During the course of the conference call we will be referring to documents and links on this page and the JEDE COVID-19 Resource Page.
The April 15, 2021, agenda is included within this PowerPoint. The primary discussion topics are related to the California's response to the coronavirus and COVID-19 epidemic.
We will be building upon these six COVID-19 small business recovery challenges:
Small businesses, especially women- and BIPOC-owned businesses, must be a priority in the state’s recovery efforts. Data continues to suggest these businesses are having the greatest challenges in accessing technical and financial assistance.
Guidance on business operations continues to evolve making it difficult to identify, understand, and implement. Small businesses are concerned about COVID-19-associated legal liability.
State contracting opportunities remain limited and with traditional procurement outreach methods on hold, small businesses are finding it difficult to meet prime contractors who may be bidding on state contracts. It is not clear as to all the factors resulting in small businesses and DVBEs being excluded from this important source of revenue.
COVID-19 is creating many new business operation challenges, including accessing PPE, testing kits for employees, local broadband capacity, and additional costs of operation during the pandemic.
COVID-19 is amplifying old business operation challenges, including local broadband capacity, access to capital, and the cost of meeting regulations.
Small businesses need grants, even low-interest loans are not sufficient. Eligible entrepreneurs face major hurdles in accessing Pandemic Unemployment Insurance, which has lagged behind traditional UI payments.
