For the 2022 series of meetings, these monthly roundtables are being renamed the Stakeholder Economic Recovery Roundtables to reflect the expanding scope of the discussions. During the course of the online meeting we will be referring to documents and links on this page and the JEDE COVID-19 Resource Page.
The February 17, 2022, agenda and background materials are included within this slide deck. The primary discussion topics are related to the California's economic response to and recovery from the coronavirus and COVID-19 epidemic.
We will be building upon these five COVID-19 small business recovery issues:
Most Impacted Still Face Biggest Challenges: Data continue to suggest that women- and minority-owned businesses were hardest hit and continue to have the greatest challenges in accessing technical and financial assistance.
With So Many Options, It Can Be Confusing: The variety of programs make it difficult for businesses and workers to know where to start.
Complex Documentation Requirements: Many of the state’s smallest businesses find the documentation requirements for applying for COVID-19 resources to be a significant barrier.
Fast-Track Procurement Can Result in Less Small Business Participation: Accessing state procurement opportunities are challenging with the number of contracts being made under disaster declarations and budget exemptions, as well as the loss of in-person events to meet primes.
Old Problems Become Greater Challenges: COVID-19 is amplifying old business operation challenges, including local broadband capacity, supply chain disruptions, the cost of regulatory compliance, and the access to capital and a qualified workforce.
COVID-Generated Debts are Coming Due: In addition to addressing worker shortages, many small businesses are facing large re-payments of back rent while struggling to re-open.
Partner Presentations and Scheduled Updates
Hilary Abell with Project Equity
Bianca Blomquist with Small Business Majority
Amanda Elliott with National Main Street Center
Chione Flegal with PolicyLink
Jessica Gonzales with the Economic Development Department at City of Corona and CALED
Juan Carlos Hernández with Southern California FDC
Heidi Pickman with CAMEO
Michael Ocasio with the Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County
Phil Vermuelin with the Coalition of Small and Disabled Veteran Businesses and member of the DGS Small Business Advisory Council
Claudia Viek with Invest in Women Entrepreneurs and the California Women's Business Center Network
Future Meeting Schedule
The next meeting of the JEDE Inclusive Recovery Roundtable is on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at 2:00 pm.