COVID-19
In partnership with the Imperial Valley Business Recovery Task Force
Information regarding disaster loan and grant opportunities for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic can be found here. New information and updates will be posted frequently. For counseling services and application assistance, please contant Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center listed below.
For a list of services including decontamination and cleaning services, workplace guidance and COVID-19 testing for employees, personal protective equipment suppliers and hand sanitizer suppliers, download Local Resources for Imperial Valley Businesses.
Help us determine and address business needs by completing a short online Business Impact Survey. Your responses will help us improve the impact of this collaborative effort.
Join the OPEN FOR BUSINESS Campaign! Fill out this short survey to get added to our growing list of open Imperial Valley businesses and get a chance to be featured on social, media and local news channels. Take the Survey. Click Here for more info.
Sign up for updates from Imperial Valley Business Recovery Task Force for more information and resources directly to your inbox.
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Sign Up for confidential one-on-one business counseling at your local Small Business Development Center funded by SBA. Get assistance navigating all the resources for your business. Click here to sign up.
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The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can help overcome the temporary loss of revenue your business may be experiencing. You may receive a $10,000 grant available within three days of a successful application. *Agricultural businesses now eligible
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Designed to encourage employers to keep their workers on payroll. Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards. To apply, contact SBA any approved lender or credit union in your area. Download Imperial Valley Approved Lenders List
Other Resources: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Guide to PPP Loans
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SBA is offering a pilot program n in which SBA Express Lenders are granted authority to deliver expedited SBA-guaranteed financing on an emergency basis for disaster-related purposes to eligible small businesses, while the small businesses apply for and await long-term financing (including through SBA’s direct Disaster Loan Program, if eligible).
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As part of SBA's debt relief efforts, the SBA will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of six months. The SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
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The Imperial County Board of Supervisors have developed a loan program to aid local for-profit and non-profit businesses. Businesses already receiving community or agricultural benefit funds and are in good standing with the County are eligible for this program. This program is first come first serve. Application opens May 18.
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City of El Centro is now offering the Coronavirus Microenterprise Loan Program - a low interest, forgivable loan up to $10,000.
Click here for program overview.
Click here for loan checklist.
Click here to apply.
City of El Centro Infrared Thermometer Program: Businesses can apply to recieve infrared thermometers to be used for customer and employee safety.
Click here to apply.
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The State Compensation Insurance Fund is accepting applications for the following programs: Essential Business Support Fund and the Returning California to Work COVID-19 Safety Protocol Fund with up to $10,000 grant for covering COVID-19 safety expenses.
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Employers can apply for the Work Sharing Program if reduced production, services, or other conditions cause them to seek an alternative to layoffs.
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Beginning immediately, through July 31, 2020, USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantees (B&I) and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Guaranteed lenders may assist borrowers experiencing temporary cash flow issues by deferring payments for a period up to 120 days. USDA is also issuing extensions for grant application deadlines and home loans.
For more information on business, community and resident resources with USDA, visit: https://www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus
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Taxpayer relief options are available. The IRS is currently providing sweeping series of assistance (extensions, etc.) on a variety of tax issues ranging from easing payments to postponing compliance actions.
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Taxpayers may request assistance by contacting the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Requests for relief of interest or penalties or requesting an extension for filing a return may be made by:
Customer Service Center at 800-400-7115
Mail: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration: Return Analysis Unit, MIC 35, PO Box 942879, Sacramento, CA 94279-0035
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For more information on California rental payment requirements through May 31, 2020, Click Here.
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State of California Operational Checklists by Industry
State of California has released industry-specific General Checklists for businesses to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The checklists cover: worksite plans, employee training, control measures and screening, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, physical distancing guidelines and more.
To view the General Checklists, Click Here and find your industry.
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For more information on Imperial County's COVID-19 response:
For more informatoin on California COVID-19 resources, visit:
The Imperial Valley Business Recovery Task Force has been established to distribute up-to-date information and resources to small businesses affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Task Force is supported by:
- Imperial Valley Joint Chambers of Commerce
- Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation
- Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center
- Brawley Chamber of Commerce
- El Centro Chamber of Commerce
- Reliance Public Relations
- Imperial County Workforce Development Board
- Imperial Regional Alliance, Inc.
