The health and safety of our employees, employers, and the larger community is our top priority. Toward that end, we are committed to making preparations for operational continuity plans, ensuring that remote work is an option for employees to the greatest extent possible, and reminding all members of our organizations and community of best practices with regard to health and safety.
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we recommend that you stay up to date on the latest information provided by local health officials to help ease employee and customer concerns while preventing the spread of the virus.
The Chamber’s role in a fluid situation like this is to help our business members find the resources they need.
In addition, the Chamber has pivoted from our regular schedule of meetings and networking events. We have transitioned quickly to help convene our business members as we navigate this together. If you are used to coming to one of our events in person, please check your email and make sure you’re staying connected through our emails, newsletter and social media
Latest Chamber Updates
- Recording: July 17th – Meet the Team Webinar
- Notes and Recordings: COVID-19 Regional Business Leadership Calls
- Recording: Business Liability, Best Practices, Safe & Smart Santa Barbara County Webinar – Held on July 8
- Recording: Webinar on Updates on the CARES Act and PPP Loan Changes with County Chambers – held June 10
- Q&A Document – June 10 Webinar – Update on the CARES Act and PPP
- Recording from County Webinar on Business Reopening
- SBC Chambers Webinar Questions
- Click here to register for Regional Business Leader Friday Calls
- Goleta Hotels Offer Discounts to Remote Workers During Coronavirus Outbreak
- On April 1st, Chambers in Santa Barbara County presented an update on the CARES act with the US Chamber. Click here for a recording of the webinar.
- Click here for the slides that were presented during the CARES Act Webinar on April 1, 2020.
- Trevor D. Large, Partner at Buynak, Fauver, Archbald & Spray LLP and First Vice Chair of theGoleta Chamber of Commerce has prepared a summary and a recap of some of the key questions and answers that followed the presentation. Please click here to view the summary and FAQ.
Business Resources
- For Small Business Administration loan information, click here. For additional information, contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
- US Chambers Guide to SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
- For a summary of the current CARES Act and how it affects your business, click here.
- US Chambers Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit
- US Chambers Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist (Paycheck Protection Program)
- Workplace recommendations from theUS Chamber of Commerce, CalChamberand the State of California
- Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Loan Program
- US Chamber of Commerce Workplace Tips for Employees
- CalChamber
- Santa Barbara County Economic Recovery Resources (link to: https://readysbc.org/economicrecovery/)
- 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: https://business.ca.gov/coronavirus-2019/
- WEV is providing webinars and loan information here (https://www.wevonline.org/wev-covid-19-message/)
- Santa Barbara Foundation is coordinating webinars and more: https://www.sbfoundation.org/covid-19-more-information/
As you transition your business during this time, you may be learning how to work from home. Here are our tips on how to effectively work remotely: https://sbsccc.wpengine.com/goleta-goleta-chamber-tips-for-working-remotely/
In addition, it is important to document impacts to your business. While the COVID-19 situation is still unfolding, we are recommending that all businesses and organizations carefully document impacts to your businesses caused by the outbreak. Documenting any losses from canceled events or decreased sales could assist in insurance claims or potential relief programs from government agencies.
Personal Protective Equipment – Local Sources
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Masks4Biz
The Goleta Chamber of Commerce partnering with local companies to get standard paper masks to frontline staff in Goleta. We want to help our local restaurant workers, bankers, gas station attendants, hardware store workers and other essential employees who are still interacting with others to help protect the spread of COVID-19. Our goal is to gift these businesses their first round of masks as a thank you gift and offer to help them procure additional masks after this if needed. Each mask can be worn by an employee twice.
We have sourced masks from a vendor that does not compete with the medical supply chain.
Masks are being delivered starting April 15th.
We would like to thank our Masks4Biz Sponsors: American Riviera Bank, Apeel Sciences, City of Goleta, Community West Bank, Deckers Brands, Kathy Odell – WEV, LogMeIn, Montecito Bank and Trust, Transphorm and Village Properties.
Federal and Local Disaster Relief Funds
The Chamber is focused on working with each sector of the business community to help with their needs. There are several resources available for businesses and we will be monitoring any new developments in this area.
Small Business Administration Loans (SBA)
This loan program is a good option for businesses. The loans are up to $2M at 3.25% for up to 30 years. No payments for 5-months, while interest does accrue. Non-profits are also eligible at an even lower rate. Apply online, and loans are funded in approximately 30-45 days. For more information, click here…
Work Sharing Unemployment
If employers have reached the point of needing to do layoffs, we encourage you to look at the EDD Work Sharing Unemployment. This is an existing employment insurance program through the EDD that businesses can qualify to help supplement employee wages during this need for reduced hours. For more information, click here…
Local Businesses Look to Remain Open with Support from Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)
Local non-profit Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV,www.wevonline.org) primarily serves micro-businesses, defined as those with fewer than five employees and less than $1 million in annual revenues, by providing business training, coaching, and loans to more than 300 local business owners each year. WEV is stepping up to assist business owners during this time. You can reach out through a Response Line (English 805-456-2342, Spanish 805.908.0096) and apply for their Quick Response Loan program. Quick Response Loans offer financial support and assistance to businesses experiencing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. WEV loans can be up to $10,000 with no payments for the first three payment cycles. For more information, click here…
Community
Health & Safety Updates
As recommended by the County of Santa Barbara Public Health Department, if you are not feeling well or are experiencing cold, flu or other symptoms, stay home to avoid spreading your germs to others. Take common-sense precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and viruses like colds and flu and stay home to avoid the spread of germs. For up to date information, visit the following resources:
- Santa Barbara County Public Health has a portal with consistently updated information. We encourage businesses to follow the guidelines laid out by public health officials. Click here to visit the portal.
- CDC website
- The City of Goleta has compiled important resources and information (link) https://www.cityofgoleta.org/projects-programs/emergency-preparedness/covid-19
- For the most up to date local news, please visit our media partners at Noozhawk.com
How Can You Help?
There is no doubt that our community is beginning to experience the negative impacts of COVID-19. As our community faces this unprecedented situation there are many ways we can make a positive impact in our community and help support others in this time of need. Below are some ways you can help.
United Boys & Girls Clubs
United Boys & Girls Clubs have opened their doors to be a Food Bank Distribution site during this time. They could use volunteers to help bag canned goods. If you can help, please contact Tina Ballue at tballue@unitedbg.orgor Kate Newbury at knewbury@foodbanksbc.org
Goleta Location: 5701 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117
Shift one: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Shift two: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bucket Brigade
Volunteer: https://sbbucketbrigade.org/volunteer/
Need help? Click here: https://sbbucketbrigade.org/need-help/
Donate blood
There is an urgent shortage and blood donors are needed. If you are healthy and able please consider donating blood now. As this disease continues to spread there will be significantly less people able to donate.
Vitalant, (877) 25-VITAL, https://www.vitalant.org/Home.aspx
American Red Cross, (800) RED CROSS, www.redcrossblood.org
Support Local Businesses
Open for Business: Local Restaurant Listings
Restaurant Guy: https://www.santabarbara.com/dining/
KEYT’s Business Directory: https://santabarbara.open4biz.us/