JEDE COVID-19 Weekend Update - November 13 Edition

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Travel Advisory Issued:  Governor Newsom joined with the Governors of Oregon and Washington in issuing travel advisories urging visitors entering their states or returning home from travel outside these states to self-quarantine to slow the spread of the virus. https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/11/13/california-oregon-washington-issue-travel-advisories/   The travel advisories also ask residents to delay non-essential out-of-state travel, limit interactions to those in your immediate household, and to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country. 

• Diverse Business Suppliers to Insurance Companies:  Insurance Commissioner Lara released information from the California Insurance Diversity Survey which found that insurance companies purchased $2.1 billion in goods and services from diverse California businesses in 2019, a 16.7% increase over the prior year.  http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0100-press-releases/2020/release118-2020.cfm Of the $2.1 billion spent with diverse businesses, approximately half was spent with women-owned businesses.  In addition, the Commissioner announced findings from a 2019 board diversity survey, which found that 20.3% of the 260 companies that responded reported zero women on their boards of directors and 35.8% reported zero members from racial and ethnic communities. These announcements were part of the Department’s annual Insurance Diversity Summit.

• Free Access to Federal Forests:  The US Department of Agriculture Forest Service announced that, beginning on November 11, all US military veterans and Gold Star families will have fee-free access to the national forests and grasslands.  https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/releases/usda-forest-service-grants-veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access-national According to the announcement, many national forest and grasslands can be accessed for free, and this new fee waiver will apply to “all Forest Service operated day-use standard amenity recreation fee sites such as trailheads, picnic sites, visitor centers and most other day-use recreation sites.”

• Systemic Compensation Discrimination:  The US Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) entered into a $9.8 million Early Resolution Conciliation Agreement with JP Morgan Chase & Co., which resolves allegations that the financial institution “engaged in systemic compensation discrimination against female employees in certain professional positions, and establishes enhanced future compliance commitments.”  https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ofccp/ofccp20201112   These allegations arise from a 2012 OFCCP compliance review that found “that JP Morgan Chase paid at least 93 females employed within its Investment Bank, Technology & Market Strategies unit, less than comparable men employed in the same positions. OFCCP filed suit against JP Morgan Chase with the Department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges in January 2017.” 

• Revising the Definition of Small Business:  The SBA published two proposed rules in the Federal Register recommending the revision of the small business size definitions. Under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, the SBA is required to undertake a comprehensive review of small business size standards every 5 years.

  • Transportation and Warehousing (NAICS 48-49); Information (NAICS 51); Finance and Insurance (NAICS 52); and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (NAICS 53): https://www.sba.gov/article/2020/oct/01/sba-proposes-small-business-size-standard-revisions-four-industry-sectors 

  • Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting (NAICS 11); Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction (NAICS 21); Utilities (NAICS 22); and Construction (NAICS 23):  https://www.sba.gov/article/2020/sep/29/small-business-size-standard-revisions-four-industry-sectors

• Report Out from Budget Hearing Reviewing the State's Response to COVID-19:  Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Budget Process, Oversight and Program Evaluation and Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization held a hearing on November 10, 2020, regarding the state’s response to COVID-19.  https://abgt.assembly.ca.gov/sites/abgt.assembly.ca.gov/files/Sub.%206%20Joint%20Hearing%20Nov.%2010%20Agenda%209.30.pdf  

• Report Out from Budget Hearing Reviewing the Impact of COVID-19 on Higher Education:  Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education and the Assembly Committee on Higher Education held a joint hearing on November 12, 2020, regarding the impact of COVID-19 on postsecondary education. https://abgt.assembly.ca.gov/sub2hearingagendas Handouts include:

  • Agenda:  https://abgt.assembly.ca.gov/sites/abgt.assembly.ca.gov/files/Nov%2012%20Jt.%20Hearing%20Agenda.pdf

  • Budget Subcommittee Background:  https://abgt.assembly.ca.gov/sites/abgt.assembly.ca.gov/files/Nov%2012%20COVID%20Budget%20Impact.pdf

  • Higher Education Committee Background:  https://abgt.assembly.ca.gov/sites/abgt.assembly.ca.gov/files/Nov%2012%20Fall%202020%20COVID-19%20Update.pdf

  • The Education Trust-West - From Opportunity to Crisis:  The Higher Education Digital Divide:  https://abgt.assembly.ca.gov/sites/abgt.assembly.ca.gov/files/Nov%2012%205ETW%20Higher%20Ed%20Digital%20Divide%20Tool.pdf

  • The Education Trust-West - Equity in Crisis:  https://abgt.assembly.ca.gov/sites/abgt.assembly.ca.gov/files/Nov%2012%20Equity%20in%20Crisis.pdf

  • Office of the UC President - Planning and Evaluation of COVID-19 Academic and Student Impacts:  https://abgt.assembly.ca.gov/sites/abgt.assembly.ca.gov/files/Nov%2012%206UC%20Planning%20and%20Evaluation%20of%20COVID-19%20Academic%20and%20Student%20Impacts%20Sept%202020.pdf

• SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee: The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee met on Monday, November 9, 2020, to discuss a proposal to create a “limited, conditional exemption from broker registration requirements for ‘finders’ who assist companies with raising capital in private markets from accredited investors.”  Other items on the agenda included a continuing discussion on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses.

  • Agenda:  https://www.sec.gov/spotlight/sbcfac/sbcfac-agenda-110920.htm

  • Proposal:  https://www.sec.gov/rules/exorders/2020/34-90112.pdf

  • Committee Webpage:  https://www.sec.gov/page/small-business-capital-formation-advisory-committee

GOOD NEWS FOR SMALL BUSINESS FRIENDS

• Celeste Cantu:  Governor Newsom announced the reappointment of Celeste Cantu of Temecula to the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board.  According to the announcement:  “Cantu has been an advisor with the Water Solutions Network since 2017. She was General Manager of the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority from 2006 to 2017, Executive Director of the California State Water Resources Control Board from 2001 to 2006, State Director at U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development from 1998 to 2001, Executive Director at the Imperial Valley Housing Authority from 1978 to 1998 and Planning Director for the City of Calexico from 1977 to 1978. Cantu is vice chair of the Water Foundation Board of Directors and Water Education Foundation Board of Directors and president of the Public Policy Institute of California, Water Policy Center Advisory Council. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.”

DATA, SURVEYS, AND ANALYSES

• US Unemployment:  The US Bureau of Labor Statistics released employment data for October 2020, reporting that US unemployment was 6.9%, reflecting a payroll employment gain of 638,000.  The number of unemployed persons in the US who were actively seeking work fell by 1.5 million to 11.1 million and the number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) increased by 1.2 million to 3.6 million (32.5% of all unemployed) in October 2020. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm  State-level data for October 2020 will become available in mid-November.

• State Unemployment Benefit Data:  The Employment Development Department (EDD) released new unemployment insurance data for California on October 31, 2020.  https://www.edd.ca.gov/newsroom.htm  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 31, 2020.

  • Over 10 million initial unemployment benefit claims have been filed with EDD between March 14 and October 31, 2020.

  • $109 billion has been paid to out-of-work Californians since the start of the pandemic. https://www.edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/pdf/news-20-61.pdf

• Majority-Owned US Affiliates: The US Bureau of Economic Analysis released 2018 data on majority-owned US affiliates (MOUSAs) of foreign multinational enterprises.  According to the announcement, MOUSAs employed 7.8 million workers in the US in 2018, a 1.9% increase from 2017. https://www.bea.gov/news/2020/activities-us-affiliates-foreign-multinational-enterprises-2018  MOUSAs accounted for 6.0% of private-industry employment in the US with the manufacturing and retails sectors having the largest number of jobs. The countries of origin for the MOUSAs with the most employees are the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany.

• Minimum Wage Around the US:  The National Council of State Legislatures reports that 21 states began 2020 with higher minimum wages, including 14 states (Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Washington) with increases set through statute or previously approved ballot initiatives and 7 states (Alaska, Florida, Minnesota, Montana, Ohio, South Dakota, and Vermont) with laws which require the automatic increase of rates based on the cost of living.    https://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/state-minimum-wage-chart.aspx?utm_source=National+Conference+of+State+Legislatures&utm_campaign=22c568df6e-09_NOVEMBER_2020_NCSL_TODAY&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1716623089-22c568df6e-377792280 

ECONOMIC RECOVERY POLICY AND STRATEGIES

• Economic Mobility for All Californians: The California EDGE Coalition has released its policy agenda for 2021.  https://caedge.org/policy-agenda/ In summary, their policy agenda includes the following:

1. Support funding for education and workforce training programs to create pathways to quality jobs by integrating competency-based education and credit for prior learning, and better align and expand career tech and adult education programs that respond to high demand sectors of the economy.

2. Protect, grow, and expand existing and innovative “learn and earn” opportunities by elevating blended learning, including online and hands-on training in high-demand fields, and expanding work-based training opportunities that support workers in underserved communities.

3. Expand and secure a social safety net for underserved communities to remove barriers to quality jobs by assisting low/no-income students, adult learners, communities of color, and dislocated workers in accessing support services that address basic needs such as food, housing, transportation, childcare, and healthcare.

4. Secure quality broadband access for all by supporting the expansion of reliable high-speed internet access, especially in underserved communities, in addition to ensuring equitable learning and training can continue while physical distancing orders are in place, and close the digital divide.

5. Support workers and employers in COVID-19 response and recovery by strengthening partnerships between business, education, workforce, and community-based organizations; supporting economic stimulus funding and employer incentives to assist businesses in rebuilding capacity and retaining/rehiring their workforce, and reimagine opportunities within the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

6. Support the development and implementation of California’s longitudinal data system by ensuring the integration of statewide data across education, workforce, and human services systems is public-facing, transparent, secure, and includes the adult learner and worker voice. Having access to quality public data will help individuals, researchers, policymakers, and advocates inform decision making through outcome transparency and can improve program/institutional effectiveness.

• Apprenticeship MOU with Germany:  The US Department of Labor and the US Department of Education announced the ratification of a Joint Declaration of Intent with their German counterparts concerning cooperation on apprenticeships, vocational education and training.  https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ilab/ilab20201112  

• 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

GRANTS

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship Grant Available:  The Economic Development Administration EDA released a $25 million NOFA for the Scaling Pandemic Resilience through Innovation and Technology (SPRINT) Challenge.  Under the SPRINT Challenge, up to 100 grants will be competitively awarded to support regional economic development projects that use entrepreneurship and innovation to address the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.  https://www.eda.gov/oie/sprint/

  • Applications are Due:  December 2, 2020

  • Funding Opportunity Number:  EDA-HDQ-OIE-2020-2006705

• Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 Funding Available:  US Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency issued a notice reminding farmers and ranchers that the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 is Dec. 11, 2020. https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-room/news-releases/2020/apply-now-for-usdas-coronavirus-food-assistance-program-2 The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 provides up to $14 billion in direct financial relief to producers who face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.

• Online Skill Development:  US Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced the award of $10.5+ million to support educators at technical schools, community and junior colleges, and youth development programs across the nation. Grants were awarded to eight regional or national projects that support the deployment of innovative techniques and technologies offering high-quality skill development during COVID-19.  https://www.nifa.usda.gov/press-release/usda-nifa-invests-over-105-million-support-educators-4-h-and-others-workforce-training   This includes $1 million to the 7 Generation Games Inc. in Santa Monica for “Growing Math” which provides “an interactive digital platform populated with classroom-ready educational resources and teacher support tools that will enable the rapid deployment of lessons for students in Grades 3-8 that can be used in the classroom, at home or in a hybrid model.”

• WaterSMART Grants:  US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service awarded $13 million to 31 priority areas as part of the federal WaterSMART Initiative. Funding is intended to assist producers on private working lands to conserve water resources as part of coordinated efforts by water suppliers. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/newsroom/releases/?cid=NRCSEPRD1688015  Eight California projects received funding, including:

  • Pixley Irrigation District Area:   $240,000

  • Tulare Irrigation District Area:   $200,000

  • Delano-Earlimart Irrigation District Area: $240,000

  • Ivanhoe Irrigation District Area: $200,000   

  • Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District Area: $800,000

  • North Kern Water Storage District Area: $75,000   

  • Buena Vista Water Storage District Area: $120,000

  • Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water Storage District Area: $75,000

• Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant:  The US Department of Labor approved an additional $14.6 million Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant to California for damages occurred as a result of the wildfires of November 2018. https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20201109-0  These funds support the continuation of disaster-relief cleanup and recovery efforts, as well as provide for the continuation of employment and training services to eligible individuals in Butte, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties.

CURRENT GUIDANCE ON STATE 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. 

• 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/ 

• 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.  

STATUS REPORTS AND NEW INFORMATION ON SMALL BUSINESS LENDING 

[This is a “quick-source” section that includes new and previously provided information.]

• Reduction in Reporting Requirements:  The US Congress enacted the Reinvigorating Lending for the Future Act of 2020 (S 7045), which reforms the Economic Development Administration’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program by eliminating the requirement for reporting "in perpetuity" and, instead, releasing the federal interest in EDA RLFs after seven years. 

• 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

  • Program Changes:  The Federal Reserve Board adjusted the terms of the Main Street Lending Program in order to support smaller businesses and nonprofits to utilize the program.  The changes include reducing the minimum loan size from $250,000 to $100,000 and lowering the fees.  https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20201030a.htm

  • FAQ:  The Federal Reserve Board and the US Treasury Department issued a new FAQ, which clarifies the conditions under which the a Paycheck Protection Program loan of up to $2 million may be excluded for purposes of determining the maximum loan size under the Main Street Lending Program.  https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/files/monetary20201030a6.pdf

• 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    FAQ on New Loan Forgiveness Provisions:  https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP--Loan-Forgiveness-FAQs.pdf   Fact Sheet on PPP Loan Forgiveness:  https://www.sba.gov/document/support-ppp-forgiveness-factsheet

• 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, over 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.

• 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 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Home Loans.

• 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 November 6, 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 

• 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 December 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   

• 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.

COMMEMORATING SMALL BUSINESSES, WORKERS, AND INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

[This is a “quick-source” section that includes new and previously provided information.]

• 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.  https://www.nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov   #BuyIndian California is also accepting pre-orders for “Protect Native Culture” car plates.

• 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.

  • California State University Sacramento is hosting several events. https://www.csus.edu/center/carlsen/global-entrepreneurship-week/ This includes several online events: Global Perspectives: How to advocate for improving Global Entrepreneurship Networks; Culture, Community and Entrepreneurship Panel Discussion; and SBDC – Your Journey as an Entrepreneur.

  • The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) is presenting PAVING THE HIGH ROAD TO A RESILIENT ECONOMY: The Power of Pre-Apprenticeship for Equity, Climate, and Quality Jobs, a weeklong celebration highlighting the latest “High Road” resources and programs available to the workforce community.

• 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) 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 their 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 will 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.

    • REDF is already hosting a Social Enterprise Gift Guide for products produced from around the US, including the Homeless Garden Project in Santa Cruz and Vena Vena Handcrafted, which was launched from a homeless shelter in downtown LA..  http://socialenterprisegiftguide.com/

FREE WEBINARS

JEDE maintains a list of on-demand webinars on our website.  You can access this list at https://ajed.assembly.ca.gov/content/demand-webinars-available-24-7.  Webinars cover a range of topics, including federal disaster programs, marketing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and accessing international markets.