Business & Economic Resources
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Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce:
Business Roundtable – 4/28/2020 –10:00am
MISSION: Success in two stages of the Coronavirus threat:
1) Response to the immediate threat
2) Economic recovery when the threat diminishes.
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RECAP
Response to immediate threat
- City of Monterey: Stimulus funding of $1 million approved on 4/21/2020. Guidelines are being developed with Community Foundation for Monterey County and MPCC. Housing Emergency funding of $800K also approved last week. City layoffs to be discussed during a special Council meeting on 4/29. Assembly meeting forecasts state of economy (see attached.)
- Hospitality & Tourism: MCHA taskforce added a medical expert. Recovery plan is still in development. MCCVB engages its Marketing recovery taskforce during weekly meetings. Rob O’Keefe is now the permanent CEO.
- State of California: Governor Newson will unveil some new plans to reopen some sectors during his daily conference today. Shelter In Place likely to be extended for 2 more weeks.
- Business Recovery Plan: Consolidated Plan concept. A Recovery Task Force is developing protocols for various local industries. A consolidated plan with one voice will be difficult to ignore. The Conference Center could possibly be used as a training center for employers, employees and customers.
- Communication between organizations: Strong alliance of messaging and purpose is reinforced between MPCC/MCHA/MCCVB.
- Community Foundation: Monterey Peninsula Small Business Relief Fund. Grants Committee is developing protocols and guidelines within the next few days. An online application will be accessible on www.montereychamber.com by mid-May at the latest.
- Legal update: Businesses can be vulnerable if they do not maintain systematic program of protective measures for employees and customers. It is essential to document everything in this regard.
- Health Care: COVID-19 cases in Monterey County: 185 as of today. Trend is down locally and in the State. CHOMP has ZERO patients with coronavirus. Hospital is planning to resume some services.
- Human Resources: Governor mandates sick leave for certain essential industries with more than 500 employees. A poster is required. (see attached.)
- Other updates: United Way has high volume of 2-1-1 calls, with request for help with food and shelter. Food Bank of Monterey County may have an impending funding crisis.
- Next teleconference will be held Tuesday 5/5/2020 at 10:00am
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COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR STARTUPS & SMALL BUSINESSES
To help startups and small businesses in our region navigate the challenges presented by the coronavirus, we have updated news and resources.
If your business has been impacted by the coronavirus epidemic, you can find assistance and updates on this page.
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VIRTUAL Q&A with Congressman Panetta
April 29, 2020 - 11:30AM
Q&A on Facebook with Small Business Administration (SBA) officials to have a conversation about small business lending programs, such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs).
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Caltrans District 5 is joining state and local partners to host a series of webinars for small business owners beginning Thursday, May 7.
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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).
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SB/DVBE Series Day 1
May 7 | 10 : 00 am
Overview and benefits of SB/SB-PW/DVBE certification through the Dept. of General Services.
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SB/DVBE Series Day 2
May 8 | 10:00 am
Guidance on completing the SB/DVBE Certification and setting up your online Cal eProcure profile.
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SB/DVBE Series Day 3: Open Office Hours
May 14 | 10:00 am
Attendees of Day 1 and Day 2 can self-schedule a 10- minute appointment with a DGS analyst.
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I'm Certified, Now What?
May 21 | 10:00 am
Attendees of Day 1 and Day 2 can self-schedule a 10- minute appointment with a DGS analyst.
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The Contracting Series of Webinars
Tailored for certified small businesses who are registered on Cal eProcure and looking to obtain contracts with the State.
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Part I: Contracting with State Government
May 22 | 10:00 am
Learn about acquisition methods, do's & don'ts of bidding, and contract requirements.
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Part II: How to Navigate Gov't Websites to Find Contracting Opportunities
May 27 | 10:00 am
Learn how to find and pursue contracting opportunities with Caltrans and other State agencies.
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Small Business Outreach for the Hwy 101 Carpinteria to Santa Barbara Project
May 28 | 10:00 am
Attendees of Day 1 and Day 2 can self-schedule a 10- minute appointment with a DGS analyst.
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Part III: Disadvantages Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Workshop
May 29 | 10:00 am
Attendees of Day 1 and Day 2 can self-schedule a 10- minute appointment with a DGS analyst.
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City of Greenfield to Offer Free Antibody Screening to Its First Responders
The City of Greenfield announced today that they will be launching a pilot program offering free COVID-19 antibody screening to the City’s first responders.
Early last week the City was approached by Sachin Barot, CEO of CERESLabs, a new Greenfield cannabis analytical testing laboratory, with the idea to provide antibody testing for their front-line employees. Barot brought in their partner, ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay, to do the testing on-site in the Greenfield area.
On Wednesday, 4/29, volunteers from local cannabis businesses including Flora California Inc., Loudpack, Pacific Reserve and Higher Level Dispensary, will gather to help out with the day-long event. “This is the kind of public/private partnerships we are looking for in our city.” stated Lance Walker, Greenfield’s Mayor. “It’s exactly the way it should happen, joining forces and and moving forward for the common good.” ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay will be administering the blood draw tests and having them analyzed by Diazyme Laboratories, Inc, ( http://www.diazyme.com/ ), who are allowed to operate under the guidance of the FDA. According to Spenser Smith, founder of ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay, “We are excited to be able to extend access to this testing to our neighbors in Greenfield, and honored to be working with first responders. I'd like to stress this access for first responders is among the first in the nation and participants will receive their results privately. However, the aggregated information that antibody testing can furnish to city and other public health agencies can help guide decision making during this pandemic.” The plan is upon completion of this pilot program, to roll it out to additional cities throughout southern Monterey County.
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Please forward this e-blast to your colleagues, customers, clients, friends, family and fellow community members!
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