Key Business Resources - EWDD Update December 18, 2020

The Oakland Police Department is investigating a possible connection into multiple robberies over the last several months. A majority of the crimes took place along MacArthur Boulevard and one occurred in North Oakland. The individual appears to be working alone and is targeting cashiers at the register. At this time, there have been no reported injuries.

We are asking our community members to be extra vigilant and alert. If you see something, say something. OPD encourages residents and business owners to consider installing security cameras as well as alarms. These technologies can both deter crime and help solve crimes after they occur. https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/security-alarm-and-camera-services

If you know anything about these cases, call OPD’s Robbery Section at (510) 238-3326.

OPD offered the following tips on reducing your risk:

Keep small amounts of cash in the register to reduce losses.
Make bank deposits often and during business hours.
Stay calm and don’t resist. Money and property are not important, and CAN be replaced- people can’t!
Get a look at the robber- Do your best to look for something distinctive about the person(s) and their description.

Through January 15, 2021, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) is accepting applications, through its online reservation system, for qualified small business owners to reserve up to a $100,000 hiring tax credit. The small business hiring tax credit provides a credit that a small business employer can use to offset their income taxes or their sales and use taxes when filing their tax returns.

The tentative credit reservation is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and is reserved for businesses with fewer than 100 employees who suffered a 50 percent decrease or more in income tax gross receipts (generally, all income less returns and allowances), when comparing second quarter 2020 to second quarter 2019. Frequently Asked Questions.

Need assistance? Call the CDTFA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115 (CRS:711), Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except state holidays.

The City’s marketing partner Visit Oakland will promote Oakland Restaurant Week 2021 from January 7 to 18. Visit Oakland staff invite restaurants and food-and-drink-related businesses – such as independent wine shops, breweries, community markets and caterers – to join in the promotion that encourages locals to spend their money supporting Oakland businesses. New this year, the special doesn’t have to have a prix fix menu – it could be a new menu item, a new to-go combo or a complimentary appetizer. The Visit Oakland team can update your details on their website. Email partnerships@visitoakland.com with the details on your Restaurant Week special.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new loan program built to support California’s small businesses as they adapt and navigate the effects of COVID-19. The California Rebuilding Fund is a partnership between public and private sector entities to provide California small businesses – particularly businesses in underbanked parts of the state – with access to responsible, affordable capital to help them survive and rebuild from this crisis.

The Fund will offer loans that are flexible, transparent and designed to help sustain small businesses through these challenging economic times. The funds are being deployed by participating community lenders including Main Street Launch, Opportunity Fund, Pacific Community Ventures and Working Solutions. Businesses with up to 50 full-time employees and gross revenues of less than $2.5 million or below in 2019 may be eligible to apply. Learn more and apply today at: www.CALoanFund.org

On January 1, 2021, Oakland’s minimum wage rises to $14.36. This annual increase keeps the minimum wage aligned with the regional Consumer Price Index. Employers should print posters, available here in multiple languages, for posting at workplaces by December 15.

The other benefits specified in voter-approved Measure FF, including paid sick leave requirements, remain the same. For additional resources, visit www.oaklandca.gov/minimumwage or email minwageinfo@oaklandca.gov.

Hotels with 50 or more guest rooms are subject to Measure Z minimum wage requirements, which effective January 1, will be $15.61 with health benefits or $20.82 without health benefits.

Visit the City’s Planning Resources for Business Re-Opening website for the latest information on resources to support re-opening, including:

Alameda County Public Health Department’s Mask Required for Entry Posters
County screening guidance for employers in multiple languages
Self-assessment guidance for workers in multiple languages
ReOpening Guide signs by the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Oaklandish and the Economic Recovery Advisory Council, in four languages.

If one of your employees tests positive, please contact Alameda County’s COVID Workplace team at COVIDWorkplace@acgov.org or call (510) 268-2101 to submit a case report and for guidance and next steps. Businesses are required to notify the Alameda County Public Health Department of all positive COVID-19 cases. To learn about COVID-19 testing sites in Oakland, visit https://www.oaklandca.gov/resources/how-to-get-tested.

Amidst a record-breaking survey of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Alameda County joined other Bay Area health departments and the City of Berkeley in implementing a Regional Stay Home Order to prevent our health care systems from being overburdened and to save lives. In Alameda County, the new order took effect on Monday, December 7 at 12:01 a.m. and remains in effect through Monday, January 4, 2021. View Alameda County's Approved Open & Closed Businesses at: https://covid-19.acgov.org/reopening.page?

A list of up-to-date resources, including information about worker benefits, grants, loans and support services for small businesses, nonprofits and independent contractors, can be found on the City of Oakland’s Business & Worker Resource web page. The site is updated regularly as more information becomes available, so please check it often.

Take the COVID-19 Business Impact Data Survey, which serves as the City’s intake pathway to request one-on-one business assistance
Take our brief Business Re-opening and Recovery Survey to help the City gauge COVID-19 impacts to your business and what resources would help