Regional Business Resources

• Employment Services: 

  NOVAworks job centers are now open for in-person services. These services will be by appointment only and are in addition to the remote services, which will continue to be available. Call for additional information at 408-730-7232. Visit the NovaWorks.org webpage for free services available for job training.

• Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center, 408-248-4800 offers free services, including one-on-one advice, training and workshops, and funding help.

• Santa Clara County businesses are encouraged to register with the County at sccprc.org for upcoming solicitations and contracting opportunities. 

• County Eviction Moratorium: Visit the County website for more information.
  Find detailed information and an FAQ on the Santa Clara County moratorium page.

Mission College Small Business Institute

Mission College, Santa Clara’s two-year community college, is starting its new Small Business Institute with a suite of classes and webinars.

RSVP for our free small business webinars.

Free Digital Resources

Free Webinars 
COVID-19 Small Business Strategies and Resources

Recorded webinars related to COVID-19 small business assistance from SBDC California.

For more information and to connect with other important resources from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, visit https://business.ca.gov/shopsafeshoplocal/calosba-resources/

California’s Small Business Community Resources Website

Visit calosba.ca.gov for available state-funded small business technical assistance programs and other state resources.

State Assistance Programs for Businesses & Employees:

• COVID-19 information for businesses and employers
• Financial and technical assistance resources for small businesses

Unemployment and Disability Insurance

The CA Employment Development Department (EDD) is providing:

• Disability insurance for people unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19
• Paid family leave benefits for people unable to work because they are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19
• Unemployment insurance for people unable to work because their employer has reduced hours or shut down operations due to COVID-19 or their child’s school is closed and they have no other care options.
• • COVID-19 Resources
  • Unemployment Insurance Benefits
  • Rapid Response Services for Businesses Fact Sheet

State Workforce Development Centers

• The State of California’s Labor and Workforce Development Center provides information on programs available for employers and workers.
  
  
• California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can help businesses navigate available resources and answer business questions.

COVID-19 Compliant Outdoor Operations for Santa Clara Businesses

On July 28, 2020, the City Manager issued direction to allow outdoor operation of salons and recreational uses in compliance with State and County health safety protocols.

Businesses seeking to engage in outdoor operations in compliance with State and County health safety protocols, may obtain a free permit by submitting one of the following application forms:

Outdoor Dining Permit Application
Outdoor Commercial Activity Permit Application

For questions, please email planning@santaclaraca.gov or call (408) 615-2450.

Financial Assistance for Santa Clara Businesses

• Moratorium on Utility Disconnections: The City implemented a suspension on service disconnections for utility (electric and water) non-payment, for both residential and commercial customers. It will remain in effect until further notice.

• Flexible Payment Plans: The City offers flexible payment plans to customers who indicate either an impact or hardship as a result of COVID-19. For questions, call 408-615-2300 or email Utility Billing.

Small Business Assistance Grant Program

The City of Santa Clara launched the Small Business Assistance Grant Program to provide grants to Santa Clara small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. At this time, the application period is currently closed.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Businesses and non-profits organizations are eligible for federal disaster assistance and forgivable loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

• SBA coronavirus relief options
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans
• Paycheck protection program authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. This frequently asked questions document and the sample application will help businesses understand the program and what information will be needed to apply.
• SBA Disaster Loan Fact Sheet (English and Spanish) and SBA Disaster Loan Summary for further information.

 FEMA Disaster Assistance

• Businesses can begin applying for FEMA Disaster Assistance while we await a disaster declaration to release these funds. 

Treasury Department & Internal Revenue Service

• The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are providing special payment relief to individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 Outbreak.

Webinar for Shuttered Venue Operators Grant on Thursday, January 14, 2021
Are you a theatrical producer, talent representative, venue promoter or do you operate a live venue, live performing arts organization, movie house or cultural institution and have been impacted by COVID-19? Register for SBA’s webinar on Thursday, January 14, at 12 p.m. PDT, for a preliminary overview of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program included in the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act. Eligible organizations with a reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have the opportunity to receive up to a $10 million grant under the program.

This webinar will provide introductory information about the grants, who can apply, how potential organizations can prepare, and additional details re: eligibility and applications.  

Register today

National Small Business Week (Sept. 22-21, 2020): National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration and cosponsors will host virtual events September 22-24, 2020. Details and registration information will be posted on https://www.sba.gov/NSBW.

"Get Digital CA!" Program to Help Small Businesses

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), operating within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), today announced the “Grow with Google” workshop series, which will launch September 22 and is designed to help California small businesses grow their digital footprints. A partnership with Google, as well as California’s network of small business centers. Workshops start at 10 a.m. PT:

• 09/22/2020: Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps: Learn about Google My Business – A free tool for local businesses who want to connect with customers on Google Search and Maps. Get hands-on help creating or updating your business profile or a simple website.
• 09/24/2020: Ponga su negocio local en Google Search y Maps - Explore Google My Business, una herramienta gratuita para empresas que desean conectarse con clientes en Google Search y Maps.
• 09/30/2020: Make Your Website Work for You - In this presentation, learners will discover how to create a search-friendly website that drives user action and supports their goals. Whether launching a new website or sprucing up an old one, this workshop will help.
• 10/07/2020: Use YouTube to Grow Your Business - Get best practices for creating a YouTube Channel and compelling video content that promotes your products and services and drives engagement with your brand.

Register for the "Grow with Google" workshops here. 

Amazon Launches Virtual Conference for Small Businesses

September 1-3, 2020
Register at www.AmazonAccelerate.com

CARE Act Main Street Lending Program

Join the US Department of Commerce, the Federal Reserve, and the Small Business Administration for an update on the new Main Street Lending Program.  This program will provide credit support to eligible small and medium-sized businesses that are integral to the U.S. economy and create jobs for a large share of the U.S. workforce, particularly in the construction, design and infrastructure sectors.

Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. PDT
Registration is free- You must register to join the call.
To register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/event/editWebReg.do?SmartCode=0QMY 

California Competes Tax Credit 

Informational webinars about CA tax credits for businesses. California is offering over $80 million in tax credits to businesses who apply for the program. The next California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) application period starts Monday, July 27, 2020, with $80 million in available tax credits.  Businesses interested in applying can register to view a live webinar explaining the application process.

The deadline to submit applications is Monday, August 17, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. The online application can be accessed at www.calcompetes.ca.gov. 

Jumpstart Your Business Operations: Two Part Webinar hosted by CA State Treasurer, Fiona Ma

These webinars were hosted in June 2020, but you can watch the replay here.  

East Bay Economic Development Alliance 2020 Speaker Series: Restaurant Relaunch
Original broadcast 6/23/2020

Jay Coldren and Alex Barrow from Streetsense delivered an engaging presentation and Q & A session on restaurant and bar reopening during COVID-19. The event provided a platform to learn more about industry best practices and challenges during these times. Visit Streetsense to download a copy of the Pandemic Relaunch Toolkit. 

Restaurant Re-opening Webinar
Original broadcast 6/17/2020

Silicon Valley’s Small Business Development Center brings you their perspectives on how restaurants can comply with, adapt to, & improve under the new requirements. Staff from both San Mateo & Santa Clara counties will answer your questions about local regulations.