The Small Business Administration announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) reopens for new and certain previous applicants. The PPP provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA is offering:

• PPP First Draw Loans - for first time participants (began January 11, 2021)
• PPP Second Draw Loans - for certain businesses who previously received a PPP loan (open to all lenders on January 19, 2021)
• SBA Announcement

• PPP First Draw Application Form 
• PPP Second Draw Application Form 

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) announced that Round 1 for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program has closed. Application approval notices will be sent out between Friday, January 15 through Friday, January 22. Funds will be disbursed over a 45-day verification period beginning Friday, January 22. See CalOSBA & Go-Biz Statement 

A second round of applications will open at 8:00 am on Tuesday, February 2 and will close at 6:00 pm on Monday, February 8.  Applicants who submitted all necessary documents in the first round and met eligibility requirements, but did not receive a grant, do not need to reapply; their applications will be rolled over for consideration in the second round. 

The amount of grant funding ranges from $5,000 to $25,000 for eligible micro and small businesses impacted by the pandemic. It is not a first come, first served program, nor a rolling approval process. Businesses are eligible based on their annual revenue as documented in their most recent tax return. Businesses apply through a partner based on County.

• California Small Business Relief Grant Program website 
• Businesses Application Guide | Nonprofit Application Guide
• Frequently Asked Questions

On January 5, the Governor previewed the Equitable Recovery for California's Businesses and Jobs plan - part of the proposed 2021-2022 state budget - which called for immediate legislative action on $575 million in additional grants for the California Relief Grant Program. This investment will add to the initial $500 million allocation announced on November 30, bringing the total to $1.075 billion.

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is accepting applications for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC).  There are $80 million in tax credits available during this application period for businesses that are expanding and adding quality, full-time jobs in California that might not otherwise be created by the business or any other business. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, January 25, at 11:59 p.m. PST. The online application can be accessed at www.calcompetes.ca.gov.  

Businesses interested in learning more about the CCTC can participate in a free application webinar on January 19, 2021. Details and Registration

Questions regarding the CCTC program or application process can be directed at (916) 322-4051 or email CalCompetes@gobiz.ca.gov.

Alameda County began vaccine administration the week of December 14, 2020, following the State's prioritization framework. Vaccines are administered in phases and broken down into tiers to help prioritize further. The County is currently in Phase 1A and anticipates beginning Phase 1B in February, as vaccine supply allows.
See California's COVID-19 Vaccine Plan

The Alameda County Public Health Department has created a notification mechanism for residents, employers, and health care providers to be notified when that group's turn to receive a COVID- vaccination becomes available. This is not a mechanism to make appointments to receive the vaccination.

For more information and to complete the notification form, visit the County's website.

The California Small Business Development Center and CalOSBA are hosting a four-part series to expand your online small business presence by launching and growing your online e-commerce store. Business owners will develop skills to drive traffic, grow on brand exposure, and reach larger audiences online while developing a strong understanding of the key elements needed to build and expand a robust e-commerce portal for their business.

Four - 1.5 hour cohort workshops, must attend all sessions!
January 19, 26 and February 2, 9 from 10:00 - 11:30 am PST | REGISTER HERE

Wednesdays, 10:30 - 11:30 am
COVID-19 Small Business Update and Q&A
Hosted by NorCal Small Business Development Center (SBDC) | Registration

Tuesday, January 19, 11:00 am
California Competes Tax Credit Webinar
Hosted by GO-Biz | Registration

Tuesday, January 19, 3:00 pm
Increasing Restaurant Online Food Orders Webinar
Hosted by SBCD | Registration

Wednesday, January 20, 10:30 am
SBA EIDL & PPP Foregiveness & New Loan Options Webinar
Hosted by NorCal SBDC Finance Center| Registration

Wednesday, January 20, 1:00 pm
Grow Revenue with a CRM
Hosted by SBDC | Registration

Stay informed! Bookmark the City's COVID-19 Business Support page to obtain useful information at www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/eddcovid. We are monitoring information related to COVID-19 and will update this page with relevant changes. 

This newsletter is brought to you by the City of Pleasanton to keep our business community informed during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To adhere to the Alameda County Public Health Department’s order to shelter in place, City of Pleasanton offices are temporarily closed and City government meetings are limited. The Permit Center located at 200 Old Bernal Avenue is open for limited in-person appointments. Visit the Permit Center webpage for more information. You may contact our staff at econdev@cityofpleasantonca.gov.