These are just highlights of available resources, for information on all of the support programs available, please visit our Business & Worker Resource web page.
Posted: April 3rd, 2020 5:32 PM
Last Updated: January 20th, 2021 7:50 PM
Apply for a SBA Loan and $10K Advance
The SBA Disaster Loan, also called the "Economic Injury Disaster Loan," is a newly-streamlined version of the former disaster loan. It is an online application that has been radically simplified at www.covid19relief.sba.gov. It can be completed in about 20 minutes. An important feature of the SBA Disaster Loan is that it comes with a $10,000 cash advance grant, which can be sent to your bank account in three days. The loan itself is a 3.75% interest rate with long term repayment, or 2.75% for nonprofits. There are no fees or prepayment penalties, and the amount of the loan can be changed after submitting your application. This fund comes straight from the U.S. Treasury; we encourage impacted businesses, nonprofits and independent contractors to apply.
The Paycheck Protection Program is a second SBA loan program implemented in partnership with selected banks. Applications may open as soon as April 3, depending on the participating financial institution. This is a larger, forgivable loan up to $10 million to keep employees on payroll or quickly rehire employees and maintain salary levels. 75% of the loan must be used for payroll, and SBA will forgive the portion of the loan proceeds that are used to cover the first 8 weeks of payroll and certain other expenses. It also looks like it will be a fast application; a sample application is available on their site; however, the participating lending institution would set their application requirements.
File an Unemployment Claim
If you have lost your job or have had your hours reduced for reasons related to COVID-19, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance. If you are a gig worker, independent contractor or self-employed, you may be eligible under the CARES Act and should also apply for Unemployment Insurance.
Posting Requirement for Essential Businesses
Per the new Alameda County Shelter in Place Order in effect until May 3, 2020, Essential Businesses that continue to operate must complete, post and implement a social distancing protocol by April 3, 2020. Use the template in Appendix A - Download ENGLISH | SPANISH | CHINESE | VIETNAMESE
Are you Hiring?
For those essential businesses that need to expand their workforce to meet increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, Onwardca.org will match job seekers with employers during the pandemic. Submitted information will be compiled and shared with our service provider partners to assist jobseekers who may have been laid off or had their hours reduced as a result of the pandemic. Please share the details for vacant positions using this online form.