JEDE's July 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 July 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:

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. COVID-19 is amplifying old business operation challenges, including local broadband capacity, access to capital, and the cost of meeting regulations.

3. The variety of programs and resources make it difficult for businesses and workers to know where to start.  The state lacks a unifying vision that aligns resources and supports collaborative delivery systems.

4. Many of the state’s smallest businesses are not aware of the valuable resources available through the state's existing network of small busienss business technical assistance centers.

5. Small businesses are finding it difficult to meet prime contractors, who may be bidding on state contracts.  

6. With the economy reopening, many small businesses face the payment of back rent while struggling to re-open.

Partner Presentations and Updated Scheduled

• Jessica Gonzales with the Economic Development Department at City of Corona

• Heidi Pickman with CAMEO

• Lorrie Aiello with CMTC - California Manufacturing Consulting, the California MEP

• Bianca Blomquist with Small Business Majority

• Claudia Viek with the Invest in Women Entrepreneurs and the California Women's Business Center Network  www.californiawbc.org

Future Meeting Schedule

The next meeting of the JEDE Small Business Roundtable is on Thursday, September 16, at 2:00 pm.