JEDE's January 2021 Small Business Roundtable

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 January 21, 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 five COVID-19 small business recovery challenges and the work of the WGO mini-workshops:

1. 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.
2. Many small businesses are concerned about being able to meet re-opening health and safety protocols.  It is difficult to keep-up on changes and the wording can be too vague.
3. Small businesses are concerned about being sued by employees and customers for being exposed to COVID-19.
4. Small businesses face many challenges in accessing sufficient amounts of PPE, as well as paying for higher and ongoing additional costs of operation during the pandemic.
5. With traditional procurement outreach methods on hold, small businesses are finding it difficult to meet prime contractors who may be bidding on state contracts.

Partner Presentations Scheduled

• Bianca Blomquist with Small Business Majority
• Heidi Pickman with CAMEO
• Lorrie Aiello with CMTC
• Jessica M. Gonzales with Economic Development Dept at the City of Corona
• Tracy Stanhoff with the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of CA
• Jai Sharma with the Silicon Valley Consulting Group 
• Claudia Viek with Invest in Women Entrepreneurs and the California Women's Business Center

Future Meeting Schedule

The next meeting of the JEDE Small Business Roundtable is on Thursday, February 18, at 2:00 pm.