MISSION: Success in two stages of the Coronavirus threat:
1) Response to the immediate threat
2) Economic recovery when the threat diminishes.
City of Monterey:Impatience is noticed from many sources, wanting businesses and activities to reopen. The City has voted to eliminate more than 100 positions, including 82 employees. Special events programs cancelled. 250th Birthday Party still on only for 6/3/2020.
Hospitality & Tourism:Marketing Taskforce focusing first on locals as hotels, restaurants and attractions offer specials to locals. Next marketing effort will be on “drive-market” including SoCal markets. MCCVB, following its own layoffs, has moved to a smaller space in downtown Monterey.
State of California: Sacramento report. The State is opening up some businesses in transition to Phase 2. Additional guidelines to come this Thursday 5/7/2020 re: retail, outdoor areas. Restaurants protocols expected around mid-May. Each County can have a little autonomy in application.
Business Recovery Plan: Status & upcoming strategy. A final draft of a Business Recovery Plan is expected within days. The effort involves MCHA, MCCVB, MPCC and a coalition of Monterey County Chambers of Commerce. The plan includes federal positions, the 4 stages of California, public health orders of County and training facility at the Conference Center.
Health Care: CHOMP has ZERO coronavirus patients. Some services are resuming (elected surgeries).
Financial, SBA, Loans & Grants:There is a new wave of Federal stimulus funds in the works, targeting municipalities. Some Corporations are offering financial help to small businesses, based on needs. (i.e. Paypal)
Community Foundation: Monterey Peninsula Small Business Relief Fund. Draft of guidelines and protocols ready for review today. Online application will be open at www.montereychamber.com next week.
Non-Profit sector:SCORE offers remotely mentoring. Clearing house for webinars on financial aid.
Education:n/a
Legal:Businesses are concerned about workers compensation liability, liability insurance, status of exempt workers, especially in retail and hospitality.
Human Resources: IRS has updated active guidance on employee retention credits (tax credits up to 50% of qualified wages.) Documentation for eligibility is a concern. Businesses want clarity in face-covering mandate.
CORONAVIRUS TAX RELIEF AND ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS
The IRS is offering tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and others – including health plans – affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
Caltrans District 5 is joining state and local partners to host a series of webinars for small business owners beginning Thursday, May 7.
The SB/DVBE Certification Series
Providing the tools you will need to become a certified Micro Business (MB), Small Business (SB), Small Business for the purpose of Public Works (SB-PW) or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE).
