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Periodically, the City of Oakland’s Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD) will send important updates to businesses, nonprofits, independent contractors and our partner organizations who support them. These are just highlights of available resources. For information on all of the support programs available, please visit our Business & Worker Resource web page.
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Alameda County Regresses to Purple Tier Prompting Changes in Allowed Activities
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The Alameda County CARES grant program offers one-time $5,000 grants to eligible small businesses and self-employed individuals. Applications must be submitted by 11:30 p.m. on November 30. Eligibility requirements are: · Businesses physically located in Alameda County (excluding the unincorporated areas) that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 · Must agree to follow State of California & Alameda County Public Health Department COVID-19 guidelines to maintain a safe workplace ·
Employ between 1 and 25 employees (self-employed individuals are also eligible) · Valid business license for the location · Must upload a business IRS Form W-9 · Business has been negatively impacted by one of these measureso Closure of any length due to COVID-19;
o Layoff of one or more staff due to COVID-19
Chain businesses not headquartered in Alameda County, financial institutions, banks, landlords of residential or commercial businesses, publicly traded companies and nonprofits are excluded from this grant program. Grant funds may be used for unreimbursed costs form March 17 to December 30 such as rent or mortgage for business
facilities, utilities, payroll, operating expenses, Personal Protective Equipment, digital technology and interior and exterior physical adaptations to meet COVID-19 conditions. Non-English versions of the application will be posted shortly. For additional information, please review the program’s Frequently Asked Questions at: https://eastbayeda.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Alameda-County-CARES-Grants-FAQ-11-19-2020.pdf
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Financial Management Webinars for
Nonprofits
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State Loan Program Announced
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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, which includes an anchor commitment from the State of California’s Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (“IBank”), 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, and 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
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Shop Local Holiday Campaign
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To encourage Oakland residents to put their money where their hearts are, Visit Oakland’s “Spend.Stay.Love.” Oakland campaign adds a shop local holiday spin. If you have an upcoming event, dining special or retail offer that you would like promoted through the holidays, please email partnerships@visitoakland.com and a Visit Oakland team member will be in touch. You can also update your business listing on
the VisitOakland.com website (update your photos, change store hours, etc.) but logging into the Visit Oakland Partner Portal and update your listing.
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Upcoming Online Workshops & Webinars
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Serie de 12 Tallaeres para Emprendedores HispanosJueves hasta el 17 de diciembreCalifornia Hispanic Chamber of CommerceGratis Entrepreneurs
Workshop SeriesThursdays through December 17Mandela PartnersSliding Scale: $25 - $100
Monday, November 23, 3 – 5 p.m. Alameda County SBDCFree Earn up to $5,000 OJT Funds for your Workforce: COVID-19 SupportTuesday, November 24, 11 am. – 1 p.m. Alameda County SBDCFree
Wednesday, December 2, 5 p.m.
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
Free
COVID-19 Business Reopening-Understanding and Managing the ProcessThursday, December 3, 10 – 11 a.m. AnewAmerica Women's Business CenterFree How to Manage and
Forecast Cash Flow in a COVID WorldTuesday, December 8, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.Alameda County SBDCFree Women Business Owners Virtual Town Hall on Insurance Issues for Small Businesses during the COVID-19 EmergencyWednesday, December 9, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. National Association of Women Business Owners CaliforniaFree COVID-19 Business Reopening-Understanding and Managing the ProcessThursday, December 10, 2 – 3 p.m. AnewAmerica Women's Business CenterFree Oakland StructuresFriday, December 11, 9 – 10:30 a.m. San Francisco Business Times$25
Wednesday, December 16, 8:30 a.m. – Noon
East Bay SCORE
$15
Wednesday, December 16, Noon
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
Free
Thursday, December 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
City of Oakland Workforce Development Board
Free
Thursday, December 17, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Alameda County SBDCFree
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Prepare for Winter’s Rainy Weather
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To help prepare for winter weather, Oakland Public Works is providing businesses with emergency sandbags and plastic sheeting while supplies last. Business Preparedness Tips are:
· Clear gutters and downspouts;
ensure downspouts are working and pointing away from your business
· Keep your curbs and sidewalk gutters clear of leaves and debris (and please dispose of in your green bins – do not sweep them into the gutter)
· Check the storm drain near your business and use a rake to keep it clear of debris
· Review your property insurance; if you don’t have flood insurance, consider getting it now – it takes 30 days to take effect
· Review emergency procedures and evacuation plans for your business
· In the event of flood conditions, please be careful and safe by avoiding walking, riding or driving across standing water
For pick-up locations for the sandbags and plastic sheeting as well as additional safety tips, visit: https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/winter-storms
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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
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