The City of Huntington Beach has compiled a list of resources to assist local businesses experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 situation.
For questions related to economic development in Huntington Beach, please contact Economic Development Project Manager, Robert Ramirez in the City’s Office of Business Development at (714) 887-3731 or robert.ramirez@surfcity-hb.org.
Technical Assistance
The Small Business Development Center of Orange County offers free virtual consultations for businesses to prepare for and recover from disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Call (800) 616-SBDC or visit their website to request a virtual consultation
Financial Relief
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL): The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest loans to qualified small businesses suffering economic injury from COVID-19. Applicants may request loans of up to $2M at interest rates of 3.75% for small businesses or 2.75% for non-profits. Loans may be used to pay operating expenses and fixed debts that cannot be paid due to COVID-19 disruptions. Eligibility requirements and applications are available on the SBA website or by phone at (800) 659-2955.
iBank’s Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program (DRLGP): The DRLGP can help businesses secure up to a 95% guarantee (maximum $1 million) on a bank loan through its partner, Financial Development Corporations (FDC). Eligible applicants include small businesses and non-profit borrowers who suffered economic losses caused by COVID-19. Loans may be used for working capital, inventory, and other expenses. To apply, contact a participating FDC listed on this website or call iBank at (916) 341-6600 for assistance.
For Employers
Tax Day: Federal and California tax filing/payment deadlines have been extended to July 15, 2020.
Tax Assistance: If your business is directly affected by COVID-19, you can request up to a 60-day extension to file your state payroll reports and deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. The written request for extension, noting the impact of COVID-19, must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return.
Paid Sick Leave: Businesses with fewer than 500 employees must provide employees with up to 80 hours of paid sick leave if they cannot work due to quarantine; isolation; symptoms of COVID-19; caring for some experiencing any of the aforementioned; and/or caring for children in schools that are closed. Employers will receive tax credits to offset the costs of providing this paid leave.
UI Work Sharing Program: If COVID-19 has impacted your business, you can avoid potential layoffs by participating in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Work Sharing Program. This program allows you to retain your workers by reducing their hours no more than 60 percent and partially offsetting the wage loss with UI benefits. This helps you avoid the cost of recruiting/hiring new workers and helps your workers keep their jobs. For more info, call the EDD Special Claims Office at (916) 464-3343.
Unemployment: Laid off employees can file for unemployment benefits through the Employment Development Department (EDD). To file a claim, visit the EDD website or call (800) 300-5616.
Other Resources
Several economic development agencies have compiled useful resource information for businesses affected by COVID-19. Continue to check back regularly for the latest updates.
