Below is information specifically created to assist our business community in navigating the many available resources and support being offered related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). For a full overview of all other City activities for COVID-19, visit www.lake-elsinore.org/coronavirus.  

STATE ISSUES ORDERS, NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES TO CLOSE

On Thursday, March 19, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a stay at home order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians and to establish consistency across the state in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. The order went into effect on March 19, 2020 and is in place until further notice. It covers the whole state of California. The order requires all individuals living in California to stay home or at their place of residence and requires Non-Essential Businesses to be CLOSED.

Businesses that Should be Closed, i.e. Non-Essential: (Source: CA Stay Home Order FAQ)

• Dine-In Restaurants
• Bars and Nightclubs
• Entertainment Venues
• Gym and Fitness Studios
• Public Events and Gatherings
• Convention Centers
• Hair and Nail Salons

Businesses to Remain Open, i.e. Essential: (Source: CA Stay Home Order FAQ)

• Gas Stations
• Pharmacies
• Food Related – Grocery Stores, Farmers Markets, Food Banks, Convenience Stores, Take-Out and Delivery Restaurants
• Banks
• Laundromats and/or Laundry Services
• Essential State and Local Government Functions including Law Enforcement and Fire Services

Related Resources:

• Department of Homeland Security’s Guide on Identifying “Essential Workers”
• Read the State of California's Executive Order
• Frequently Asked Questions regarding Local and State Orders by Riverside County 
• Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Order by the State of California
• List of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers
• Report Non-Compliance of Stay at Home Orders by Businesses: Call complaint Line at 951-351-6866, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Report Price Gouging by Businesses:
  • Call Hotline at (951) 955-0764, OR
  • Submit Complaint Online to Riverside County: https://bit.ly/2WfQNID
  • Submit Complaint Online to State Attorney General’s Office: https://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company

During this rapidly evolving, growing crisis, local, state and federal agencies are quickly working to provide businesses and employees with much needed assistance during this difficult time. Below are some of the resources currently available. Please note, information is changing dramatically by the day. This information is provided to assist Lake Elsinore businesses in navigating all available resources. This is not a comprehensive list and it is subject to change.

FREE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WEBINARS

FREE Business Financial Assistance Webinars - The City and the Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a series of FREE webinars to assist our business community in understanding the Federal Small Business Administration Programs that are now in place as part of the CARES Act (the $2.2 Trillion Federal Stimulus Bill) and, how to apply for grants, forgivable loans and,other available loans. View Business Financial Assistance Webinars Flyer. 

Upcoming FREE Business Assistance Webinars:

Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Friday, April 10, 2020 at 10 a.m.

If you are interested, please email Kim Joseph Cousins at kim@lakeelsinorechamber.com. You DO NOT need to be a Chamber Member to take advantage of this complimentary opportunity.

LOCAL SUPPORT & RESOURCES

COVID-19 BUSINESS LICENSE RELIEF

On March 24, 2020, the City Council formally proclaimed a local emergency. As part of this proclamation, the Council approved an automatic 90-day extension on business license renewals due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). This 90-day extension will be applicable for any business license renewal fees due through June 30, 2020. The City is committed to helping our business community navigate the resources available during these uncertain times. Find more information on the City's COVID-19 Business & Employee Resources page, www.lake-elsinore.org/COVIDBusiness.

Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District – Response to COVID-19

Riverside County Economic Development Agency - If your business is struggling financially due to the coronavirus, Riverside County can provide resources to help. Call (951) 955-0493 or see and extensive list of resources online.

FEDERAL SUPPORT & RESOURCES

Federal Government Approves Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARE Act) - Approved on March 25, 2020 - More Details to Follow 

 U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) Guidance & Loan Resources

The SBA is providing businesses effected by COVID-19 with various programs and guidance to assist small businesses including:

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program – Low-interest Loan Due to COVID-19, Up to $2 Million in Loans
Apply or Find Out More

Access to Capital (Loans) & Lender Match - SBA provides several loan resources for small businesses to utilize when operating their business. This includes “Lender Match,” which is a free online referral tool that connects small businesses with participating SBA-approved lenders. Find out more about Loan Resources and/or Lender Match

Small Business Development Centers: SBA works with several local partners including SBDC’s. View SBA’s Local Assistance Directory.  SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955/1-800-877-8339 (TTY) or by email.

SBDC Guidance Document: COVID-19 – The Latest News & Resources for Your Business
This resource guide provides information and FAQs about Employment Development Department (EDD) resources, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, our SBDC Finance Center and how we can help your business – and so much more!  Download Now.

Local Small Business Development Center (SBA Partner):

• Orange County/Inland Empire District Office: The SBA’s Orange County / Inland Empire District Office is responsible for the delivery of SBA's programs and services to Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Phone: (714) 550-7420 / TDD (800) 877-8339
• Inland Empire Small Business Development Center: The Inland Empire SBDC seeks to provide assistance and connect small businesses to resources in order to succeed. For more information and assistance, please call (951) 781-2345.

Additional SBA Information and Resources: www.sba.gov/coronavirus

CALIFORNIA SUPPORT & RESOURCES

Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Resources

California Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) & Employment Development Department (EDD): Resources for employers and workers including workers’ compensation and paid sick leave.

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Resources for Employers and Workers including:

• EDD: Paid Sick Leave
• EDD: Disability & Unemployment Insurance
  • UI Online: File a Claim Online  
• EDD: Paid Family Leave
  • SDI Online: File a Claim Online
• Workplace Health and Safety Guidance
• Employer Assistance
• View LWDA Chart Showing Breakdown of Programs
• EDD Website: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
  • Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) FAQs
  • EDD Disaster-Related Services
  • EDD Press Release: Benefit programs available to help California workers who are losing wages due to the impacts of Coronavirus (March 20, 2020)
  • Ask EDD

California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) – COVID-19 Updates & Regulatory Relief. ABC has temporarily suspended enforcement of specific legal prohibitions such as allowing restaurants to now sell beer, wine and pre-mixed or cocktails for pick-up or delivery as long as they have a lid or cap. This includes lifting a ban on alcohol sold at drive-through windows. Review ABC’s COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions.  

Office of Small Business Advocate (OSBA) – A network of small business centers throughout the state to offer consulting and training and access to capital. View Small Business Support Centers Map. If you need to talk to a specialist in the Office of the Small Business Advocate directly, find options here.

California State Treasurer’s Office - The California Capital Access Program for Small Business (CalCAP SB or Program) encourages banks and other financial institutions to make loans to small businesses that have difficulty obtaining financing. If you own a small business and need a loan for start-up, expansion or working capital, you may receive more favorable loan terms from a lender if your loan is enrolled in the CalCAP Loan Loss Reserve Program. This program helps communities by providing financing to businesses that create jobs and improve the economy. Loans are available up to $5 million. Phone: (916) 653-2995

Small Business Finance Center (SBFC) - SBFC helps businesses create and retain jobs, and encourages investment in low- to moderate-income communities. The SBFC has a Jump Start Loan Program, a Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, and a Farm Loan Program.

• California Small Business Loan Guarantee Program & Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program – Loans up to $20 million, must contact a participating Financial Development Corporation.

Franchise Tax Board - State Postpones Tax Deadlines Until July 15 – Review New Due Dates

Covered California - Covered California Expands Special Enrollment and Medi-Cal Seeks Waivers to Foster Coverage

California Department of Fair Employment and Housing – Job protection and employment discrimination.

California Restaurant Association Resources (Including On-Demand Webinars)

OTHER SUPPORT & RESOURCES

Below are additional informational links for businesses. If you have ideas or additions, please email the City at pio@lake-elsinore.org.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program – Related to COVID-19, Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where we operate. We’ll share more details as they become available. Find out more.

Southern California Edison (SCE) - COVID-19 Response & Customer Resources  

Southern California Gas Company (So Cal Gas) – COVID-19 Support & Response

View Riverside County Economic Development Agency’s extensive list of additional op