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:
Contact Economic Development Project Manager, Robert Ramirez at (714) 887-3731 or robert.ramirez@surfcity-hb.org.
This program provides $5,000 micro-grants to certain small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The grants are community driven by direct donations or sales of OneHB merchandise and apparel!
2. SafeDineOC
This County-funded program provides $1,000 grants to help local restaurants reopen safely. Grants may be used to reimburse restaurant owners for PPE, employee training, site reconfiguration, and more.
The County of Orange is providing 1,000 OC businesses with free access to 3D Event Designer’s floor plan software through December 31, 2020 to be able to quickly create efficient layouts, maximizing utilization while meeting new and changing social distancing requirements.
4. Additional Business Resources
Click on the link above to access various other business resources to support you during COVID-19.
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.
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 low interest rates. 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.
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.
Several economic development agencies have compiled useful resource information for businesses affected by COVID-19. Continue to check back regularly for the latest updates.
For a list of comprehensive resources, click here.
LATEST NEWS
Acting Chief of Police Kelly Rodriguez announced today her retirement from the Huntington Beach Police Department, effective November 13, 2020. “After 24 years with the
City of Huntington Beach Police Chief Robert Handy has announced his plans to retire after a distinguished 30-year law enforcement career. “After more than 30
The Huntington Beach Fire Department has launched it’s Virtual Open House. You can join the fun by visiting HBFDOpenHouse.com. There is also a contest for the kids in our community. Please visit their virtual open house website for more details!
For many years, our Fire Department has hosted an Open House during Fire Prevention Week, the week of October 9, with fun and educational displays and demonstrations in the station and on the training grounds. This event has traditionally brought an outpouring of support from our community and we always look forward to it every year. This year, due to the unprecedented times and to protect the safety of our community and firefighters, we are unable to host this year’s event in-person.
Due to abnormally high temperatures, The City of Huntington Beach will be opening a Cooling Center at Murdy Community Center (7000 Norma Drive) on Saturday (9/6) and Sunday (9/7) from 11AM to 6PM. Staff will be implementing COVID-19 protocols, visitors will be screened and face coverings will be provided if necessary. If you need to use the center, we encourage you to bring snacks, water and entertainment.
A Community Webinar Meeting with Police and City Leaders to discuss extending Main Street Outdoor Dining Hours.
