California Fire Update: The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services released the update below regarding the California Fire situation.
PPP Loan Forgiveness: The US Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced new policy on PPP loan forgiveness for loans under $50,000. Congress is considering at least one proposal to provide a blanket loan forgiveness approval for PPP loans under $180,000.
Free School Meals Extended to the Full School Year: US Department of Agriculture announced it is extending the program waivers which will allow free meals to continue to be available to all children throughout the entire 2020-2021 school year. https://www.fns.usda.gov/news-item/usda-040120 These waivers will allow all of the following: meals to be served in all areas and at no cost; meals to be served outside of the typically required group settings and meal times; and meals to be picked-up by parents and guardians for their children.
20-11-1: Public Meeting to Consider Proposed Research Contract with the University of California, Berkeley, Titled "Total Exposure to Air Pollutants and Noise in Disadvantaged Communities"
20-11-6: Public Meeting to Consider an Update on Race, Equity, and the California Air Resources Board's Activities
20-11-4: Public Meeting to Hear an Informational Update on Next-Generation Heavy-Duty Vehicle Enforcement
20-11-5: Public Meeting to Hear an Informational Update on the Implementation of the San Joaquin Valley PM2.5 State Implementation Plan
Federal Communications Commission to Address 5G in Rural Communities: The Federal Communications Commission announced the agenda for its October 27, 2020, Open Commission Meeting. https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-tentative-agenda-october-open-meeting-6 Among other items, the Commission will consider a Report and Order that would establish the 5G Fund for Rural America to ensure that all Americans have access to the next generation of wireless connectivity. (GN Docket No. 20-32)
Opportunity Zone Tax Changes: The Office of Regulatory Affairs within the Office of Management and Budget has given notice that the US Department of Treasury is considering revisions to Opportunity Zone regulations that address eligibility requirements of a foreign person to utilize capital gain deferments. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202004&RIN=1545-BP50
List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor: The US Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs announced that it is adding five goods produced by forced labor by Muslim and other ethnic and religious minorities in China to the 2020 edition of its biannual List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor. These goods include gloves, hair products, textiles, thread/yarn, and tomato products. According to the announcement, these goods join a list of 12 other goods produced in China. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/against-their-will-the-situation-in-xinjiang
CURRENT GUIDANCE ON COVID-19 AND FIRE RESPONSE 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 4 (purple) has the most restrictions and Tier 1 (yellow) has the fewest.
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.
Equity Metric Added to Blueprint for Re-Opening: The Blueprint for a Safer Economy has been expanded 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. The health equity metric and requirements become effective October 6, 2020.
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/.
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 that began in several California counties on August 14, 2020. 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
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.
UPDATES ON COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY PROGRAMS
[This is a “quick-source” section that includes new and previously provided information.]
Identity Verification Technology and UI Benefits: The California Employment Development Department launched identity verification technology, which is a new component of the unemployment benefit application process. The new technology is intended to more efficiently and effectively verify the identity of a claimant at the onset of a claim thus reducing delays associated with the manual review, while also making it more difficult for scammers to enter the application process. https://www.edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/pdf/news-20-52.pdf Daily updates are available through EDD’s new:
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.
The Federal Reserve Board updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Main Street Program to reflect the Board and Department of Treasury's expectations regarding lender underwriting. According to the announcement, the revised FAQs emphasize that lender underwriting should look back to the borrower's pre-pandemic condition and forward to their post-pandemic prospects. https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200918a.htm
COVID-19 PPP Aggregate-Level Data Update: The US Small Business Administration released program utilization information for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). 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. This program is closed to new applicants.
SBA Weekly Lending Reports: The US Small Business Administration (SBA) released its weekly lending report for the week ending September 30, 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
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 September 14, 3.5 million EIDL loans have been approved in the US for a total of $190 billion. In California, 546,783 EIDL loans have been approved for a total of $33.9 billion. Link to a PowerPoint displaying data for loan activity through 09/24/2020: https://www.sba.gov/document/report-covid-19-eidl-loans-report-9-14-20 A new FAQ was issued on September 24, 2020 (https://www.sba.gov/document/support-faq-covid-19-economic-injury-disaster-loan-eidl).
CA Small Business Loans: 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
CA Loans (EIDL) Approved
17
Dollar Amount of CA Loans (EIDL) Approved
$1,363,900
CA Home Loans Approved
162
Dollar Amount of CA Home Loans Approved
$18,342,800
Total Dollars Approved
$19,706,700
COVID - SBA Disaster Assistance
CA Loans (EIDL) Approved (as of 8/15)
533,876
Dollar Amount of CA Loans (EIDL) Approved (as of 8/15)
$33,022,133,987
CA Loan Advances (EIDL) Approved (as of 7/15)
809,792
Dollar Amount of CA Loan Advances (EIDL) Approved (as of 7/15)
$2,666,662,000
Payment Protection Plan (as of 8/8)
5,212,128
Payment Protection Plan Approved (total) (as of 7/31)
State and County Economic Data by Industry: The US Census Bureau released the 2018 County Business Patterns (CBP). This is an annual series of statistics on the number of establishments, employment during the week of March 12, and annual payroll at the national, state, county, and metropolitan area levels for over 1,000 industries defined by the current 2017 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). This information was initially released in June – Have you updated your fact sheets? https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2020/county-business-patterns.html
CA Completing 2020 US Census: The US Census Bureau maintains a website displaying information on each state’s progress in completing the 2020 Census. According to the website, as of October 9, approximately 99.9% of American households have responded to the UC Census, including 99.9% of all California households. These rates do not include individuals with informal housing arrangements. https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates/nrfu.html?utm_campaign=20200920msc20s1ccallnl&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery There are still 14 states with response rates below 99.9%, including Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Kentucky, New Mexico, and Florida. The 2020 Census has said it wants to conclude data collection operations prior to October 30, 2020.
74.0% of US small businesses have requested financial assistance from the Paycheck Protection Program since March 13, 2020
44.1% of US small businesses believe more than 6 months of time will pass before their business returns to its normal level of operations
23.8% of US small businesses have increased their use of online platforms to offer goods or services since March 13, 2020
62.1% of US small businesses have experienced no change in operating revenues in the last week
75.3% of US small businesses have experienced a large or moderate negative effect from the COVID-19 pandemic
21.9% of US manufacturing businesses have experienced production delays in the last week
49.3% of US retail trade businesses have experienced domestic supplier delays in the last week
Impact of Covid-19 on Black Small Business Owners: The Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research published a working paper by Robert Fairlie in May 2020, The Impact of Covid-19 on Small Business Owners: Evidence of Early-Stage Losses from the April 2020 Current Population Survey. The data in the working paper has been cited in several recent articles, including a Brooking Institute Blog released today. We are providing a link to the original source. https://siepr.stanford.edu/research/publications/impact-covid-19-small-business-owners-evidence-early-stage-losses-april-2020 Here is an excerpt from the summary:
“The number of active business owners in the United States plummeted by 3.3 million or 22% over the crucial two-month window from February to April 2020. The drop in business owners was the largest on record, and losses were felt across nearly all industries and even for incorporated businesses. African-American businesses were hit especially hard experiencing a 41% drop. Latinx business owners fell by 32%, and Asian business owners dropped by 26%. Simulations indicate that industry compositions partly placed these groups at a higher risk of losses. Immigrant business owners experienced substantial losses of 36%. Female-owned businesses were also disproportionately hit by 25%. These findings of early-stage losses to small businesses have important policy implications and may portend longer-term ramifications for job losses and economic inequality.”
State Unemployment Benefit Data: The Employment Development Department (EDD) released new unemployment insurance data for California on October 3, 2020. https://www.edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/pdf/news-20-54.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:
19,517 initial Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PAU) claims and 190,443 claims for extension of regular US claims were filed for the week ending October 3, 2020.
9.9 million initial unemployment benefit claims have been filed with EDD between March 14 and October 3, 2020.
$98 billion has been paid to out-of-work Californians since the start of the pandemic, including the back-logged claims processed during the reset period.
National Unemployment Data: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics released national unemployment figures for September 2020, showing total US nonfarm payroll employment rose by 661,000 and the unemployment rate fell to 7.9%. These numbers reflect 13.6 million unemployed people in the US with a labor participation rate of 61.7%. While moving in a positive direction, economists note that the rate of re-employment has slowed considerably this month as compared to the 1.4 million month over gain in additional jobs between July and August 2020. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm The labor force participation rate continued to decrease in September to 61% and is 2.0% lower than in February 2020.
State Unemployment Data: California unemployment for August 2020 was 11.4%, down 2.1% from July 2020. For yearly comparison, in August 2019, California unemployment was reported as 3.9%. State-level data for September 2020 will be available on or after October 15.
High Road Training Partnership: The California Workforce Development Board announced the availability of $9 million in Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds for the High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) initiative. According to the announcement, the HRTP initiative grants will fund demonstration projects designed to promote equity and shared prosperity through an inclusive human capital strategy that prioritizes job quality, supports economic and climate resilience, and links regionally-driven sector work to a statewide skills agenda. https://www.edd.ca.gov/Jobs_and_Training/pubs/wsin20-18.pdf Applications are due by 3:00 pm on November 16, 2020. Application workshops are scheduled for:
High Road Overview, Thursday, October 15, 2020, 10:30 am – 12 noon
GGRF & CCI Requirements, Wednesday, October 21, 2020, 1 – 3 pm
Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance: The Economic Development Administration announced it will be accepting applications for funding through the FY 2020 EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs. Eligible activities include projects that support construction, non-construction, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects. Grants and cooperative agreements are intended to “leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies that advance new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities.” Funding Amount: $100,000 - $30,000,000. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=321695
Collective Fund for Trans Communities: Borealis Philanthropy’s Fund for Trans Generations, Destination Tomorrow’s TRANScend Community Impact Fund, and Third Wave Fund launched the COVID-19 Collective Fund for Trans Communities to provide financial resources to trans-led organizations and transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-binary communities who are organizing in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Funding Amount: $10,000 - $20,000. https://borealisphilanthropy.org/grantmaking/fund-for-trans-generations/covid-19-collective-fund-for-trans-communities/
H-1B Rural Healthcare Grant Program: The US Employment and Training Administration published a Funding Opportunity Announcement relating to the availability of $40 million through its H-1B Rural Healthcare Grant Program. According to the announcement, the grant program is intended to increase the number of individuals employed in the healthcare industry and to minimize healthcare workforce shortages in rural areas. https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/grants/pdfs/FOA-ETA-20-12.pdf Proposals are due by November 13, 2020.
Bank of the West Nonprofit Funding: Bank of the West makes charitable investments to public entities, nonprofit charitable organizations, and other agencies that are exempt from federal taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. High priority is placed on grants that benefit low- to moderate-income individuals and communities in the categories of education & job training, and community and economic development. https://www.bankofthewest.com/about-us/community-support/charitable-investments.html
Bank of America Grants: Bank of America provides charitable donations to qualifying 501(c)(3)s that serve certain historically underserved communities (list). Projects must be aligned with Bank of America’s funding priorities of community development, education and workforce development and critical needs. https://about.bankofamerica.com/en-us/global-impact/eligibility-criteria.html#fbid=JAr21qBUYp4
Revitalization Grants for Businesses in LA County: LA County Development Authority is awarding $30,000 to qualifying businesses under a new Small Business Revitalization Grant program. In order to be eligible, the business must be located in LA County (excluding the City of LA) and must have been able to reopen under State Guidelines, but was, instead, ordered to remain closed by the County of Los Angeles Health Officer Order as of September 4, 2020. Target industries include: breweries with no kitchen; wineries with no kitchen; miniature golf parks; batting cage facilities; kart racing centers; and tanning Salons. www.revitalizationgrant.lacda.org Application period is open from Friday, October 9 to Friday, October 16, 12 pm (PST).
Racial Equity Grants: JPMorgan Chase announced a five-year $30 Billion commitment to foster lower mortgage payments, access to banking, affordable housing opportunities, improved policy and philanthropy for housing and work stability, and minority-owned small business development. https://www.jpmorganchase.com/impact/path-forward?tab=our-commitments Over the next five years, JPMorgan Chase has committed to providing an additional 15,000 loans ($2 billion) to small businesses in majority-Black and -Latinx communities. In addition, JPMorgan Chase has committed to increasing the diversity of its supplier diversity, including spending an additional $750 million with Black and Latinx suppliers. https://www.jpmorganchase.com/impact/path-forward?tab=our-commitments
American Ethanol and Biodiesel Grants Awarded: US Department of Agriculture announced the awarding of $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales. According to the announcement, these funds were made available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to recipients in 14 states, including California ($22,500). https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2020/10/08/trump-administration-invests-100-million-increase-american-biofuel The initial $22 million in HBIIP investments are projected to increase ethanol demand by nearly 150 million gallons annually.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Funding Awarded: US Department of Agriculture announced that it will award $10 million in grants to strengthen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training programs (SNAP E&T). These funds are intended to help participants gain the skills, training, or work experience they need to move toward and into employment. SNAP E&T National Partnership Grants have been awarded to the National Association of Workforce Boards, Goodwill Industries International, American Public Human Services Association, and Roberts Enterprise Development Fund to expand and bolster SNAP E&T by leveraging their large networks to train new third-party providers. https://www.fns.usda.gov/news-item/usda-040020
FALL IS CONFERENCE TIME
[This is a “quick-source” section that includes new and previously provided information.]
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.
Inland Empire Latino Economic and Policy Summit: The Inland Empire Economic Partnership, a member of the California Stewardship Network, is hosting the Inland Empire Latino Economic and Policy Summit on October 13 and 14, 2020, from 9:00 am to noon.
Major Speakers: The Summit will bring together high-level regional policy makers, corporate partners, and education and community leaders to tackle these issues and create a roadmap for a stronger Inland Empire.
CHCC Statewide Convention: California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual statewide convention October 14 to 16, 2020. This year’s theme is Momentum.
CalAsian Resiliency & Recovery Summit: The California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce is hosting a California Resiliency and Recovery Summit on October 13, 2020, from 9:00 am to noon. The event is being held in partnership with California State University, Sacramento and Asian/Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship.
Major Speakers: Labor Secretary Julie Su and Assemblymembers Low, Kalra, and Muratsuchi.
Lunch: There is no cost to attend and lunch will be "provided" by Postmates in the form of a meal credit on their platform.
Additional Information: David Nelson | dnelson@calasiancc.org | 916.446.7883.
California Retailers Annual Meeting: The California Retailers Associationis holding itsannual meeting on October 23, 2020, beginning at 8:00 am. The meeting will include the election of the association’s Board of Directors, a legislative and regulatory update, briefing on the November ballot initiatives, and a discussion of member priorities for the next legislative session. https://calretailers.com/cra-annual-meeting-2020/
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.
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.]
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.
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!
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 California Women’s Business Centers 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 Centers 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/
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
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
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.
