News
Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The new Restaurant Revitalization Program, through the Small Business Administration, is a new $30 billion grant program exclusively for restaurants, caterers, food trucks, food carts, bars, taprooms, and tasting rooms. Even if you have received prior federal, state, or local grants or loans such as the EIDL and PPP, you still qualify for this new grant program. Applicants could qualify for up to $5 million per location with a maximum of $10 million per business entity, including affiliates. If your
Statewide Business Community Launches PSA to Encourage Vaccinations
“Do It For” PSA launches as state expands vaccine eligibility to all residents 16 and older California’s business community has released a new public service announcement (PSA), called “Do It For,” which will air statewide on TV, radio and social media, reaching millions of California residents in both English and Spanish, encouraging them to get vaccinated when it’s their turn. “The key to opening up California’s economy safely and responsibly is to get every Californian vaccinated,” said Allan
Capitol Summit, Host Breakfast Go Virtual
This year’s CalChamber Capitol Summit and the 95th Annual Sacramento Host Breakfast will be held virtually on the Zoom platform. The Capitol Summit is scheduled for May 12, 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. The Host Breakfast is set for May 13, 8 a.m.–9 a.m.Capitol Summit The Capitol Summit agenda will include legislative and election updates with CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg and special guest speaker Dan Walters, longtime journalist and political columnist with CalMatters. Walters has been a
State Controller Resource Information Page
As the state’s fiscal officer, State Controller Betty T. Yee understands many people are facing financial difficulties during these uncertain times, and helping Californians through this crisis remains one of her top priorities. As such, Controller Yee has compiled resources to help individuals, families, and businesses more readily access available state and federal financial assistance programs. On the Controller’s website, you will find information ranging from direct financial relief, to housing aid, to
Safe, Welcome Reopening Plan for California
I’m sure many readers know someone who postponed a wedding or reunion in 2020 due to the inability to gather or travel under COVID-19 restrictions. Thankfully, last week came the good news that we can, once again, begin making plans. California is on the right trajectory. If vaccination rates stay up and hospitalization rates stay low, Governor Gavin Newsom promises that, beginning June 15, Californians can once again gather together or travel to California’s world class tourist
Labor Commissioner Issues COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Guidance
20 million Californians have already been vaccinated, with all individuals age 16 and up eligible for vaccination effective April 15th. The Department of Fair Employment and Housing recently released updated COVID-19 guidance, which included guidance on employer vaccination programs. The California Labor Commissioner followed suit and released guidance regarding COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination pertaining to California regulations governed by the Labor Commissioner. According to the Labor Commissioner,
With Layoffs Down and Spending Up, US Rebound Gains Momentum
A much-awaited economic boom coming off the pandemic recession appeared to edge closer to reality Thursday with fresh data showing the pace of layoffs dwindling, consumers spending freely and manufacturing rebounding. The latest barometers point to a U.S. economy that’s steadily regaining its health as vaccinations accelerate, business curbs are lifted in many states and more people are willing to travel, shop, eat out and otherwise resume their spending habits. Though many Americans who have lost jobs
Higher Ed Integral to Business Needs
In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg and Lande Ajose, senior policy advisor for higher education to Governor Gavin Newsom, discuss the challenges the state faces in its goal to ensure that higher education remains accessible to all Californians. California has some of the best regional economies in the world and it is thanks to our higher education institutions, which include prestigious universities like the University of Southern California, UCLA,
California Small Business Grants Round 6 Begins April 28
The State of California has announced Round 6 of the California Relief Grant beginning April 28th and continuing through May 4th, 2021! Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive package providing urgent relief for the small businesses of CA. There is $2 billion of grants available for distribution up to $25,000! To help you prepare for Round 6, please review the Program and Application Guide for a detailed overview of the program and step by-step instructions for the entire application process.
On-Site Drug Testing: Remember to Support Need, Confidentiality
By Dana Leisinger We’ve been bringing our employees back into the office, and pursuant to our “reasonable suspicion” drug testing, would like to conduct in-house drug testing. Can we do this? The short answer is yes — employers can conduct drug tests on site. There are a few issues to be aware of, however. Written Policy First, you must have a clear, written policy that upon reasonable suspicion of illegal (or legal) drug usage, the company will be conducting drug testing. Supervisors need to be
SBA to Open Shuttered Venue Operators Grants for Applications on April 8 at 12 p.m. EDT
Help is here with $16.2 billion for venues, theatres, and more The U.S. Small Business Administration will officially open the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal tomorrow, April 8, 2021 at 12 p.m. EDT for operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums and movie theatres, as well as live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives to apply for critical economic relief, as those eligible entities are some of the first that had to
Employer Deadline for CalSavers Approaching in Less Than Three Months
10,000 Employers Registered to Date Today State Treasurer Fiona Ma reminds employers with more than 50 employees of the upcoming June 30, 2021 registration deadline for the CalSavers Retirement Savings Program, the State’s new program for workers in the private sector that lack access to a workplace retirement plan. The reminder comes as the pioneering program hit a milestone of 10,000 employers registered. Employers with more than 50 employees that do not offer a qualified retirement plan are required
City of Fullerton to Resume Parking Enforcement
The City of Fullerton resumed regular parking enforcement on Monday, April 5th. Courtesy citations are currently being issued through Sunday, April 4th, 2021. If you have questions on parking permits, please contact 714-738-6858.
California Aims to Fully Reopen the Economy June 15
By LUKE MONEYSTAFF WRITER, APRIL 6, 2021 11 AM PT California is aiming to fully reopen its economy June 15 — the clearest end date eyed for restrictions that have besieged businesses and upended daily life throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The date isn’t set in stone. And officials emphasize that getting to the point where California can widely reopen for the first time in more than a year will hinge on two factors: a sufficient vaccine supply to inoculate all those who are eligible and stable and low
Save Small Business Initiative
Small business owners across America are fighting to keep their workers employed and their dreams alive, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is fully committed to helping them recover and succeed. Small business owners: Below, you’ll find financial assistance programs, resources, and advice to help you get through the storm. Read More A SPECIAL NOTE TO LARGER COMPANIES In partnership with American Express, Vistaprint, Merck, Altice, and others, we’re proud to have facilitated grants to hundreds of
Declining COVID Indicators Show Promise for Reopening of More Business Sectors
COVID-19 statistics continued to move in the right direction this week as the rate of new cases, deaths and positive tests declined and the number of vaccines administered increased. At mid-week, California had recorded more than 3.5 million COVID-19 cases, but the rate of new cases (5 per 100,000 people) was declining, as was the death rate (.03 new deaths per 100,000). Test positivity (2%) was relatively flat. Nearly 16 million vaccines have been administered. The shots administered mean 15.4% of the
How Your Business Can Cater to Newly Vaccinated Customers
Did you know nearly 2.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines are being administered by day? With seniors ages 65 and up accounting for the majority of those newly-vaccinated individuals, our friends at CO— have compiled a few ideas about how small businesses can shift their focus to serve the senior population while bringing more customers in the door. Offer discounts for showing proof of vaccinationSpecial vaccinated senior hoursHold events or classes that require proof of vaccinationMore ideas
How You Can Help End Anti-Asian Hate
By CalChamber In this edition ofThe Workplace podcast,CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg interviews Sacramento County Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Thienvu Ho. Deputy D.A. Ho has supervised and personally prosecuted hate crimes like the ones against Asian Americans that are making headlines right now. Throughout the podcast, Deputy Ho brings both personal and prosecutorial commentary and experience to the discussion of how to combat bias and hate against members of the Asian
Round 5 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is now open!
Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive package providing urgent relief for the small businesses of CA. There will be $729,000,000 available for distribution. The application period will be from March 25th – March 31st. It is not first come, first served. Based on annual gross revenues for 2019 tax year, eligible business can receive the following: Revenues $1,000 to $100,0000 = $5,000 grant Revenues $100,000 up to $1,000,000 = $15,000 grant Revenues Greater than $1,000,000 to $2,500,000
SBA to Increase Lending Limit for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000. “More than 3.7 million businesses employing more than 20 million
State Lowers Water Allocation to 5% of Requests
By CalChamber As a result of persistent drought conditions, the State Water Project (SWP) now expects to deliver just 5% of requested supplies this year, down from an initial 10% allocation announced in December. The 5% allocation amounts to 210,266 acre-feet of water, distributed among 29 long-term SWP contractors who serve more than 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland. Initial allocations are based on conservative assumptions regarding hydrology and factors such as reservoir storage.
5 Things to Know about the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
1. The SBA will begin accepting SVOG applications on April 8. The SBA has launched a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal in anticipation of opening grant applications for the critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8. 2. Register for the national SVOG webinar on March 30; submit questions by March 29. Prior to the SVOG applications opening on April 8, the SBA will host a national informational webinar to highlight the application process for potential
Groundwater Replenishment System Virtual Tour Available
Join OCWD on a tour of the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), the world's largest advanced water purification system for potable reuse. You'll see the plant up close and learn about the three treatment steps it takes to purify treated wastewater to drinking water standards. To view a technical virtual tour of the GWRS led by General Manager Mike Markus, visit: https://youtu.be/GjdPBqwZ2f4. About the GWRS The GWRS takes treated wastewater from the Orange County Sanitation District and purifies it
Southern California Gas Company Sets Bold Net Zero Emissions Pledge
Largest U.S. gas distribution utility commits to achieving net zero scope 1,2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045 Commitment aligns with Paris Climate Agreement and demonstrates the foundational role of gas infrastructure in advancing California's carbon neutral economy LOS ANGELES, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), the largest gas utility in the U.S., today announced the company's bold commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its
Shuttered Venue Grant Information
The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal today in anticipation of opening applications for the much-anticipated critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8, 2021. “Help is here for venue operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA has worked diligently to build the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program from the ground up to assist and address the diverse eligibility requirements of each type of
Governor Signs New Paid Sick Leave Mandate into Law
By CalChamber Late Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation that mandates the addition of up to 80 hours of employer-paid COVID-19 sick leave retroactive to January 1, 2021. The new law applies to employees who work for a public or private employer with more than 25 employees. Upon signing the legislation into law, Governor Newsom said, “Even as case rates and hospitalizations decline and vaccinations ramp up, we can’t let our guard down and must do all we can to stop this virus from
shE-commerce
shE-commerce is designed to assist female entrepreneurs and business owners launch and grow their business online at a national scale. Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to launch their first business online. Established business will be able to expand into a new e-commerce platform, TheWMarketPlace, reaching new audiences, and increasing their sales. Through this program, you will learn core concepts of becoming an online seller while joining an empowering and supportive digital community to grow
Edison to Hold Public Rate Hearing
This notice is being sent to all SCE customers to keep you informed on important legal and regulatory information. This notice was included with your February / March monthly bill and is available online at sce.com/notices. This version has been updated to correctly show that both PPHs listed below will be held on Tuesday March 30 (previously shown as a Thursday). NOTICE OF PUBLIC FORUM (Public Participation Hearing) Southern California Edison’s Request to Increase Water and Electricity
