Economic Development
Quick Reference
The establishment of the City of San Diego Small Business Relief Fund is in addition to other steps the City of San Diego is taking in consultation with—and at the direction of—County of San Diego public health officials to help businesses affected by the global pandemic known as COVID-19.
On March 18, 2020, the City of San Diego outlined an economic relief package that reduces fees, provides certainty and offers support to local employers. (Read the full press release.)
“Businesses are following public health orders, and we recognize this has an impact. This relief effort is about restoring some balance to the current situation,” then-Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer said. “San Diego businesses are making a necessary sacrifice while bearing a tremendous burden as they comply with these orders. We’re taking aggressive action today to help businesses stay afloat and continue to pay as many employees as possible.”
Businesses are advised to reach out to their nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which has developed the Small Business Survival Resources Guide to help business owners navigate through the chaos COVID-19 is having on our communities. SBDC can help with applying for relief, guiding you through available resources and assisting with cash flow concerns, supply-chain interruptions, workforce capacity, insurance coverage and more—all at no cost.
Register for free SDBC one-on-one business counseling.
Additionally, please consider the following federal, state and regional resources listed below.
We will continue to update resources as they become available.
CARES Act (Coronavirus Air, Relief and Economic Security Act) addresses the economic impact of COVID-19 and dedicates $350 billion towards small businesses. This federal stimulus act was signed into law on March 27 enhances the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Learn more.
An on-demand webinar from the San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center (SBDC) details the EIDL and PPP, offering guidance on how to comply your EIDL application. Signup to watch the 30-minute webinar.
Small Business Administration (SBA) | 800-659-2955 | The SBA offers business assistance to impacted businesses and providing guidance for employers to plan and respond to COVID-19. For questions on any of the programs offered by SBA, you can contact the SBA San Diego District Office at 619-557-7250.
Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program offers $7 billion in low-interest loans to businesses, renters and homeowners located in regions affected by declared disasters, such as COVID-19 and California wildfires.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) is a direct loan from the U.S. Federal Government. Any small business can apply, with very limited exclusions. Independent Contractors, freelancers, gig workers, home-based businesses and any other sole-proprietor can apply. Nonprofits can also apply. The loan is for working capital to pay your business operational expenses, not to expand your business. It can be used to pay an owner their draw or wage for their living expenses. Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties within 3 days of a successful application. Apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
Paycheck Protection Program was created by the CARES Act to support COVID-19-impacted small business owners and their employees by providing loans, that can be forgiven, in support of payroll expenses, mortgage, or rent. This program became available on April 3. Current law dictates that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) close at the end of August 8. As such, SBA is no longer accepting PPP applications from participating lenders.
Small Business Debt Relief will pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a) loans for a six-month period and of new 7(a) loans issued prior to Sept. 27.
SBA Express Bridge Loans enable small businesses with a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These can be a term loan or used to bridge the gap while waiting for the determination on your application for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan. These loans will be repaid in full or in part with proceeds from the EIDL loan.
The Federal Reserve created the Main Street Lending Program to offer up to $2.3 trillion in 4-year loans to companies employing up to 10,000 workers or with revenues of less than $2.5 billion. Principal and interest payments will be deferred for one year. Learn more.
Internal Revenue Services (IRS) is offering Federal Income Tax Extensions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers interim guidance for businesses and employers to plan, prepare and respond to coronavirus.
DOWNLOAD: State Small Business COVID-19 Relief and Resources Guide
For more state programs and information, visit business.ca.gov or contact the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) at business.ca.gov/zendesk.
On Nov. 30, Governor Newsom announced immediate assistance for businesses impacted by COVID-19, including temporary tax relief and $500 million in grants. Learn more.
In April, the Governor issued directives to provide relief for small businesses and workers displaced by COVID-19. Relief plans include allowing small business owners to defer sales and use tax payments for up to $50,000. Learn more. He also announced the creation of an Employment Development Department call center and expedited access to the Work Share program to avert layoffs. The Governor also announced $125 million in disaster relief assistance for working Californians. Learn more.
Small Business Centers | California supports a network of more than 80 small business technical assistance centers that provide free one-on-one consulting and no-cost or low-cost trainings to help businesses get funded, enter new markets, strengthen operations, build resiliency and more. With more than 30 languages available, use this map to find your local advisors today.
Get Digital CA | Launched by CalOSBA in September, “Get Digital CA!” is an e-commerce initiative which includes trainings and bootcamps for small businesses to build the skills necessary to compete in an online marketplace, and 40+ free or discounted partner resources offered to help small businesses get digital.
GO-Biz's Office of Permit Assistance | GO-Biz permit experts offer comprehensive permit and regulatory compliance assistance to all businesses in California by serving as the central source of permit guidance.
COVID-19 Business and Employers Assistance | California and the federal government are providing broad assistance to small businesses and employers impacted by COVID-19.
OnwardCA | This is a one-stop resource for people impacted by job loss during the COVID-19 Pandemic with more than 70,000 job opportunities in critical industries.
OutSmart Disaster | Businesses can take the necessary steps to prepare for disasters and business interruption and become more resilient. Take California’s Resilient Business Challenge and get important resources to plan and prepare for disasters.
California Rebuilding Fund | The California Rebuilding Fund is a loan program to support California’s small businesses—especially those located in economically disadvantaged and historically under-banked areas of the state. Businesses that employed 50 or less Full-Time Equivalent employees (FTEs) and had gross revenues of less than $2.5 million or below in 2019 are eligible to apply. The Fund was launched with an investment by the state to support California’s small businesses by offering flexible, affordable capital and free advisory services through community-based lenders. This program is built to be a resource in the market for the next year as businesses pivot and recover. An increase of $12.5 million, announced by the Governor on Nov. 30, would allow the Fund to be fully capitalized. The additional funding will help the 3rd party administrator of the fund raise $125 million to make more low-interest loans to small businesses with less access to loans from traditional banking institutions.
California Small Business Finance Center's California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) | 916-341-6600 | IBankhelps businesses create and retain jobs, and encourages investment in low- and moderate- ncome communities.
Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program provides guarantees for loans of up to $50,000 for small businesses. The State has allocated $50 million to mitigate barriers to capital for businesses with up to 750 employees.
California State Treasurer's Office | 916-654-5610 | California Capital Access Program (CalCAP) for Small Business is another state government-backed loan program that operates through a network of lenders to offer credit. It is a loan loss-reserve program that may provide up to 100% coverage on losses as a result of certain loan defaults.
Small Business Relief Payment Plan | Small business taxpayers, those with less than $5 million in taxable annual sales, can take advantage of a 12-month, interest-free, payment plan for up to $50,000 of sales and use tax liability. View the Small Business Relief Payment Plan FAQ
California Franchise Tax Board | 800-852-5711 | Taxpayers may deduct a disaster loss for any loss sustained in California that is proclaimed by the Governor to be in a state of emergency. The Board extended the deadline for state income tax filing to July 15, 2020. The Board also waived the $800 minimum franchise tax for small and medium-sized businesses during their first year of business creation.
CA Employment Development Department (EDD) | 800-300-5616 | EDD staff are located throughout the state to provide: assistance with filing claims for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, job search assistance, and general support, referrals, and resources. EDD is offering up to a 60-day extension to file state payroll reports and/or deposit payroll taxes without penalty or interest. Call the EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center 1-888-745-3886 (toll-free).
Labor and Workforce Development Agency's primary website for COVID-19, including information on support services for workers and interim guidelines for protecting workers
CA Board of Equalization | Property Tax Department: 916-274-3350 | If your property has been damaged by a recent natural disaster, you may be eligible for property tax relief. In many cases, the damaged property can be reappraised in its current condition, with some taxes refunded to the property owner.
CA Department of Consumer Affairs - Contractors State License Board | 800-321-2752 | The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) verifies contractor licenses, investigates complaints, and provides helpful information about hiring a licensed contractor.
County of San Diego: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) information.
County of San Diego Treasurer-Tax Collector: Those unable to pay property taxes on time may file a penalty cancellation request, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis after the April 10 deadline. Read the County announcement regarding COVID-19 and property taxes
Jewish Community Foundation San Diego will offer relief to support to those out of work and vulnerable communities through its COVID-19 Emergency Fund
South County Economic Development Council is offering emergency 0% interest loans to restaurants in San Diego’s South County.
The San Diego Foundation is offering emergency grants to nonprofits in food security, rental and utility assistance, and income replacement or gap funding through its COVID-19 Community Response Fund
San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium, a project of Alliance San Diego, will provide grants of up to $500 to immigrants in San Diego County who have lost all or part of their income due to COVID-19 through its Immigrant Relief Fund.
San Diego Workforce Partnership offers information and services that may assist employers who are forced to consider work stoppages, layoffs or furloughs. Also, SDWP has resources for impacted employees, including unemployment Insurance information, tax assistance, a work-sharing program to avoid layoffs, financial planning, remote career services and more. Access their career portal.
Minority Humanitarian Foundation launched the MHF Immigrant Relief Fund to provide grants of $250 for immigrants in San Diego County who have lost all or part of their income due to the coronavirus pandemic.
United Way of San Diego County will support low-wage workers and their families whose incomes have been negatively impacted during this time of uncertainty through the San Diego Worker Assistance Initiative.
California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED): Economic Development Resources
California Restaurant Association Foundation: Restaurants Care
Latino Community Foundation: Live Not Fear Fund
Sempra Energy Foundation: COVID-19 Nonprofit Hardship Fund
Silicon Valley Community Foundation: Small Business Relief Fund
The California Endowment: Urgent Funding Response to COVID-19
United Way of California: California United Ways COVID-19 Relief Fund
Women's Foundation California: Relief and Resilience Fund
Another Round Another Rally: Hospitality Workers Grants
American Bankers Association: Resource List - All Banks
CDC Small Business Finance: Emergency Relief Microloans
Facebook: Facebook Small Business Grants Program
Freelancers Union: Freelancers Relief Fund
Honeycomb Credit: Honeycomb Crowdfunded Small Business Relief Loan
James Beard Foundation: The Food and Beverage Industry Relief Foundation
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation: Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
One Fair Wage: One Fair Wage Emergency Fund
Opportunity Fund: Assistance for Small Business Owners Affected by COVID-19
Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation: COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund
Revel Systems: Revel Relief Program in Response to COVID-19
Seated: Restaurant Hotline
USBG National Charity Foundation: Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
WeFunder: Disaster Loans