- General Conversation Topic: Cindy Merzon (Cal Coastal SBDC) – CA Relief Fund Grant
- Key Industry Topics: See list below
- Next Week’s Topic: Cybersecurity
Response to immediate threat
1. City of Monterey. Recap of current measures within the City. Vaccinations started with first responders; awaiting County’s directives for rollout logistics; first City Council meeting will review work priorities for the year.
2. California Small Business Relief Program. Cindy Merzon (Cal Coastal/SBDC) reported on the process; round 1: $275M; it has a window for application extended through January 13; grants will be deployed on a need basis; 500,000 businesses have registered so far; more info below.
3. Hospitality & Tourism. Optimistic projections for late Spring through Summer; comeback campaign will be launched to coincide; County hospitality lost $1.8B in related spending and 1/3 to ½ of its total jobs.
4. Retail. Sales down dramatically during the past Holiday Season.
5. Health Care. Local hospitals still in surge mode; CHOMP has 41 COVID patients in house and 9 in ICU; vaccinations are initially directed at hospital staff and not at general public at this time; daily updates available at www.chomp.org/coronavirus
6. Financial, SBA, Loans & Grants. SBA expected to release details within days for round 2 of PPP; EIDL will be extended until December 2021; lower interest rates for businesses and non-profit organizations; fixed over 30 years.
Next teleconference will be held Tuesday 1/12/2021 at 10:00am
