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Federal, state and local assistance programs are available to small business owners, employers, employees and residents. The County is organizing the information and will continue to provide updates as new programs and policies are announced.
The following agencies provide no cost consulting services for local businesses. If you need assistance completing grant applications or other business mentorship or advice, please see their websites.
Small business relief grant program
On February 17, 2021 Governor Newsom and the California State Legislature Leadership announced an Immediate Action Agreement to support additional funding for the CA Relief Grant program. Please stay tuned for further details pending final legislative action.
Website for grant application: CAReliefGrant.com
State Tax Deductions for PPP and EIDL Loans
The February 17, 2021 agreement partially conforms California tax law to new federal tax treatment for loans provided through the Paycheck Protection Plan, allowing companies to deduct up to $150,000 in expenses covered by the PPP loan. All businesses that took out loans of $150,000 or less would be able to maximize their deduction for state purposes. Larger firms that took out higher loans would still be subject to the same ceiling of $150,000 in deductibility. More than 750,000 PPP loans were taken out by California small businesses. This tax treatment would also extend to the Economic Injury Disaster Loans as well.
State Fee Waivers for Most Impacted Licensees
The February 17 agreement provides for two years of fee relief for roughly 59,000 restaurants and bars licensed through the state’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control that can range annually from $455 to $1,235. The agreement also reflects fee relief for more than 600,000 barbering and cosmetology individuals and businesses licensed through the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Small Business Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program
IBank’s Small Business Loan Guarantee Program provides loans to underserved small businesses. Learn more about this program at the IBank website.
Other help for small businesses
California has additional resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19:
Labor and workforce support for businesses
How to manage COVID-19 in the workplace
As California reopens, every business will need to create a safer, low-risk environment. If you own or manage a business, follow:
As workplaces reopen, employees will need both childcare support and workplace flexibility. It’s also important that employees with COVID-19 know they should stay home. Your sick leave policies need to support that. See more information on:
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans
The Paycheck Protection Program provides forgivable loans to help fund payroll costs, including benefits. PPP may also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, and uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020.
Learn more about the PPP at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) website.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
The EIDL is available for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters. For questions, you can contact SBA’s customer service line at 1-800-659-2955 / 1-800-877-8339 (TTY), or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Apply for disaster loan assistance.
H.R. 133 COVID-19 Relief Provisions Summary – December 2020
Small Business Provisions
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is not yet accepting SVOG applications. Please click here for detailed information.
During an infectious disease outbreak, such as the current outbreak of COVID-19, small business owners must prepare for disruption in their business as well as prepare to protect their employees’ health and safety in the workplace.
Please click here for the most recent Health Orders.
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has made health and safety guidance and signage available for businesses seeking to reopen. These PDFs can be downloaded and printed. Signage can be placed in your place of business to alert customers of your efforts to secure the environment while ensuring the health and safety of your staff.