit https://dcba.lacounty.gov/small-business-services/ for more business resources.

RESTAURANT SUPPORT

 

REDUCED WORK HOURS (ALTERNATIVE TO LAY OFFS)

Employers experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the coronavirus impact on the economy may apply for the UI Work Sharing Program. This program allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs — retaining their trained employees by reducing their hours and wages that can be partially offset with UI benefits. Workers of employers who are approved to participate in the Work Sharing Program receive the percentage of their weekly UI benefit amount based on the percentage of hours and wages reduced, not to exceed 60 percent. Visit Work Sharing Program to learn more about its benefits for employers and employees, and how to apply.

POTENTIAL CLOSURES OR LAY OFFS

3/21: Employers planning a closure or major layoffs as a result of the coronavirus can get help through the Rapid Response program. Rapid Response teams will meet with you to discuss your needs, help avert potential layoffs, and provide immediate on-site services to assist workers facing job losses. For more information, refer to the Rapid Response Services for Businesses Fact Sheet (DE 87144RRB) (PDF) or contact your local America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM.

3/21: For Employees, if your hours have been reduced or your workplace has shut down operations due to COVID-19, you can file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim. UI provides partial wage replacement benefit payments to workers who lose their job or have their hours reduced, through no fault of their own. Workers who are temporarily unemployed due to COVID-19 and expected to return to work with their employer within a few weeks are not required to actively seek work each week. However, they must remain able and available and ready to work during their unemployment for each week of benefits claimed and meet all other eligibility criteria. Eligible individuals can receive benefits that range from $40-$450 per week. The Governor’s Executive Order waives the one-week unpaid waiting period, so you can collect UI benefits for the first week you are out of work. If you are eligible, the EDD processes and issues payments within a few weeks of receiving a claim.

More information can be found at https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm

BUSINESS INSURANCE CLAIMS

4/17 California Department of Insurance FAQ on business interruption insurance and other issues affecting California small businesses.

4/17 California Department of Insurance Premium Refunds, Credits, and Reductions in Response to COVID-19
Pandemic

4/13 Commissioner Lara Orders Insurance Companies to Refund Premiums to Drivers and Businesses Affected by the COVID-19 Emergency.

3/23: COVID-19 Business Insurance Coverage Overview from NFP Property & Casual Services.

3/20: If you are having difficulty with your insurance company, the California Department of Insurance recommends filing a Request for Assistance (RFA) with them. Click here to complete an RFA.

LEGAL SERVICES & STRATEGIES

LA Represents providing free COVID-19 related legal services for individuals and small businesses.

COVID-19 — Recommended Strategies for Employers from the Law Offices of Derek S. Yee.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: memo referenced in the above Memo: Recommended Strategies for Employers from the Law Offices of Derek S. Yee.

Can Companies Lay Off Workers Without Further Liability? Click here to learn more from Pierce Law Group, LLP 

PAID FAMILY LEAVE

Employees who need leave to take care of children or family issues can also apply for Paid Family Leave (PFL) through State of California EDD. Use this link to register online. Do not call — the phone lines are swamped. Use the online application: Click Here

PAYROLL ASSISTANCE

Employers experiencing a hardship as a result of COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest.

UTILITY ASSISTANCE

SoCal Gas to waive late payment fee for small businesses

LADWP is offering generous extended payment plans for all customers experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19

TAXES

Guide to Employee Retention Tax Credit

IRS Operations During COVID-19: Mission-critical functions continue.

Employee Retention Credit for Employers Subject to Closure or Experiencing Economic Hardship This provision would provide a refundable payroll tax credit for 50 percent of wages paid by eligible employers to certain employees during the COVID-19 crisis. The credit is available to employers, including non-profits, whose operations have been fully or partially suspended as a result of a government order limiting commerce, travel or group meetings. The credit is also provided to employers who have experienced a greater than 50 percent reduction in quarterly receipts, measured on a year-over-year basis. Learn more.

Delay of Payment of Employer Payroll Taxes this provision would allow taxpayers to defer paying the employer portion of certain payroll taxes through the end of 2020, with all 2020 deferred amounts due in two equal installments, one at the end of 2021, the other at the end of 2022 Learn More.

Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Click here.

NONPROFIT SPECIFIC RESOURCES

Southern California Funders’ Discussion on COVID-19: Providing weekly webinars on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is far-reaching and includes major implications for nonprofits and the communities that they serve.

New online nonprofit directory connects Angelenos to service opportunities. Nonprofits working to provide services during this pandemic that are in need of volunteers can join the directory. And Angelenos who are looking for a way to put their particular skill sets to work can search the website for an appropriate organization. To get involved, visit volunteer.lamayor.org and click on the button that says “Nonprofit Directory.”

Learn more about pivoting to remote work with this COVID-19 Response Course Track for Nonprofits from Techsoup

 

 

This information provided on this site is intended to provide accurate, general information regarding the coronavirus. Yet because laws and legal procedures are subject to frequent change and differing interpretations, and specific facts regarding a situation may differ,  the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce cannot ensure the information in this memo is current nor be responsible for any use to which it is put.  Do not rely on this information without consulting an attorney or the appropriate agency about your rights in your particular situation.

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