COVID-19 Business Support - Cathedral City Economic Development Department

The Cathedral City Economic Development Department is committed to keeping our Cathedral City Business community up to date on County, State and Federal resources which are being made available to assist small businesses during these challenging times. Please check the www.ccedd.org website daily as information is constantly evolving. Other websites that are providing valuable and timely updates include: SBA disaster assistance, Riverside County Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Please email me at sjames@cathedralcity.gov with questions on the aforementioned resources or if you need assistance completing various applications.

Our business community is an integral component of the beautiful and unique tapestry that makes up Cathedral City. As a City, we must come together to support our businesses. It will be through this unity and support we will both preserve and enrich the beautiful tapestry, which has been assembled over the last 39 years.

“Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much” (Helen Keller, July 1888)

State of California Resilience Roadmap
State of California Re-Opening Guidelines by Industry
OSHA Guidance for Preparing Businesses for Re-Opening
COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program Restart Loan – Up $15,000 – $30,000 for any small business within the County. The target is small businesses with fewer than 25 employees and a minimum of 2-years operating history. It is a 3.75% interest rate, 5-year loan term with deferred payments for the first 6-months.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Reopening Playbook

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Each of these entities can assist with SBA loan applications as well as micro and bridge loans. Click here for the Streamlined SBA Loan Application

Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center (CVWBC) – Open to both women and men.
Contact; Kim Scanlan, kscanlan@cvwbc.org
Small Business Administration (SBA)
- National SBA Website
- Coachella Valley SBA Website
  Contact: Natalie Orta, natalie.orta@sba.gov
Coachella Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
COVID-19 Webpage
Includes information on
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan fact sheet with a link to the application
- List of documents needed for EIDL
- Fact sheet on EDD services for small business owners
- List of EDD programs with links to more information and applications
- Fact sheet on EDD for business employees
- Fact sheet on applying for unemployment and disability
- Fact sheet on business interruption insurance
- Contact information on the FREE Small Business Development services
- Contact: Lisa Napolitano, lisa.napolitano@ociesbdc.com

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Local Lenders Processing SBA PPP Loans

Regional Lenders Processing SBA PPP Loans

SBA Disaster Assistance Loan (Economic Injury Disaster Loan)
- This loan includes a $10,000 emergency grant that is not required to be repaid as long as stipulations are adhered to. Funds are made available within three days of an approved application.
- Low interest loans (3.75%) up to $2 million with a 30 year repayment option.
- Loan applications assistance is provided free of charge by the SBA, SBDC, and CVWBC through the contacts above.
- Loan processing time of 2-4 weeks.
SBA Bridge Loan Program
This program is for businesses that have existing SBA loans to quickly borrow up to $25,000.
Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits, can be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
SBA Clarifies Eligibility of Faith-Based Organizations to Participate in Paycheck Protection and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Programs
SBA En Español

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Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program
This is a newly available emergency unemployment assistance program under the federal CARES Act. PUA provides assistance for unemployed or partially unemployed individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance and who are unable or unavailable to work due to COVID-19 related circumstances.

CA Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) Finance Program
The State of California is allocating $50 million to the Small Business Finance Center at California’s IBank to mitigate barriers to capital for those small businesses (1-750 employees) that may not qualify for federal funds (including businesses in low-wealth and immigrant communities). The $50 million allocation will be used to recapitalize the IBank Small Business Loan Guarantee Program. COVID19loan@ibank.ca.gov

CA Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program
This disaster program provides guarantees for loans of up to $50,000 for small business borrowers in declared disaster areas.

California Capital Access Program (CalCAP) (1-500 employees)
CalCAP is a loan loss reserve program which may provide up to 100% coverage on losses as a result of certain loan defaults. Individual borrowers are limited to a maximum of $2.5 million enrolled over a 3-year period. Contact a Participating Lender to enroll. Email CalCAP CalCAP@Treasurer.ca.gov, or call 1-916-653-2995.

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CDC Small Business Finance Corporation
Contact: Stacey Sanchez, ssanchez@cdcloans.com, 1-800-611-3577
- C-19 CDCSBF COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan | Up to $50,000 | Loan processing time of 5-7 days
- C-19 CDCSBF Working Capital Loan | Up to $150,000 | Loan processing time of 5-7 days
AMPAC: Certified Lender of the SBA
Temporary Mortgage Assistance from Banks
The United States Chamber of Commerce Guide to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
The Coronavirus Air, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act allocates $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency. In some cases, borrowers are eligible to have their loans forgiven.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Emergency Loans and Small Business Guide and Checklist
A user-friendly guide to navigating COVID-19 based loans for small businesses.
American Bankers Association
The American Bankers’ Association has compiled a list of the relief efforts of most banks operating in the U.S. Click here for a list of banks offering discounts and waivers to help those affected by COVID-19.

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Benefits.gov – A tool to determine eligibility for governmental benefits.
OnwardCA - A one-stop resource for the people of California impacted by job loss during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Information for the Self-Employed
State Employment Development Department
Assistance for people seeking employment Riverside County Workforce Development Department
Emergency Assistance for Bartenders: USBG National Charity Foundation
Restaurant Strong: Grants of $1,000 for restaurant workers. The Greg Hill Foundation and Samuel Adams have teamed up to support those from the restaurant industry across the country who have been impacted by the Covid-19 closures.
California Restaurant Association Assistance to California Restaurant Workers
United Way of the Desert
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19 effective through December 31, 2020.
Keep Art Alive: Grants of $500 to individual artists and $1,500 to non-profit arts organizations sponsored by the California Desert Arts Council and the La Quinta Arts Foundation.
Worker Benefits
Worker Benefits
Economic Protection Plan & Support for Residents - Resident request for support - Lift to rise
Disability Insurance
Paid Family Leave
Unemployment Insurance
Seguro de Desempleo
Paid Sick Leave FAQs
Workers’ Compensation
Si se lastima en el Trabajo
CalEITC
CalWORKS (Cash Assistance)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Frequently Asked Questions
Paid Sick Leave FAQs

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Coronavirus Rumor Control
Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis, stay informed on what is rumor versus fact related to the coronavirus response.

Coronavirus Response: How to Help
Everyone has a role to play in the whole community fight against COVID-19. Learn how to help if you are a company with medical supplies to donate or sell, a volunteer who is medically trained, or a member of the general public.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Messaging and Resource Links

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Sempra COVID-19 Energy Hardship Fund Grants The COVID-19 Nonprofit Hardship Fund provides grants ranging from $500 to $50,000 to small to medium-sized non-profit organizations serving people and families significantly affected by COVID-19.
Desert Healthcare District and Regional Access Project (RAP) Foundation Grants for Non-Profits A collective fund that was recently created by the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation with the Regional Access Project (RAP) Foundation continues to offer grant opportunities in support of the COVID-19 relief effort in the Coachella Valley with priority for Nonprofits Serving the High-Risk Population.

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Stay In. Take Out. Coachella Valley Restaurants Open for Pick-up and/or Delivery
A listing by city of Coachella Valley restaurants that are open for pick-up and/or delivery. If your restaurant has pick-up or delivery service and is not on the list, contact Davis Meyer at the Greater Palm Springs CVB.
KESQ Open 4 Biz
KESQ’s searchable listings page for open Coachella Valley businesses.
USA Today Support Local Campaign
Support Local is an initiative from Gannet Corporation to provide a place for businesses throughout the country to sell gift certificates/cards.

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COVID-19 Business Signage

Images and PDF’s courtesy of visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

Business Plan

Replacing lost income:
1. For those affected by COVID-19, here is a great summary of what California Employment Development Department is offering.
2. Unemployment Insurance: Here is how to file a claim.
3. Paid Family Leave: Here is how to file a claim.
4. For those with a disability: EDD Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income
5. For those 65 and over: Supplemental Security Income
Saving money:While there is a nearly endless list of creative ways to save money, below are valuable local resources:
1. Southern California Gas reduced rate plan for income qualified families (California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE)
2. Southern California Edison reduced rate CARE and FERA plans;
3. CVWD-Coachella Valley Water District Help2Others Customer Assistance Program
4. Desert Water Agency Help2Others Customer Assistance Program
5. CalWORKS
6. California Earned Income Tax Credit and Young Child Tax Credit
7. Google “Cathedral City resale store” for a list of great stores offering real bargains
Landing a great new job:
1. Preparing for interviews: "60 Seconds and You’re Hired". Single best interview preparation resource I have found. Contact me for a copy.
2. Spend time creating a solid resume; this will be future employers’ first impression of you!
3. Leverage the expertise provided by the professionals within the Riverside County Workforce Development Center.
Transportation: Coachella Valley’sSunline Transit Agency is demonstrating, yet again, their proactive thinking, leadership and concern for Coachella Valley residents with free local fixed route and paratransit bus service.
Ensuring food security: Keeping yourself and your family healthy during this crisis is best achieved through adequate rest and nutrition. Below are resources to ensure you and your family have enough to eat:
1. GetCalFresh (California’s SNAP program)
2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
3. Riverside University Health System WIC program
4. Find Food Bank
5. Cathedral City Senior Center
Stay healthy: Managing income loss, health concerns or social isolation one at a time can be challenging. Managing all three of these concerns at once requires intentional effort to maintain a healthy emotional outlook. Below are several articles which can help keep our situation in perspective.
1. “How to manage the psychological effects of quarantine” by Dr. Mark Banschick M.D.
2. “8 Things to Do While Under Quarantine” by Dr. Kyle D. Killian, PhD. LMFT
3. “How to deal with uncertainty” by Dr. Clay Drinko, PhD.
4. “Healing the Heart During COVID-19” by Christine Fonseca, M.S.
5. “In Helping Others, You Help Yourself” by Dr. Marianna Pogosyan PhD.