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Small Business Assistance

Paycheck Protection Program Extended

The deadline for businesses to apply for First Draw or Second Draw for the federal Paycheck Protection Program has been extended from March 31st to May 31st to make sure more businesses in need are able to secure relief and keep their workers on payroll.

As with last year, these loans are forgivable if all employee retention criteria are met and the funds are used for eligible expenses. If you need to get matched with a lender, you can use the SBA's lender match tool - click the button below to get started.


 


California Small Business Relief Grants

The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) announced the details for how the $2.1 billion in new funding for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant is going to be administered to the many small businesses and nonprofits still in need. Here’s how eligibility for the next four rounds will break down:

 

  • Round 3 (March 5- 11): This is a closed round for applicants wait listed in rounds 1 and 2 from earlier in the year. If you have previously applied and were wait listed, you do not need to reapply.
  • Round 4 (March 16-23): This round is for non-profit and cultural institutions only. If you fit this category and applied in rounds 1 or 2, you still need to submit a new application.
  • Round 5 (March 25-31): If you have not yet applied, this is your chance to do so. This round includes those waitlisted from rounds 1-3 in addition to new applicants. Wait listed applicants don’t need to reapply.
  • Round 6 (April 28 - May 4): Those who didn’t apply in any of the previous rounds or who were wait listed in rounds 1-5 can apply at this time. Those who have applied but weren’t selected don’t ned to reapply.
To apply for a grant, you need to do so through a partner that services San Diego County business. To get matched with a lender, click the button below. 
 
NOTE: This grant is NOT awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Application evaluation will not begin until after each respective application period concludes.
 

   

 

 

 

   North San Diego Business Development Center

   

The North San Diego Business Development Center has helped our small businesses navigate through a variety of federal, state, and local resources. 

 

They provide Business Consulting Services on the following topics:


•    Access to Capital
•    Accounting/QuickBooks
•    Marketing/Public Relations
•    Business Plan Assistance
•    Strategic Growth & Expansion Strategies
•    Sales & Customer Service
•    Financial Analysis/Cash Flow Management
•    Business Structure/Formation
•    E-commerce & Online Sales
•    Buy/Sell Business
•    Government Contracting

 They provide workshops on the following:

•    Digital marketing
•    Alternative lending
•    Technology commercialization
•    Financial reporting
•    Cybersecurity
•    Pitch preparation
•    Social media
•    International trade
•    SBIR/STTR writing
•    Franchising
•    And much more

 


Paycheck Protection Program

In January, the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was reopened for small businesses to access relief. The 14-day period reserved by the Biden Administration for businesses with 20 employees or fewer ended yesterday. Beginning today and until March 31, eligible businesses of all sizes can access the application process. 
 
As with the first PPP round last year, these loans are forgivable if all employee retention criteria are met and the funds are used for eligible expenses. Both First Draw and Second Draw processes close on March 31, 2021. If you need to get matched with a lender, you can use the SBA's lender match tool.
 
Click the button below for more information and to get started with your PPP application. 
 
   
 

 

 

 

Shop Safe, Shop Local! Special Services & Discounts for Small Businesses

      

 
 

The California Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development has partnered with various industry leaders to offer small businesses a suite of special services and discounts to help them market themselves and run logistics during this difficult time. This includes everything from online marketing tools to online sales management and shipping solutions to help businesses expand e-commerce. The state is also partnering with a number of chambers and industry organizations to provide owners with free trainings to help them discover ways to adapt their business plan in this pandemic economy. You can also browse a list of state agencies providing additional small business support during this time.