Economic Development Resources for COVID-19

CALED recognizes that as economic developers, you are the leaders in your communities and play an important role in providing good information to help your businesses withstand and recover. CALED has gathered federal, state, and local resources that provide guidance as well as examples of what communities are doing to help their local businesses.

News & Resources

CALED Releases Recommendations to Accelerate Recovery

Learn about the latest details on SBA’s COVID-19 Resources

Check out this Data that Tracks US Pandemic Recovery

Local Economic Development Provisions of The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)

CALED has created the Local Economic Development Provisions of The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) that provides you a thorough summary of the economic development and related provisions with references and links to the actual bill sections so that you may more quickly see how the Act can assist you during these challenging times.

Thank you to Dan Carrigg, CALED’s Strategic Legislative Advisor for reviewing the bill and providing the overview.

Click here to access the Local Economic Development Provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

Click here to see examples of what CA Communities are doing to help their businesses.

Click here to see how to access some of the programs in the CARES Act.

Check out tools and offers available to Communities and Businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Federal and Nationally Available Resources:

Business Resources:

Visit the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website for public health information as well as Interim Guidance for Businesses & Employers and Resources for Managing Stress and Anxiety
For Private-Sector businesses working on COVID-19 response, equipment, and resources, check out FEMA’s Guidance.
USDA is offering opportunities for immediate relief (updated June 3, 2020) to rural residents, businesses, and communities and has a COVID-19 Response page
See if your provider signed the FCC’s pledge to “Keep Americans Connected”
US Treasury Department Released details on the CARES Act programs they are administering
US Chamber of Commerce Resources and Toolkit for Businesses

Employer & Employee Resources:

Federal IRS Guidelines on Tax Relief during the Coronavirus outbreak
SBDC Employer Resource Guide

Loans & Financial Assistance:

Click here to check out the Three Step Process for Disaster Loans. Find additional detail here. Click here to access the Loan Forgiveness Application.
SBDCs are actively working with businesses to put together their loan packages, which can result in a shortened approval time. Find your local SBDC here or click here for a CA map
EDA NOFO for $1.5 billion in CARES Act funding has been released
US Chamber Releases PPP Loan Forgiveness Guide
SBA COVID-19 Relief Options
Shuttered Venues Operators Grant
SBA Debt Relief
Cross-program Eligibility on SBA COVID-19 Relief Options
SBA COVID-19 Private Funding Options
COVID-19 Recovery Information in Other Languages
SBA Rolls Out New $5B Grant Program for Small Businesses
SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund
- Flyer

California-Specific Resources:

Business Resources:

California released the “ShopSafeShopLocal” campaign, which has many tools available for communities to use as they re-open, this includes free technical assistance, a digital media toolkit, and more!
CA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response page
Governor Newsom’s Executive Orders re: Coronavirus & COVID-19
The latest Coronavirus information from the CA Department of Public Health
GO-Biz website with State resources for employers & employees
Sign up for these listserves to see what state and federal funding and resources are available:
- Governor’s Office of Planning and Research
Information from VisitCA on impacts, talking points, and media statements
- UPDATE: 4/15 – Live Events and Performances at Indoor Venues are Allowed, 16+ Eligible for Vaccination
Insurance Commissioner Lara provided input on a variety of COVID-19 related insurance topics
CAMEO’s webpage is offering updates and resources for small- and micro-businesses
During the shelter in place order, quality broadband is more important than ever, especially in rural communities. Let your businesses know that they should measure their local internet speeds by logging in on CalSPEED from their home or mobile devices. This mapping allows broadband consortia to accurately identify broadband gaps.
California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
Beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy (CA Dept. of Public Health – 4-6-21)

Employer & Employee Resources:

OnwardCA.org is a resource for people who have lost their jobs
CA Employment Development Department website with resources for workers & employers
CA Labor & Workforce Development Agency with information for Workers & Employers
CA Franchise Tax Board Information on tax relief during the Coronavirus outbreak

Loans & Financial Assistance:

CA Infrastructure & Economic Development Bank (IBank) Small Business Loan Guarantee, Disaster Loans, & Jump Start loan program
The CA Treasurer’s Office announced a supplemental contribution to the California Capital Access Program for businesses directly impacted by COVID 19