Emergency Business Resources

Business Recovery & Reentry Resources

Below are resources to help you as you reopen your business, and to manage and mitigate disruptions caused by the COVID-19 crisis. These resources are frequently updated as information becomes available. For assistance navigating business recovery resources, contact Linda DiMario, Executive Vice President, Greater Irvine Chamber. We encourage you to connect by email with our staff as we work to provide you with short- and long-term business solution

NEW...

► $80 million in tax credits are available during this application period for businesses that are expanding and adding full-time jobs in the state.
Deadline to submit applications: Monday, Aug. 17, 11:59 p.m.
► Free Application How-To Webinars

► Coronavirus Recovery Information Translated in Several Languages

► SBDC Can Help Your Business Prepare and Recover

► Remote SCORE Mentors

► Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness

► PPP Loan Forgiveness Application

► City of Irvine Roadmap to Recovery

ReOpen OC Safely was developed by the Greater Irvine Chamber in collaboration with Orange County Business Council, North Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Anaheim as a resource to prepare to safely reopen for business as the county continues to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. The State of California has issued stay-at-home orders to combat the spread of Coronavirus but is slowly reopening business segments, subject to restrictions, and modified operations. Click here to learn more.

As Orange County moves into phase 2 of reopening, Irvine restaurants are beginning to re-open for in-person dining, for the most accurate information on which restaurants are providing such service, please visit their official website.”

► Guidance for Shopping Centers

► Guidance for Retail Shops

► Guidance for Hotels, Lodging & Rentals

► Guidance for Dine-in Restaurants

► Safe Travels Global Protocols & Stamp

► Guidance for Schools & School-Based Programs

► Guidance for Other Industries

CA.Gov logo

Roadmap for Phase 2 Business Openings - lower-risk workplaces in California that will gradually reopen include retail (curbside only), manufacturing, and logistics.

Guidelines for Reopening Dine-In Restaurants

Guidelines for Reopening Shopping Malls, Destination Shopping Centers, Strip and Outlet Malls, and Swap Meets

COVID-19 Response Toolkit

Return-to-Work Screening - ProCare

Coronavirus Antibody Test - ARCpoint Labs

Back to Business Checklist - Fisher Phillips

Return to the Workplace Guide - Irvine Company

Roadmap to (re)activate Office Space - Jones Land LaSalle

Recovery Readiness Resources - Cushman & Wakefield

Coronavirus Recovery Information - Small Business Administration:

Reopen your Building Safely - Water that sits for a few weeks becomes stagnant. Irvine Ranch Water District provides steps for refreshing the water before you open your business.

Presentation on assistance programs - Offered by the Employment Development Department to workers during to COVID-19.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program - The California Labor & Workforce Development Agency’s newly available emergency unemployment assistance program under the federal CARES Act provides assistance for unemployed or partially unemployed individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance and who are unable or unavailable to work due to COVID-19 related circumstances.

Orange County Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act - Orange County residents whose employment recently ended as a result of COVID-19 are eligible to receive up to $800.00 reimbursement for essentials such as housing, utilities, childcare, and transportation costs. Dislocated workers can enroll through the Orange County One-Stop Centers located in Irvine and Garden Grove. Or call the Economic and Business Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500.

Extension for Toll Payments & Other Adjustments - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic impacts, The Toll Roads have made temporary adjustments to business processes to accommodate drivers and FasTrak^® accountholders.

Key Financial Deadlines for 2020 - IRS extended deadline for filing 2019 federal tax returns for individuals is July 15. Here are some important dates that you may want to add to your 2020 reminders.

Destination Irvine List of Open Outdoor Dining

City of Irvine Open Al Fresco Dining

California Great Plates Delivered - Program provides economic stimulus to local restaurants & food providers for delivering meals to seniors and other adults at high risk from COVID-19. Irvine restaurants interested in participating may submit an online application to participate in the program.

Free Digitalization & Ecommerce Roadmap - Get help with planning your company’s digital roadmap: create a successful digital strategy, define concrete steps to launch, and manage schedule and budget expectations.

Print & Marketing Services - Staples products to help small businesses prepare to reopen.

Export Documents - The Greater Irvine Chamber offers digital processing of export documentation for Certificates of Origin and Certificates of Free Sale through a convenient digital export documentation system, which applies legally admissible digital signatures that are fully compliant with the ESIGN Act, UET Act, SOX, and many more national regulations. Processing fees will be waived for the first Certificate of Origin uploaded (one per company) to the Fast Track Global Services portal through May 31. For more information and pricing details, contact Pepper Russell.

Webinar icon

LIVE WEBINARS:

image of California Competes Tax Credit icon

► California Competes Tax Credits
Register for Free Application Webinars

Aug 6 | Details & Registration
Aug 11 | Details & Registration

There are $80 million in tax credits available during this application period for businesses that are expanding and adding full-time jobs in the state. Deadline to submit applications: Monday, Aug. 17, 11:59 p.m.

► Irvine Business Recovery & Growth
Wednesdays | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Aug 5 | Cash
Aug 12 | Employees

This program is aimed at helping businesses think through the strategic and tactical considerations related to operating a successful business venture in a post-COVID world. The program focuses on four critical areas including cash, staff, customers, and product or service.

Eligibility:

Minimum 2 years in business
$250,000 annual revenue
Current business license in the City of Irvine

Ask SBDC Daily - COVID-19 Information
Monday - Friday | 3 PM

WEBINARS ON DEMAND:

COVID-19: Are You Ready to Return to Work Safely?

Workplace Continuity: Preparing for Reentry and Reimagining the Workplace

Podcast

Presented by CalChamber:

Tips for Fostering Workplace Diversity

Tips for Creating a Return to Work Plan

Tips for Reopening Your Workplace

COVID-19: Monitoring Off-Duty Workers

COVID-19 Workers’ Comp Order Explained

COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave

COVID-19 Workforce Reduction Guidance

COVID-19: What Employers Ask Part 2

COVID-19: What Employers Are Asking

REENTRY STRATEGIES:

Lones Lang LaSalle logo

Five components of a successful re-entry strategy for the “new normal” of tomorrow, help keep the health & safety of your workforce top of mind:

Business Disruption Mitigation Resources On this Page:

Business Resources
Employment Resources
Employer Resources
Workers Resources
Commercial & Residential Tenant Resources
Hotel & Hospitality Resources
Restaurant Resources
Official Coronavirus Information
Health Resources
Coronavirus Trackers

City of Irvine COVID-19 Press Conference - April 2020

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Federal Financial Resources

Congress has approved another round of funding for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Payroll Protection Program (PPP). If you applied for an EIDL, a PPP, or both during the first round of funding, you need NOT apply again.

Check with SBA disastercustomerservice@sba.gov to check on the status of your EIDL application. Check with your bank about the status of your PPP application and make certain that you are still in the queue for consideration.

If you intend to apply for an EIDL and PPP loan during this next round, go to https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources to get started.

If you need additional help, contact ldimario@irvinechamber.com.

U.S. Chamber Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness
Federal Reserve established a Main Street Lending Program to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in good financial standing before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Check SBA.gov/Coronavirus for the most current and accurate information on the financial relief program.
U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is specifically designed to help small businesses keep their workforce employed. The new loan program will be available retroactive from Feb. 15, 2020, so employers can rehire their recently laid-off employees through June 30, 2020.
City of Irvine interactive map of financial resources, a guide to Irvine financial institutions that are accepting PPP loan applications for new customers. Map updated as information is available.
U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for working capital to California small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19

Additional Resources

EMPLOYER RESOURCES

Workplace Health and Safety

For information on protecting workers from COVID-19, refer to the Cal/OSHA Guidance on Coronavirus.

Businesses and employers can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for help with planning and responding to COVID-19.

Reduced Work Hours

Employers experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the coronavirus impact on the economy may apply for the UI Work Sharing Program. This program allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs. Visit Work Sharing Program to learn more about its benefits for employers and employees, and how to apply.

Potential Closure or Layoffs

Employers planning a closure or major layoffs as a result of the coronavirus can get help through the Rapid Response program. For more information, refer to the Rapid Response Services for Businesses Fact Sheet (DE 87144RRB) (PDF) or contact your local America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM.

Tax Assistance

Employers experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest.

For questions, employers may call the EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Toll-free from the U.S. or Canada: 1-888-745-3886
Hearing-impaired (TTY): 1-800-547-9565
Outside the U.S. or Canada: 1-916-464-3502

Tax Filing Extension

The State Franchise Tax Board is offering tax relief for California taxpayers affected by the COVID-19. Visit the Tax Board's website to learn more about the extended tax filing deadline.

OFFICIAL CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION

CORONAVIRUS TRACKERS

Conveniently track Coronavirus at these sites:

EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES

Labor and Workforce Development Agency – Resources for employers and workers including workers’ compensation and paid sick leave.
Labor Commissioner’s Office FAQs – Employee leave options, compensation, and salary.
Department of Fair Employment and Housing – Job protection and employment discrimination.

WORKERS RESOURCES

Unemployed

OnwardCA.org is a resource for people who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Sick or Quarantined

If you’re unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week.

The Governor’s Executive Order waives the one-week unpaid waiting period, so you can collect DI benefits for the first week you are out of work. If you are eligible, the EDD processes and issues payments within a few weeks of receiving a claim. For guidance on the disease, visit the California Department of Public Health website.

Caregiving

If you’re unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week. If you are eligible, the EDD processes and issues payments within a few weeks of receiving a claim.

School Closures

If your child’s school is closed, and you have to miss work to be there for them, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits. File an Unemployment Insurance claim and our EDD representatives will decide if you are eligible.

Reduced Work Hours

If your employer has reduced your hours or shut down operations due to COVID-19, you can file an Unemployment Insurance claim. Eligible individuals can receive benefits that range from $40-$450 per week.

The Governor’s Executive Order waives the one-week unpaid waiting period, so you can collect Unemployment Insurance benefits for the first week you are out of work. If you are eligible, the EDD processes and issues payments within a few weeks of receiving a claim.

Self-Employed

The available benefits are insurance programs. We encourage you to apply for the benefit program that is most appropriate for your situation. Visit Self-Employed/Independent Contractor to learn more.

Private Work Space

Still needing to conduct business, but COVID-19 has caused the closure of your local shared office space? Need a remote place to work away from distractions? Several Irvine hotels are extending a special day rate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide you with a quiet, private workspace that includes complimentary Wi-Fi and parking. Visit Destination Irvine's website for more information.

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL TENANT RESOURCES

Irvine Company Resources

RESTAURANT RESOURCES

Restaurants are encouraged to provide takeout options to this website:

https://timefortakeout.com

Local restaurants offering services:

cityofirvine.org/covid-19-updates/support-local-business-during-covid-19

Instagram Tools for Restaurants, Small Businesses:

Businesses can share new gift cards, food orders, and fundraiser stickers in Stories and on their profiles.

TripAdvisor New Features for Restaurants:

New features highlighting takeout, delivery options, and gift card purchasing.
If you're offering takeout or delivery, add a notification to your listing here.
If you're offering gift cards to customers, click here.
If your restaurant is temporarily closed, Let customers know here.
Tips on how to respond.