As anticipated by Alameda County, the State extended the Regional Stay at Home Order based on recent COVID-19 statistics, including data on intensive care unit (ICU) capacity across the state. The Bay Area ICU capacity is currently <1%. For the Order to be lifted, the State's projections must show that the Bay Area region is expected to meet or exceed 15% ICU capacity in the next four weeks. As the biggest surge of COVID-19 cases are being experienced in the Bay Area since the beginning of the pandemic, it is encouraged for all to continue to stay home and wear a mask for essential activities.

• California Department of Public Health Statement (January 9, 2021)
• Alameda County Statement (January 7, 2021)
• List of Approved Open & Closed Businesses

The Small Business Administration announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) re-opens this week. 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 (beginning January 11, 2021)
• PPP Second Draw Loans - for certain businesses who previously received a PPP loan (beginning January 13, 2021)
• SBA Announcement

Key PPP updates include:

• PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
• PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
• The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
• The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
• Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
• Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. 

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

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) is administering a new $500 million California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program to support small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19 and the health and safety restrictions. Round One application period closes  Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 11:59 pm PST. Round Two will be announced in the near future. One complete application will qualify businesses for consideration for both rounds.

The amount of grant funding ranges from $5,000 to $25,000. Businesses are eligible based on their annual revenue as documented in their most recent tax return. Businesses apply through a partner based on County found on the grant program's website.

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

Learn more about the grant program and application process by attending a live webinar on the following dates:

• January 13 at 11:00 am PST, hosted by SBDC | Register HERE
• Additional dates and times, visit Webinars

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.