MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Options for Outdoor Dining: Governor Newsom issued an executive order (N-83-20) addressing a variety of issues in response to the pandemic, including:
Directing the California Department of Transportation to establish a process for issuing temporary encroachment permits enabling businesses located along state highways to expand their outdoor dining options onto sidewalks and parking areas
Authorizing people over 70 years of age to renew their drivers’ licenses by mail
Extending deadlines for the payment of real estate license application and renewal fees and continuing education requirements for licensees
Federal Fire Management Assistance Grant: Governor Newsom announced that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the Blue Ridge Fire burning in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the Silverado Fire burning in Orange County. https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/10/26/california-secures-federal-assistance-to-support-response-to-blue-ridge-fire-in-orange-riverside-and-san-bernardino-counties/ and https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/10/26/california-secures-federal-assistance-to-support-response-to-silverado-fire-in-orange-county/
Healing Together Initiative: The Alliance of Boys and Men of Color and Policy Link are launching a “new campaign, Healing Together, to engage men, and people of all genders, in the work to build safe and accountable communities by focusing on healing, gender justice, and racial equity—instead of punishment—to end intimate partner violence.” The initiative will use community-based approaches to support alternative responses to violence rather than punitive policies and systems that only produce more violence. Over 90 organizations have signed onto this campaign. https://allianceforbmoc.org/campaigns/healing-together Healing Together: Shifting Approaches to Ending Intimate Partner Violence (policy paper summary)
Executive Order 13950 Landing Page: The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) launched a landing page (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/executive-order-13950?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery) for Executive Order 13950, which prohibits the use of implicit bias as a concept in discussing discrimination at the workplace. The Executive Order became effective upon being signed and will apply to federal contractors with federal contracts entered into beginning November 21, 2020. The landing page includes:
Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/faqs/executive-order-13950?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Newly Issued Request For Information regarding federal contractor and subcontractor training, workshops, or similar programming provided to employees: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/22/2020-23339/request-for-information-race-and-sex-stereotyping-and-scapegoating
OFCCP Complaint Hotline to Combat Race and Sex Stereotyping: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/contact?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Federal Contract Compliance Manual: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/manual/fccm?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
International Economic Development Council Annual Meeting:
The Tulare County Economic Development Corporation was recognized by the International Economic Development Council as an Economic Development Organization of the Year for organizations serving a population between 200,000 and 500,000 people. Tulare County EDC is the only EDO in California to be recognized with this honor.
The Humboldt County Administrative Office of Economic Development won a gold category award for its Humboldt Opioid National Dislocated Worker Grant, a project in the category of Economic Equity and Inclusion of the International Economic Development Council.
Tulare County EDC Director Retires: The following is an excerpt from CALED’s Economic Development News:
“Paul Saldana, who has served as President & CEO of the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation for the past 20 years, will be retiring from his position effective October 31 to pursue projects to advance emerging industries in the post pandemic economy. Hired just before the 9/11 economic downturn, Saldana has shepherded the EDC through recoveries, recessions, natural disasters and now through the global pandemic.
“Paul has been a champion for Tulare County’s economy for two decades and his contributions to our economic resilience will continue to be felt for decades to come” stated EDC Board Chairman Scott Harness in response to the announcement.
“Immediate Past Chairman Colby Wells added “Paul’s professional reputation nationally and statewide has positioned the EDC as one of the top economic development organizations in North America and he leaves the EDC with strong financial reserves, an unprecedented number of business attraction opportunities and a strategic plan that will continue to position the EDC well into the future.”
DATA, SURVEYS, AND ANALYSES
State Unemployment Benefit Data: The Employment Development Department (EDD) released new unemployment insurance data for California on October 17, 2020. https://www.edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/pdf/news-20-57.pdf EDD stopped accepting new claims between September 20 and October 4, 2020, in order to address the million+ backlog. Among other information, the weekly Unemployment Benefits report for the period prior to the shutdown states:
39,987 initial Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PAU) claims were filed for the week ending October 17, 2020.
Over 10 million initial unemployment benefit claims have been filed with EDD between March 14 and October 17, 2020.
$105 billion has been paid to out-of-work Californians since the start of the pandemic.
Global Investment Trade: The United Nations Conference on Trade & Development released Global Investment Trade Monitor (https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/diaeiainf2020d4_en.pdf?utm_source=World+Investment+Network+%28WIN%29&utm_campaign=2f7ec81332-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_05_22_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_646aa30cd0-2f7ec81332-69999177)
Global foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by -49% in the first half of 2020 with investment reductions being experienced in all major forms of FDI, including a -37% in new greenfield investment.
Largest declines were experienced in developed economies, down -75% from 2019. FDI flows to developing economies decreased by -16%.
FDI investments into Europe were negative and investments in North America were down by -56%.
Global FDI is projected to contract by -30-40% for the full year 2020.
Global Trade in Services: The World Trade Organization released data on global trade in services for the second quarter of 2020. https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news20_e/serv_22oct20_e.htm Among other information, they reported a record-level decline of -30% year-on-year. The largest declines were reported for the travel sector. Computer services was the only sector that experienced an increase in exports (+4%) due to the rising demand for digitalization.
SDG Trade Monitor: The International Trade Centre of the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD) and the World Trade Organization announced the launched of their joint online SDG Trade Monitor, which tracks progress made in international trade towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). https://unctad.org/news/new-portal-tracks-trades-contribution-sustainable-development UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Isabelle Durant, while launching the monitor, cited the famous quote by statistician Edward Deming on the importance of data measurement and analysis: “In God we trust; all others must bring data.” The monitor provides a trusted source of disaggregated data, which can be customized to conduct analysis.
GRANTS AND TAX INCENTIVES
Meeting of the California Competes Tax Credit Committee: The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development released the agenda for the November 5, 2020, California Competes Tax Credit Committee meeting. https://static.business.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CCTC-Meeting-Agenda-11-5-20.pdf The Awards made during the meeting will include four awards for a total of $80 million and the recapture of $24 million in previously authorized credits.
Community Facility Funding Awarded: The US Department of Agriculture announced the awarding of $871 million in community facility funding (loans and grants) to projects in 43 states and Guam. https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/CF_CHART_Endof_FY2020_Oct282020.pdf Three California applications were offered loans, including a food closet in Auburn, a district office for the Lost Hills Utility District, and the purchase of an office building for essential community-based organizations and services.
Marketing Assistance to Ag Producers Continues: The US Department of Agriculture announced that more than $7 billion in payments to 443,000 producers have been approved by the USDA Farm Services during the first month of the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-room/news-releases/2020/more-than-7-billion-paid-in-second-round-of-usda-coronavirus-food-assistance-program This program provides agricultural producers with financial assistance to offset the increased cost of marketing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The top five states for payments are Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois and Kansas. Over $10 billion was distributed during the first round.
Rural Drinking Water and Wastewater Funding Awarded: The US Department of Agriculture announced the awarding of $891 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 43 states. https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program This includes one award to California for a $1.9 million loan to the Amador Water Agency for the construction of two one-million gallon water storage tanks. https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/WEP_CHART_Endof_FY202010272020.pdf
Rural Electrification Funding Awarded: The US Department of Agriculture announced the awarding of $3.1 billion (53 projects) through its Electric Loan Program, which finances the construction and improvement of rural electric infrastructure in 25 states. https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-programs/electric-programs This includes two loans in California, including a $4.1 million loan to Bodega Avenue Solar LLC for two solar photovoltaic systems and $6.6 million loan to the Redwood Coast Energy Authority to develop the Redwood Coast Airport Renewable Energy Microgrid in Humboldt County. https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/ElectricLoans_CHART_Endof_FY20.pdf
Solicitation for Grants for Innovative Wood Products: The USDA Forest Service is accepting applications for approximately $10 million in funding through the 2021 Wood Innovations Grant and the 2021 Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Grant. https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/releases/usda-forest-service-now-accepting-applications-grant-programs-supporting-innovation The purpose of the grant is to support local economies by strengthening emerging markets for innovative wood products such as cross-laminated timber products. California applicants received 29 awards in 2020. Applications for the 2021 funding rounds are due by January 20, 2021.
CURRENT GUIDANCE ON COVID-19 AND RECOVERY ACTIONS
[This is a “quick-source” section that includes new and previously provided information.]
Blueprint for a Safer Economy: Businesses can check out the status of the reopening of their county through the Blueprint for a Safer Economy (https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/). This is the state’s four tier reopening plan. Tier 1 (purple) has the most restrictions and Tier 4 (yellow) has the fewest.
Tuesday, October 27 Update: There are 9 counties in Purple Tier 1; 22 counties in Red Tier 2; 17 counties in Orange Tier 3; and 10 counties in Yellow Tier 4.
California Blueprint Data Chart (excel): https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID19CountyMonitoringOverview.aspx
List of Activities Authorized Under Each Tier: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Dimmer-Framework-September_2020.pdf
Equity Metric Added to Blueprint for Re-Opening: The Blueprint for a Safer Economy was expanded on October 6, 2020, to include a health equity metric. This information will be used in combination with the county’s case rate and test positivity rates to determine a county's tier. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/CaliforniaHealthEquityMetric.aspx The purpose of this new metric reflects the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on certain population groups, including rates of hospitalizations and death.
Updated Stay-at Home Order: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/8-28-20_Order-Plan-Reducing-COVID19-Adjusting-Permitted-Sectors-Signed.pdf
Updated Industry Guidance: https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/ This includes updated guidelines for nail salons and playgrounds.
Shop Safe Shop Local: GO-Biz is leading a campaign to remind Californians to shop local and help small businesses prepare for the business realities of COVID-19. The #ShopSafeShopLocal website highlights free / discounted resources to help small businesses get digital, find e-commerce tools, learn more about industry guidance, locate small business centers, and access PPE. https://business.ca.gov/shopsafeshoplocal/
Safely Making Web Platform: California manufacturers who produce PPE, including face masks and gloves, can advertise their wares on https://www.safelymakingca.org/. The website is a joint effort by the California Manufacturers and Technology Association (CMTA) and the State of California. A manufacturer does not have to be a member of CMTA to participate. To apply, manufacturers should complete this form. At his September 9, 2020, press conference, Governor Newsom announced that the web platform currently included 450 California manufacturers.
COVID-19 Main Street Lending Program: The Federal Reserve issued its required report to the US Congress on the activities of the Main Street Lending Program. As of October 7, 2020, the total outstanding amount of loans was $1 trillion with total value of the collateral pledged being $38.5 billion. https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/pdcf-mmlf-cpff-pmccf-smccf-talf-mlf-ppplf-msnlf-mself-msplf-nonlf-noelf-10-8-20.pdf#page=7
COVID-19 Payment Protection Program: This program is closed to new applicants. As of August 8, 5.2 million PPP loans have been approved in the US for a total of $525 billion. In California, 623,360 PPP loans have been approved for a total of $68.6 billion: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/PPP_Report%20-%202020-08-10.pdf
Streamlined forgiveness approval process for loans under $50,000:
Updated Loan Forgiveness Application: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-10/PPP%20Loan%20Forgiveness%20Application%20Form%203508S.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Instructions for Completing the Application: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-10/PPP%20Loan%20Forgiveness%20Application%20Form%203508S%20Instructions.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Interim Final Rule: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-10/PPP%20-%20IFR%20--%20Additional%20Revisions%20to%20Loan%20Forgiveness%20and%20Loan%20Review%20Procedures%20Interim%20Final%20Rules.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
FAQ on New Loan Forgiveness Provisions: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP--Loan-Forgiveness-FAQs.pdf
COVID-19 EIDL Aggregate-Level Data Update: The US Small Business Administration released program utilization information for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). As of October 19, 3.6 million EIDL loans have been approved in the US for a total of $191.9 billion. In California, 549,758 EIDL loans have been approved for a total of $34.1 billion. Link to a PowerPoint displaying data for loan activity through 10/19/2020: https://www.sba.gov/document/report-covid-19-eidl-loans-report-10-19-20.
SBA Weekly Lending Report on Race and Ethnicity of Clients: The US Small Business Administration (SBA) released its weekly lending report for the week ending October 16, 2020. Information includes race, ethnicity, gender, and veteran participation in the SBA 7(a), 504, and Advantage Loan Programs. https://www.sba.gov/document/report-2020-weekly-lending-reports
Guidance on the Implementation of the CARES Act Subsidy for Certain Loan Payments under the 7(a) and 504 Loan Programs: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-09/SBA%20Procedural%20Notice%205000-20049_Further%20Guidance%20on%20the%20Section%201112-508_0.pdf
SBA 2020 Annual Lending: The US Small Business Administration provided a summary of its 2020 lending activity. Among other highlights, the SBA provided over $28 billion in loan guarantees through its traditional lending programs, plus $716 billion in lending capitalized by the CARES Act funding. The Paycheck Protection Program provided an additional 5.2 million loans worth more than $525 billion; and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program added another 3.6 million small business loans valued at $191 billion, as well as an additional 5.7 million EIDL Advances worth $20 billion. https://www.sba.gov/article/2020/oct/28/sba-achieves-historic-small-business-lending-fiscal-year-2020
Great Plates Delivered: The Great Plates Delivered program provides three meals a day to qualifying seniors. FEMA granted a 30-day extension to allow the program to continue to November 8. Interested restaurants and food providers are encouraged to fill out this form: https://state-of-california-agency.forms.fm/great-plates-delivered-food-provider-interest-form/forms/7917
Great Plates Delivered | |
Meals served as of 10/23* | 14,140,816 |
Individuals Served as of 10/23* | 53,002 |
Food Providers Contracted as of 10/23* | 776 |
*Data received from Great Plates Data Portal updated twice per week. | |
Tracking UI Benefits: The California Employment Development Department (EDD) launched identity verification technology to help address the backlog of unprocessed unemployment benefit applications, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. As of October 21, 331,492 individuals have been waiting more than 21 days for an initial payment. Updates are available through EDD’s new:
Unemployment Initial Claims Backlog Dashboard: Reflects applications for benefits that take more than 21 days to issue a first payment or to disqualify the individual.
Unemployment Continued Claims Backlog Dashboard: Reflects individuals who received at least one payment and are now waiting more than 21 days for further processing of payment or disqualification in this week-by-week eligibility based program.
CURRENT GUIDANCE ON FIRE RESPONSE AND RECOVERY ACTIONS
[This is a “quick-source” section that includes new and previously provided information.]
California Fire Update: The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services released the update below regarding the California Fire situation. https://www.fire.ca.gov/daily-wildfire-report/
Federal Disaster Assistance: Federal Disaster Assistance has been approved for individuals impacted by wildfires in the following counties: Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma. There are three ways to access assistance:
Online at www.disasterassistance.gov
Downloading and using the FEMA app (https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app)
Calling FEMA Helpline at 800.621.3362 (languages other than English available)
Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Individuals and Businesses Impacted by Fires: The Employment Development Department is accepting Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance applications for workers, business owners and self-employed individuals who lost their jobs or businesses or had their work hours substantially reduced as a result of the wildfires. Qualifying counties include: Butte, Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Trinity, Tulare, and Yolo. https://www.edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/pdf/news-20-43.pdf Individuals can receive up to $450 per week in benefits for a maximum period of 27 weeks. Applications can be submitted through this webpage: https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/UI_Online.htm The deadline for filing for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits has been extended to November 30, 2020.
SBA Fire Disaster Assistance: The US Small Business Administration has opened a virtual Business Recovery Center and virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center. The centers are available Mondays – Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and can be accessed through this email (FOCWAssistance@sba.gov) or (916) 735-1500. These services are only available for the California disaster declaration as a result of the wildfires that began Aug. 14, 2020, and not for COVID-19-related assistance.
Disaster CalFresh Funding: The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services announced a new disaster program for individuals and families impacted by the wildfires. According to the announcement, a family of four with a monthly income up to $2,893 per month, after taking disaster-related expenses into consideration, may be eligible to receive up to $646 in food benefits through the Disaster CalFresh Program.
The program is available to individuals who live or work in Lake, Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Yolo counties on August 14, 2020 AND at least one member of the household experienced at least one of the following between August 14-September 12 as a direct result of the wildfires:
At least one person in the household was not getting regular CalFresh food benefits
Money was spent because of the wildfire or related power outage
Money was lost from work because of the wildfire
Money was spent because of damage to a home or busines
Households already receiving regular CalFresh food benefits are not eligible to receive Disaster CalFresh food benefits.
Information is available at www.cdss.ca.gov/disastercalfresh. Clients may also reach their local county social services office by calling 1-877-847-3663 (FOOD) for more information.
Free Disaster-related Legal Services for Wildfire Survivors: Governor Newsom announced a new program to provide free disaster-related legal services for qualifying wildfire survivors in Butte, Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties. This program is a partnership between the state, FEMA, and the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. To access resources, survivors should call the disaster legal services hotline at (888) 382-3406. Help is available in several languages. http://www.oesnews.com/free-legal-help-available-for-disaster-survivors/.
CA Small Business Loans Addressing the Wildfires: The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services received updates from the US Small Business Administration on small businesses that are utilizing the two federal disaster loan programs, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Program (closed to new applicants).
Wildfire - SBA Disaster Assistance (10/26) | |
CA Loans (EIDL) Approved | 24 |
Dollar Amount of CA Loans (EIDL) Approved | $2,441,400 |
CA Home Loans Approved | 286 |
Dollar Amount of CA Home Loans Approved | $27,075,700 |
Total Dollars Approved | $30,751,200 |
FALL IS CONFERENCE TIME
[This is a “quick-source” section that includes new and previously provided information.]
North State Fall Regional Summit: The North State Planning and Development Collective at CSU Chico is hosting their Fall Regional Summit on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. The event will feature a presentation and discussion on the economic projections for the North State from Dr. Robert Eyler, plus presentations from Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) and Ismael D. Herrera, Jr., Director of Regional Stewardship at California Forward. https://csuchico.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYld-2orDwoGdX6-1pYxAydY9grad95h6kr
California Economic Summit: California Forward announced the opening of registration for the 2020 California Economic Summit, which is the ninth annual gathering of private, public, and civic leaders dedicated to building an inclusive and sustainable economy. The event will be 100% virtual with workshops and general sessions scheduled for December 3 and 4. https://summit.caeconomy.org/registration
2020 California Steward Leader Awards: Nominations are being accepted through October 31 for the 2020 California Steward Leader Awards. These awards will be presented at this year's California Economic Summit to individuals who have contributed significantly to the alignment of public, private, and civic sector resources toward advancing the triple bottom line of promoting economic, social and environmental progress. https://summit.caeconomy.org/steward
COMMEMORATING SMALL BUSINESSES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THIS FALL
[This is a “quick-source” section that includes new and previously provided information.]
October is Manufacturing Month: National Manufacturing Day 2020 was on Friday, October 2, 2020. Here in California, we recognize that manufacturing is too important for a single day, so we celebrate October as Manufacturing Month!
California Manufacturing Technology Consulting has its own webpage up. https://www.cmtc.com/mfgmonthca2020-0?utm_campaign=COVID-19&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=93629311&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--MaRRjQYI8xf2J57yeDFwlRuBvSFtk3e89zg32RxcCHcYfp8hrZGg6Jfse053wOVP6_2JtPWDEXtrH8UXJk1K89xoAqw&utm_content=93629311&utm_source=hs_email
California Manufacturing and Technology Association has prepared a toolkit (https://www.creatorswanted.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/MFG-Day-Host-Toolkit-2020.pdf) and is also tracking events (https://creatorswanted.org/find-events/).
US Census Bureau prepared a special Manufacturing Day webpage: https://www.census.gov/topics/business-economy/manufacturing-day.html
Social Media Tips: Use the hashtag #MFGDay20 and #MakingCA. Don’t forget to add your manufacturing partners, such as @cmta and @cmtc, as well as other service providers and elected officials who support manufacturing throughout the year. Some good suggestions include @AsmCevantes (JEDE Committee Chair) and @IsabelCGuzman (California Small Business Advocate).
The US Department of Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office is celebrating National Nanotechnology Day (10/9/2020) by sharing images from beyond the visual range of the human eye to show how this tiny technology is shaping big manufacturing breakthroughs. https://www.energy.gov/eere/amo/articles/nanotechnology-major-manufacturing-advances-very-small-scale
The City of Corona, Corona Chamber of Commerce, LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network and California Manufacturing Technology Consulting are sponsoring a free webinar featuring the Fender Guitar Story on Monday, October 26, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. https://business.mychamber.org/events/details/manufacturing-opportunities-and-careers-that-inspire-webinar-19304
October is Women Business-Owner Month: If your organization is planning events that you think the small business community should know about – send Ben and I an email: benjamin.warheit@asm.ca.gov and toni.symonds@asm.ca.gov. We would love to help spread the word.
The California Women’s Business Center Network will be holding a special event commemorating October as Women’s Small Business Month on October 30, 2020, from noon to 1:00 pm. This inaugural event of the California Women’s Business Center Network will feature California Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, and California State Small Business Advocate Isabel Guzman will serve as the emcee. Registration information: http://californiawbc.org/women-shaping-the-new-economy/
The National Women’s Business Council, in honor of Women’s Business-Owner Month, released an infographic of female participation in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (SBTT) programs. https://cdn.www.nwbc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/18130740/Final-Infographic_9.14.2020.pdf In 2018, women-owned businesses represented 14% of all SBIR and SBTT applications and 13% of the awards.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month: The US Department of Labor will lead the commemoration of October 2020 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year’s theme is the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Economic and business development organizations are encouraged to use this as an opportunity to hold events and activities highlighting and honoring the contributions of our other-abled workers to the success of our communities and economy. https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/odep/odep20201001
October is California Farmers and Farmworkers Month: Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring October 2020 as California Farmers and Farmworkers Month. https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/10/08/governor-newsom-issues-proclamation-declaring-california-farmers-and-farmworkers-month/
November is Native American Heritage Month: The US celebrates Native American Heritage Month in November. There are many ways to support our Native American entrepreneurs. Here are a few ideas from California’s Native American Day in September, which included a three-day symposium with virtual exhibits (https://californianativeamericanday.com/virtual-exhibitors/) and virtual vendors (https://californianativeamericanday.com/virtual-vendors/). #BuyIndian California is also accepting pre-orders for “Protect Native Culture” car plates.
National Veterans Small Business Week is November 2 to 6: The US Department of Veterans Affairs announced that November 2 to 6, 2020, is National Veterans Small Business Week. https://www.sba.gov/national-veterans-small-business-week?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery This year’s theme is #VetBiz Resources in Your Local Community and will highlight the free to low-cost entrepreneurial resources that veteran and military entrepreneurs can locally access, from seeking business counseling services from a SBDC, to visiting the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) in their area for help formulating a business plan.
SBA Office of Veteran Business Development Resources (serves veterans, active service members, military spouses): https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices/office-veterans-business-development/office-veterans-business-development-resources
Events to Support Veteran Entrepreneurs: https://www.sba.gov/events/find?dateRange=all&distance=200&pageNumber=1&q=vetbiz
No Veteran Should Be Without a Place to Call Home: Free help for homeless veterans is available at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838), including information for VA services for homeless and at-risk veterans. This phone line provides confidential online support 24/7. https://www.va.gov/homeless
Are You a Veteran in Crisis or Concerned About One? The VA offers same day services in Primary Care and Mental Health at 172 VA Medical Centers across the US. Contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 to chat, or text 838255.
National Apprenticeship Week is November 8 to 14: The US Department of Labor announced that the sixth annual National Apprenticeship Week will occur from November 8 through 14, 2020. According to the announcement, National Apprenticeship Week is a “nationwide celebration that gives businesses, communities, and educators the opportunity to highlight their apprenticeship programs and apprentices, and demonstrate the value apprenticeship programs offer businesses, careers seekers, and the community as a whole. https://www.apprenticeship.gov/national-apprenticeship-week The weeklong initiative will focus on themes and industries in which apprenticeships are making a significant difference for American workers, including technology, healthcare, financial services, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and more.” https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20201007
Global Entrepreneurship Week is November 16 to 22: Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is November 16 to 22 with 35,000 events already planned in over 170 countries. https://www.genglobal.org/gew?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=97527656&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ctE4eMzc7DNzON1ehOml1xcC8xdXBg6ycTvdTDpfvWGR7pjI0DuaTHMzC0cEnfE7ocxRNPXy34lHnZLjQVvKThyHqpA&utm_content=97527656&utm_source=hs_email The GEW was founded in 2008 to serve as a catalyst for local, regional, and national events that empower entrepreneurs and strengthen communities. There are four themes for GEW 2020: Ecosystems, Education, Inclusion and Policy.
Small Business Saturday: Many communities and businesses in the US and UK celebrate November 24, 2020, as Small Business Saturday. California Office of the Small Business Advocate (OSBA) and many stakeholder groups are helping businesses to prepare for Small Business Saturday and the holiday shopping season. Below are examples of a few of those activities.
Digital Pop-Up Festival and E-Commerce Bootcamps: The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (OSBA) today announced a new partnership with the Eva Longoria Foundation, Stockton Strong/Goodstock Productions, and State-supported Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). The partnership will host a December Digital Pop-Up Festival in Central California and is a component of the OSBA’s ongoing “Get Digital CA!” initiative, which promotes e-commerce adoption by small business owners and promotes online holiday shopping at small businesses. During the Digital Pop-Up Festival, small businesses will use social media channels to showcase live videos to tell their stories, sell products and services, and create new customer experiences. In preparation for the holiday shopping season, the SBDCs will lead digital training bootcamps to present e-commerce and digital marketing techniques. Small businesses can register for the digital bootcamps at https://digital-bootcamp-ca.eventbrite.com. Sign-up for updates on “Get Digital CA!” initiative at: https://business.ca.gov/advantages/small-business-innovation-and-entrepreneurship/get-digital-ca/.
Holiday Gift Guides:
Small Business Majority announced they will be launching a Holiday Gift Guide in time for Small Business Saturday. Inclusion in the Holiday Gift Guide is free to qualifying small businesses. Approved applicants will be featured on Small Business Majority’s website from November 16, 2020 - January 1, 2021 and will also receive a toolkit to help participating small businesses in sharing the Holiday Gift Guide with their customers. https://go.smallbusinessmajority.org/l/229072/2020-10-13/9w1wn In order to be considered, a small business must: apply by November 9, 2020; have less than 100 employees; be located in the US; have a website where people can find information about thier products or services; and have a “giftable” product or service, including gift cards.
The Inland Empire Chamber of Commerce announced that Spectrum Reach is promoting a nationwide campaign to encourage consumers to support local businesses during the upcoming holiday season. Spectrum Reach with be creating an interactive online directory to help people identify local businesses. Participation is free. https://www.rebuildmytown.com/supportlocal/socal-inland?utm_source=inland_empire_business_journal&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_content=mosaic_phase1_socal_email&utm_campaign=80002020q4locmosaicp1 According to the announcement, Spectrum Reach will support this campaign with more than $1M in advertising nationwide.