COVID-19 Update for July 6, 2020-info, funding opportunities and more

Congress authorized an extension of PPP loan application period.

With less than four hours before the PPP was set to expire at 11:59 p.m. ET on June 30, the Senate unanimously passed a bill to extend the PPP application deadline until Aug. 8. The bill passed the the House on Wednesday, and now heads to President Trump for a signature.

The bill’s extension of the PPP comes after the program was set to end with over $130 billion left of unused funds for the taxpayer program. As of Tuesday night, the latest data from the Small Business Administration shows the program lent more than $520 billion in emergency loans to over 4.8 million American small businesses. The loans are intended to help businesses keep employees on the payroll, can range up to $10 million per loan, and can become grants.

Newsom orders bars and restaurants closed (again).

Governor Newsom orders all restaurants in LA County to close for indoor dining. Only outdoor dining, take-out service, curbside pick-up and delivery allowed.

Effective immediately the California Department of Public Health is requiring counties that have been on the County Monitoring List for at least 3 days to move certain sectors outdoors or they must close. Bars are also ordered closed. Los Angeles County is among those listed.

These businesses must close indoor operations/service for at least three weeks:

  • Restaurants
  • Wineries and Tasting Rooms
  • Movie Theaters
  • Family Entertainment Centers
  • Zoos and Museums
  • Cardrooms
 
Counties with closures should consider cancelling firework shows.Parking lots at many State Beaches near high populated areas will be closed. In counties that close local beaches, state beaches will close as well. This order will remain in place for at least three (3) weeks.

This announcement comes as other states pull back the reopening of their economy, dial back restaurant capacity, and as California counties continue to experience a surge in hospitalizations due to the sudden increase in positivity rates for COVID-19.


Pasadena COVID-19 DISASTER SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF FUND
Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) launched the online application portal for Pasadena COVID-19 Disaster Relief Small Business Relief Fund grants on Friday, June 26, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. The Fund is a collaboration between the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Pasadena Community Foundation, and the City of Pasadena to assist small businesses in recovering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis and resulting business closures, and will provide grants of $10,000 to storefront retail businesses.
Please CLICK HERE to review the grant guidelines and access the application or visit the PCF website at www.pasadenacf.org. The grant application will be available starting at 5:00 p.m. on June 26, 2020. Applications will be accepted through July 10, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

The Pasadena COVID-19 Disaster Small Business Relief Fund is intended to augment federal, state, and local aid in supporting Pasadena businesses and sustaining the local economy. The City of Pasadena has seeded the fund with an initial gift of $500,000, with the goal of assisting 50 or more small businesses. The City will match all private philanthropic gifts to the fund up to $250,000, creating the potential for $1 million in assistance. The Fund will accept donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations. (See below)

Local storefront retail and restaurant businesses are strongly encouraged to apply. The fund will prioritize business owners who have not received financial assistance from federal and state-level COVID-19 relief programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program. Businesses receiving grants must be located within the physical boundaries of Pasadena. The selection process will also consider local ownership and whether businesses employ Pasadena residents. Once awarded, grant funds may be used for business-related operational costs, including COVID-19-related expenses and re-opening compliance costs.

Donate to support the Pasadena Small Business Relief Fund
Double the Impact of Your Gift to Support Pasadena's Small Businesses
Pasadena's vibrant small business scene gives our community its unique character and drives economic growth, so we're helping our local businesses recover from the COVID-19 crisis with the Pasadena COVID-19 Disaster Small Business Relief Fund, a collaboration with the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and City of Pasadena.
CLICK HERE to make a MATCHED GIFT to the COVID-19 Disaster Small Business Relief Fund and support independent businesses in Pasadena. 
The City of Pasadena has seeded the fund with an initial gift of $500,000 and pledged to match all private donations up to $250,000 dollars, which means grants totaling $1,000,000 to revive small business in Pasadena. Right now, your gift to the Pasadena COVID-19 Disaster Small Business Relief Fund will be matched by the City, doubling its impact. A gift of $500 means $1,000 for small businesses. A gift of $5,000 means another grant to one of our community's small business owners. The Fund will provide grants of $10,000 that can be used to cover a wide range of business-related expenses. These are grants, not loans, so businesses do not have to pay the money back - it is 100 percent relief assistance to sustain our local economy. All gifts to the Pasadena COVID-19 Disaster Small Business Relief Fund are tax deductible. Thank you for supporting our local businesses!

New Round of LA County Grants
The County of Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles, and private philanthropy have partnered to deploy $3 million dollars in grants for small businesses, non-profits and microentrepreneurs in a newly launched LA Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund. The first phase of the Recovery Fund will include grant opportunities of $5K for microentrepreneurs and $15K for small businesses and nonprofits. The grant program will offer a total of six rounds, opening July 6th through September 25th. The second phase will launch in the next few months and will include loans. For information visit www.LACOVIDfund.org for more information. Here is the link to watch the first Recovery Fund webinar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv0y3CRaILM#action=share. There will be other webinars.

Resources to help you reopen

Essential PPE For Reopening - The Space Sanitizing Mister :  One of our newest members, Giana Korth, is here to solve all of your Reopening challenges with a game changing new machine - The Space Sanitizing Mister. This simple and elegant machine kills 99.9% of all viruses, bacteria, and germs in a 300 sq ft space. With its human and food safe air disinfecting capabilities, it can safely disinfect an entire room in 10-15 mins and will continuously do so while operating. Most importantly it provides a visible peace of mind, which we are finding one of the highest priorities upon reopening. It has become an invaluable product for many business owners across all industries - Healthcare offices, schools, gyms, spas, hotels, restaurants, office buildings, retail stores, etc. Giana is a Pasadena native, and her parent's local optometry practice, Charles J. Korth Optometry, was the inspiration behind this "Magical Mister" as her mom, René Korth, calls it. René was spending hours each day sanitizing equipment, glasses, countertops, etc; both for patient safety and peace of mind. It was becoming impossible to do this, while continuing their exceptional patient eye care. Now, with two Misters in the dispensing area and one in each exam room, all they have to do is turn the Mister on in the morning and they are good to go! If you are interested in seeing the Misters in action, feel free to stop by and check them out firsthand. They also have a number of other PPE products that may prove very beneficial, and are happy to source other items you may need. She looks forward to supporting your business in Reopening safely, effectively and as stress-free as possible! You can get more information and purchase the Misters directly through their company website here. For orders over 10, and all other questions, you can contact Giana directly at giana.korth@tampontribe.com or 626-818-1584. 

On June 1, 2020, a free mobile application for restaurants was unveiled to the community. Pasadena Be Local Strong lists Pasadena area restaurants that are open for business. There are no charges to restaurants to be listed and no cost to for users to download the app. The application is a collaboration between Small World Communication and the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce as part of Small World’s Be Local Strong initiative. The app can be accessed online at https://pasadena.belocalstrong.com/.

Businesses that want to be listed on the site can go to: https://belocalstrong.com/home/submit-your-listing/ and put in their information. Right now, the app only lists restaurants, but retail and service businesses will be added soon. The app is available to any retail or service business in the greater Pasadena area. Membership in the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce is not required to be listed.
 

The Print Spot is offering FREE Open/Closed/Taking Orders signs for any business that wants it.
To pre-order, please email Paul@pasadena-chamber.org.  

THESE ARE FREE FOR PASADENA CHAMBER MEMBERS COURTESY OF THE PRINT SPOT.

You can fill out the form and mail to: Paul Little, Pasadena Chamber, 44 N. Mentor Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106; Email to paul@pasadena-chamber.org or FAX to 626-795-5603. Download the order form here: Print_Spot_Pasadena_Chamber_window_sign_offer_flyer_FINAL.pdf

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The City of Pasadena launched expedited permit and plan check processes to facilitate the rapid reopening of qualified dining and retail establishments seeking to comply with COVID-19 protocols and social distancing requirements. The City will also allow certain restaurants to temporarily expand dining areas outdoors. The online application portal has been created to facilitate submittal of these applications and to ensure streamlined departmental review within the expedited timeliness. To learn more about these temporary regulations and processes, or to submit an online application, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/reopening-permits.  

Exer Urgent Care, an ER alternative staffed by ER doctors, provides onsite testing for COVID-19 is available at clinic locations across Southern California. Exer is now offering drive-up testing for COVID-19 in Pasadena. In Pasadena, Exer Urgent care is located at 3160 East Del Mar in Pasadena. You are advised to make an appointment in advance.

ChapCare on North Lake Avenue is also providing FREE COVID-19 testing. Call for an appointment.

THE PCC SBDC IS HERE TO HELP. No-Cost Assistance. NEW Webinars. SBDC advisors are available to meet with you via Zoom. Business growth and recovery assistance includes: Disaster Loan Applications; "Life After Covid" Business Planning; Creating New Sales Streams; Leveraging Resources; And much more; Contact us for no-cost assistance. 626-585-3105 REGISTER FOR ASSISTANCE   or CONTACT US

IF YOU NEED PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, SANITIZER OR OTHER ITEMS OR INSTALLATIONS TO MEET PUBLIC HEALTH STANDARDS PLEASE PURCHASE THOSE ITEMS LOCALLY. SUPPORT THE BUSINESSES YOU WANT TO SUPPORT YOURS!

Please follow the guidelines and maintain social distancing. If at all possible, when you are in public and could interact with anyone at all, please wear a mask. You can make your own. (Click here for a 'how-to') or purchase a mask through one of these links:

Here are some local resources you may need (and can support local businesses as you do):

The Print Spot is offering free Open/Closed/Taking Orders signs for any business that wants it. To pre-order, please email Paul@pasadena-chamber.org.  THESE ARE FREE FOR PASADENA CHAMBER MEMBERS COURTESY OF THE PRINT SPOT.

Download the order form here: Print_Spot_Pasadena_Chamber_window_sign_offer_flyer_FINAL.pdf

The Print Spot can also provide 6 feet distance floor indicators, along with signs reminding emloyees to wash hands as well as traffic directional signs for those narrow hallways. These are not free but The Print Spot is always competitive. Call The Print Spot at 323-269-4218; printspot323@gmail.com www.goprintspot.com.

Please follow the guidelines and maintain social distancing. If at all possible, when you are in public and could interact with anyone at all, please wear a mask. You can make your own or purchase a mask through s number of Chamber members.

Shield48 is a reusable face shield used as a personal protective equipment (PPE) and manufactured in Europe in cooperation with infectology and ICU specialists in conformity with the official guidelines from CDC and WHO. Each reusable face shield set includes 3 replaceable screens that can endure 100 cycles of sanitizing. Shields48 are comfortable to wear and ensure your protection all day everyday. Download the flyer here: http://www.pasadena-chamber.org/sites/default/files/media/Rose_Walk_Global_Shield48_Flyer_USA_0.pdf

Face protection can be purchased through Pasadena Chamber member Beck and Call. Click here to email for info. They can create branded PPE equipment for you and your business.

Pasadena Chamber member Stark Spirits distillery retooled to manufacture approved sanitizer. You can find all the details here to get your cleaning and sanitizing products locally.

Maintco Corp. is a woman owned Pasadena Chamber member organization located in Burbank that caters to construction, maintenance and sanitation needs of varying industries. Maintco Corp. created its Maintco Certification Program that uses OSHA-approved processes to encourage a #SaferLA as businesses reopen and operate with the recent COVID-19 related restrictions and regulations. The 5-Step Maintco Certification Program Includes: Sanitizing the Facility - Maintco technicians will deep clean and sanitize all hard and porous surfaces using CDC-approved and EPA-registered sanitizers. Installing Air Filtration - Maintco’s certified technicians will install a CDC-recommended HEPA Filtration System into HVAC units to capture 99.97% of airborne allergens and viruses. Physical Protective Barriers - Maintco technicians will install translucent acrylic barriers or sneeze guards in areas requiring close physical contact. Touchless Technology - Maintco’s certified plumbers and electricians will install motion-sensored appliances and technology (toilets, hand dryers, lighting, air conditioning, door openers, etc.) throughout the facility. Visual Reminders - Maintco technicians will distribute informational and directional signs at entrances, restrooms, and other highly frequented areas. Contact Lindsay via phone or email for information on how a Maintco Certification can help your business promote a #SaferLA.  Email - lindsay.hornsby@maintco.com Cell - (951) 805-337

Pasadena Restaurateurs that may be reopening soon to help them accommodate their Social Distancing Seating when guests return.  Many will be using additional sidewalk space, portions of parking lots, patios and areas not currently used.  Dolphin Event Service's website has many useful selections on the header that help explain how a typical set-up is done.  Whether it be Vinyl fencing, lattice or hedge panels, barricades, or even stanchions, we can create areas with comfortable access/egress that will maintain the CDC and County distancing guidelines.  We offer discounted monthly rates designed especially for the Covid-19 crisis that are affordable.

Face covering ad

M3 Office has solutions for social distancing and workplace safety. Download the info here:  M3 problem_solving_product_suggestions.pdfM3_return to office items.pdf

Finding an abandoned baby in the mountains of the San Gabriel Valley inspired Azita Milanian to create the “Children of One Planet” Foundation. To learn more about this amazing and life-altering experience, go to http://childrenofoneplanet.org/howwehelp.htm. The Children of One Planet” Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes the well-being and health of children from all over the world.  To help support our cause, please purchase necessary facial coverings for your businesses and employees.  The flier with information is here:

To learn more please call Azita at (626) 712-3451 or email us at  azita@childrenofoneplanet.org.

Hello Pasadena businesses.  I would like to create and gift a free “Branding” photo session for your business.  I am looking for upto 5 Pasadena small businesses that have been affected by the Covid-19 shutdown.  I would like to highlight your business with a complete photo session which captures your business space, and yourself as a portrait.  Photographer Jerry Camarillo (multiple Images of Pasadena Photo Contest winner) wants to help promote you and your business.  Via social media and the like.  You are free to use the images as you’d like as well of course.  This is for you to show off what makes you, you and it fits into my tag line, ‘Reveal Your Awesome”. If it is a restaurant, I will shoot your space with 4 to 5 images, 3 to 5 dishes if possible, and yourself in the space.  I will also interview you about how you are moving forward post Covid.  A simple sentence or two can be enough, more is welcomed. This all serves as a small way in how I can be of service to you, and you are also helping me build a portfolia of “Personal Branding Photography”.  Its a win, win !  Thank you for your consideration, and let’s get back to business. Always grateful Jerry Camarillo Voted Best Photographer in Pasadena www.jerrycamarillophotography.com 626-375-6684

EVENT SPECIALISTS HAS A NEW PROTOCOL FOR CLEANLINESS AND PERSONAL SANITATION AT FESTIVALS AND LARGE GATHERINGS. You can find information here: Purely_Sanitizing_for_Fesitval_Presentation_from_Event_Specialists.pdf

SBDC Offers Daily Webinars on COVID-19 Relief Options (plus 3 Weekly Webinars in Spanish!)

California’s SBDCs are hosting a daily live webinar and Q&A on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and the Paycheck Protection Program. 

Daily, 3pm. Register here for free.

Webinar en Español Todos los Lunes, Miercoles, y Viernes a las 12 pm Regístrese Aquí

Additionally, Pasadena City College's SBDC office is offering SBA Loan Updates every Tuesday and Thursday.