Emergency Business Resources
Our top priority is the economic vitality and health of our community.
The Greater Irvine Chamber continues to be a resource for business as we face the threat of the Coronavirus occurrences in our community. Below are resources to help you manage and mitigate disruptions caused by this global health crisis. This page will be updated as resources and information become available.
For assistance navigating business recovery resources, contact Linda DiMario, Executive Vice President, Greater Irvine Chamber:
ldimario@irvinechamber.com
While the Chamber has suspended all face-to-face interactions, our staff remains operational during this time working to provide short- and long-term business solutions in response to COVID-19. We encourage you to connect by email with our staff to preserve the continuity of engagement and attainment of your goals. Complete staff contact information can be located on our website staff page.
On this page:
- Official Coronavirus Information
- Business Resources
- Employer Resources
- Workers Resources
- Commercial & Residential Tenant Resources
- Hotel & Hospitality Resources
- Restaurant Resources
- Employment Resources
- Health Resources
OFFICIAL CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
- California Governor's Executive Order for Small Business Tax Relief
- California Coronavirus COVID-19 Response
- California Department of Industrial Relations COVID-19 FAQs
- Orange County COVID-19 Resource Directory
- Orange County Healthcare Agency COVID-19 Response
- County of Orange Public Services Suspensions due to COVID-19
- City of Irvine COVID-19 Response
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Summary on Congressional Action on Coronavirus Response
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce - COVID-19 Response
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Coronavirus.gov
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Federal Financial Resources
- 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
- Small Business Development Center Resource Guide
- Small Business Development Center Service Priority Handbook
- SoCalGas COVID-19 Support & Response
- SCE COVID-19 Support & Response
- Google Small Business Fund and other relief & recovery resources
- Google Ad Credits Small and Medium-sized Businesses
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 a 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.
WORKERS RESOURCES
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
HOTEL & HOSPITALITY RESOURCES
California
- caltravel.org/covid19-industry-resources
- industry.visitcalifornia.com/marketing-communications/coronavirus
- calodging.com/coronavirus-information-resources
- Information for hotels interested in working with the government: go.calodging.com/
U.S. Travel
RESTAURANT RESOURCES
Restaurants are encouraged to provide takeout options to this website:
Local restaurants offering services:
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.
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