The City of Coachella understands that many workers and businesses are severely impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19). To assist those impacted financially, we have compiled this information to help you and your business during these challenging times. This page will be updated as new information and resources become available. 

Resources for businesses 

Federal:

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) - Disaster Assistance

The US SBA offers low-interest loans to assist businesses impacted by coronavirus.

Businesses can also visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela to apply for a disaster loan online. The current deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 16, 2020. Those with questions about these loans can contact:

Christopher Lorenzana, Deputy Director
Orange County / Inland Empire District Office
U.S. Small Business Administration
(714) 560-7453 

Visit www.sbs.gov/coronavirus for additional information about SBA assistance programs.

The Small Business Administration Spanish language site can be found at https://www.sba.gov/espanol.

Paycheck Protection Program

The CARES Act establishes the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides funding for small businesses to continue paying employees through June 30, 2020. Visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp for more information. 

Telecommuting

Businesses interested in learning how they may benefit from telecommuting can visit https://www.telework.gov/training-resources/telework-faqs/managers to see how this could be an alternative to layoffs.

U.S. Department of Labor 

The U.S. Department of Labor offers guidance about employer responsibilities, employee rights and compensatory information regarding coronavirus. This can be found online at https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus or by calling 866-4USWAGE (866-487-9243).

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights (English)

Ley Familias Primero de Respuesta al Coronavirus: Derechos del Empleado Sobre Licencia Laboral Pagada (Español)

State:

Business reopening guidelines

As restrictions are gradually lifted and businesses are slowly allowed to reopen, the State of California provides guidelines for specific sectors.

• Hair Salons: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-hair-salons.pdf
• Retail Stores: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/checklist-retail.pdf
• Shopping Centers (including malls and swap meets): https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/checklist-shopping-centers.pdf
• Dine-in restaurants https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/checklist-dine-in-restaurants.pdf

Small Business Tax Relief

California Executive Order N-40-20 provides a 90-day extension of state and local taxes, including sales tax. Visit https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/03/30/governor-newsom-signs-executive-order-providing-relief-to-california-small-businesses/ for additional details.

GO-Biz

The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) provides a wide variety of services to employers impacted by coronavirus. For the latest state resources for businesses, visit https://business.ca.gov/coronavirus-2019/.

State of California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) & Small Business Finance Center (SBFC)

These programs offer loans under the Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program (DRLGP)

And Jump Start Loan Program (Jump Start) to businesses and non-profit organizations impacted by declared disasters. Visit https://www.ibank.ca.gov/small-business-finance-center/ for information on these programs and how to apply.

Small Business Development Center California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network has developed a useful site providing COVID-19 information for businesses.  Visit https://ociesmallbusiness.org/covid-19-the-sbdc-can-help-your-business-prepare-and-recover/ for additional details.

Work sharing

Companies may be able to share employees with other businesses as an alternative to layoffs or reduced hours for employees. Interested businesses can visit https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/Work_Sharing_Program.htm for additional details about this program. 

Tax Relief - State of California Employment Development Department

Businesses may request a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. A written request must be received within 60 days from the original due date. For more information, visit https://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Taxes/Emergency_and_Disaster_Assistance_for_Employers.htm.

Assistance to avoid potential closures or layoffs

The Employment Development Department offers a Rapid Response program to help businesses find alternatives to layoffs or closures. Visit https://www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de8714rrb.pdf to learn how to utilize this program.

Local:

NEW ROUND OF FUNDING AVAILABLE WITH EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY - Riverside County has launched www.RivCoBizHelp.org to assist businesses affected by COVID-19. This includes the COVID-19 Small Business Grant program which offers businesses with fewer than 50 people $10,000 in assistance that does not need to be repaid. Applications will be accepted June 29 through August 31 and grants will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. The COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program Microloan offers a 1-year loan of up to $15,000 at 0% interest for qualifying small businesses.

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce also offers assistance to local businesses. You can email info@gcvcc.com or call 760-347-0676 for information and help apply for assistance programs.  Click here for information in English and Spanish.

Resources for Employees 

Unemployment

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) offers a number of programs and benefits to assist those impacted financially by coronavirus. Visit https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm for the latest details on these programs. Below, you will find information on assistance available to people in selected categories: 

Reduced hours

Workers who have their hours cut or eliminated as a result of coronavirus can file a claim. Visit https://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm for more information about Unemployment Insurance.

Sick or quarantined workers

Workers who become sick or are quarantined due to coronavirus are eligible for Disability Insurance. Visit https://www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_DI_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm for details on how to file a claim.

Caregiving

If you miss work because you need to care for a family member who is sick or quarantined, you may qualify for Paid Family Leave. Visit https://www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_PFL_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm to learn more about how to qualify and submit a claim.

Health care coverage

Businesses are required to maintain health benefits for employees who take a leave of absence to care for themselves or other family members under the Family and Medical Leave Act and/or California Family Rights Act.

Those who lose their jobs can elect to continue any employer-provided coverage under COBRA. Job loss may also be a qualifying act for coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Visit https://www.coveredca.com to learn more about Covered California.

Restaurant workers

The California Restaurant Association Foundation offers financial assistance to restaurant workers struggling with unexpected financial hardships. Visit https://calrestfoundation.org/restaurants-care-application/ to learn more about the program and how to apply for a grant.

Bar industry professionals

The United States Bartenders Guild offers grants to assist bartenders or close family members of bartenders facing unexpected hardships. To learn more about these assistance programs, visit https://www.usbgfoundation.org/covid-19-response.