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General COVID-19 Business Resources
For assistance applying or understanding what resources are best for your business, you may reach out to the Alameda County Small Business Development Center, where free advisors are available by phone or email in multiple languages. They can help with applying for relief, guiding you through available resources, cash flow concerns, supply chain interruptions, workforce capacity, insurance coverage and more - at no cost. You can learn more on the Alameda County Small Business Development Center website and reach them at 510-516-4118 or email the Alameda County Small Business Development Center. They recommend that you apply for counseling, so that an advisor knowledgeable in your type of business can respond.
For updates on local resources and connections to the San Leandro business community, visit the San Leandro Chamber. They have a listing of Open Essential Businesses, information on available resources, and are holding webinars to help you re-calibrate your business and prepare for the new normal.
Employer Update - COVID-19 Workplace Standards
On June 17, Cal/OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board for the State of California, approved revised California workplace requirements (COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards [PDF] [ETS]). These changes were made in conjunction with California moving "Beyond the Blueprint", fully reopening the economy and lifting most of the public COVID-19 restrictions on June 15.
These updated workplace regulations are in line with the state's latest COVID-19 public health guidance, which takes into account current levels of COVID-19 and vaccination rates. The updates include changes to face coverings and physical distancing requirements.
Visit Cal/OSHA ETS for workplace requirements.
Businesses can learn more in Cal/OSHA's Frequently Asked Questions, or see a handy PowerPoint overview in the Alameda County Public Health Employer Update (PDF). Employers can also contact the Cal/OSHA District Office by phone at 510-622-2916 or email Cal/OSHA with questions. Information is available in multiple languages.
Alameda County Public Health Order
View the Health Officer Order Number 21-01 of January 25, 2021 (PDF).
For the most up-to-date and accurate information on the Health Order, visit the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) COVID-19 website.
Note: Where there are differences between the local Health Officer's order and the State's order, the stricter restrictions apply.
Visit San Leandro's COVID-19 page for other local updates and information on city services, health resources, and city park tips.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Paycheck Protection Program application period ended on May 31, 2021.
View Frequently Asked Questions about PPP Loan Forgiveness.
Recipients of PPP loans of $50,000 or less will be able to apply for forgiveness using a simplified application that was released Thursday, October 8, 2020 by the Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
A new interim final rule (IFR) provides new guidance concerning forgiveness and loan review processes for PPP loans of $50,000 or less. Under the IFR, PPP borrowers of $50,000 or less are exempted from any reductions in forgiveness based on:
- Reductions in full-time-equivalent (FTE) employees
- Reductions in employee salary or wages
The IFR streamlines the forgiveness process for PPP borrowers of $50,000 or less because they will not be required to perform potentially complicated FTE or salary reduction calculations. Borrowers of $50,000 or less still will have to make some certifications and provide documentation to the lender for payroll and nonpayroll costs.
SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application Portal re-opens for new applications.
SBA has reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19.
Now that the EIDL and EIDL Advance application portal is accepting new applications, additional small businesses and non-profits will be able to receive long-term, low interest loans and emergency grants - reducing the economic impacts of COVID-19 on their businesses, employees and the communities they support.
Visit the SBA EIDL page to learn about how to apply for a loan.
Learn more about how EIDL funds have been distributed across the nation.
Small Business Tax Credit Programs: Employee Retention Credit
The American Rescue Plan extends the availability of the Employee Retention Credit for small businesses through December 2021 and allows businesses to offset their current payroll tax liabilities by up to $7,000 per employee per quarter. This credit of up to $28,000 per employee for 2021 is available to small businesses who have seen their revenues decline, or even been temporarily shuttered, due to COVID.
The ERC is now available for all four quarters of 2021 as well as March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The ERC is a tax credit against certain payroll taxes, including an employer's share of social security taxes for wages paid.
Visit the IRS.gov website to learn more about how to apply for this credit.
California Bill Provides $6.2 Billion Tax Break for Small Businesses
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that will give small businesses hit hardest by the pandemic a $6.2 billion tax cut over the next six years - a critical lifeline that will help get small businesses back on their feet, and an important component of California's economic recovery strategy. Under this legislation, forgiven federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans that businesses received during the pandemic will not be counted as taxable income, and these businesses can also deduct the costs of expenses that those loans paid for.
Mortgage & Debt Relief
Consumers and homeowners may be eligible for financial relief after contacting their financial institution. Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, and nearly 200 state-chartered banks, credit unions, and services have committed to providing relief for eligible consumers and homeowners in California. This may include mortgage-payment forbearances of up to 90 days, debt payment plans or other forms of relief. Contact your lender or visit the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation's COVID-19 Updates webpage.
State Payroll Taxes
Employers experiencing a hardship as a result of COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the Employment Development Department (EDD) to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. A written request for extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return. Learn more at the Employment Development Department's COVID-19 Resources page.
Property Tax
While property taxes were due on April 10, 2020, the Alameda County Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector Alameda County has offered a program for taxpayers who have demonstrated COVID-19 related circumstances and are not able to pay. Such property owners may request a waiver of delinquent penalties, interest, or costs. Learn more by viewing the Alameda County COVID-19 Related Delinquent Property Tax Penalty and Interest Waiver Policy (PDF).
Electricity & Gas
Commercial
PG&E has suspended shutoffs during this time, and customers can apply for a payment plan by logging into their account. You can find more about what they are doing at the PG&E Financial Support page.
Residential
East Bay Community Energy wants to help its customers access financial assistance during the COVID pandemic. If you have recently lost your job or been furloughed, you may be eligible for up to a 35% discount on your electricity bill. Learn more at the East Bay Community Energy CARE page.
Water
East Bay Municipal Utility District (MUD) has suspended shutoffs during this time, and customers can apply for a payment plan by logging into their account. Learn more at East Bay MUD's "Help With Your Bill" page.
One-on-One Advising
- Alameda Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Phone: 510-516-4118
Email Alameda SBDC
Alameda SBDC Website - AnewAmerica Women's Business Center
Phone: 510-532-5240
Email AnewAmerica Women's Business Center
Anewamerica Women's Business Center, Oakland Website - East Bay SCORE - Free Business Mentoring
Phone: 510-273-6611
Email East Bay SCORE
East Bay SCORE Website
Employee Resources - Job Search Assistance, Resume Review, Etc.
Eden Area One Stop Career Center
Phone: 510-323-1104
Email Eden Area One Stop Career Center
Eden Area One Stop Career Center Website
Employer Resources - To Assist Laid off Employees or in Hiring
Alameda County Workforce Development Board
Contact: Javier Contreras, Rapid Response Coordinator
Phone: 510-259-3831
Email Javier Contreras
Legal Resources
- Alameda County Superior Court Self-Help Center: Offers options of phone and video consultations as well as a live chat feature.
- Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights: Offers free, monthly legal clinics. Register for a legal clinic online. Have specific questions or need assistance with lease review/negotiations? Complete the Pro-Bono Attorney Application form to be matched with a pro bono service provider. You can contact them by emailing Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights or calling 415-543-9444, ext. 217.
- Alameda County Bar Association: For a lawyer referral.
- Start Small Think Big: Provides free legal, financial, and marketing services to eligible small business owners.