COVID-19 Business Resources
While the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting us all, the Downtown Fresno Partnership will be monitoring resources from state, local and federal agencies that are available to our Downtown Fresno businesses to help offset the impact of the virus. Please visit this page as we update our resources when they become available.
As of June 15, 2021, State of CA is now Beyond the Blueprint for COVID-19 recovery, and all sectors may return to usual operations (with the exception of Mega Events). Review the complete state guidelines here.
Starting December 15, 2021 and ending January 15, 2022, masks will be required in public indoor spaces in California.
Downtown Restaurants with Delivery, Curbside and To-Go Options
We are maintaining a list of restaurants and bars that are offering curbside and to-go service to make it easy for everyone to #supportdowntownfresno.
If you are a Downtown restaurant or bar in operation, please send our organization updates for this guide. In addition, we would like to promote your business on social media. Please tag us on Instagram or Facebook @downtownfresno or Twitter @fresnodowntown so we can reshare and inform those interested in helping to #supportdowntownfresno.
Downtown Fresno Notices
- The Fresno County Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Fresno Partnership have PPE supplies available for free for downtown businesses. Please contact our office to arrange a delivery by one of our ambassadors.
- OrdrSlip, a Bitwise Industries company that develops online ordering apps for restaurants is generously offering to build free apps for Downtown restaurants that are transitioning to online ordering for delivery, curbside and to-go options. Please click the link above to sign up for a free mobile app from OrdrSlip. The app also comes with three months of free service (a $1,300 value).
Additional Help:
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available for loans of up tp $500,000. Apply here.
- SBA Debt relief programs have been made available for existing borrowers.
- SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund for eligible restaurants and bars.
Local Business Resources
Business Resource Response Team
The City of Fresno, Fresno Chamber of Commerce, Fresno County Economic Development Corporation have established a business resource response team. To access their services, please call or email covid@fresnoedc.com.
Visit the City of Fresno dedicated coronavirus page for the latest updates from the City. Important resources include:
- City of Fresno COVID-19 Authorized Business FAQ
- COVID-19 Business Assistance Toolkit
- City of Fresno Social Distancing Protocol- download a copy
County of Fresno Public Health
To stay current on official news and guidance on how to move forward with business operations, please visit the Fresno County Public Health webpage focused on COVID-19 located here.
The Valley Community SBDC is available to assist with navigating resources, including applications for SBA assistance loans, guidance through cash-flow concerns, and much more. Their services are free.
Fresno Small Business Administration
Our local Fresno office can provide assistance with a number of federal programs through the SBA, including COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans, Express Bridge Loans, SBA Debt relief.
Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board Business Services Center
Preparing for changes in employees and other factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic are being addressed in ongoing webinars from the Business Services Center. Call for more details or visit their website.
Industry-Specific Business Resources
US Bartender Guild Assistance Programs
The USBG provides grants for qualified service industry professionals who are in need of financial assistance. Visit the website to apply.
California Restaurant Association Foundation
The CRAF is offering grants and other resources for those in the restaurant industry. More information is available here.
State Resources
The State of California Blueprint for a Safer Economy is the most comprehensive resource for business owners currently: http://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/. For additional assistance, reach out to the State of California COVID-19 Hotline.
The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) provides many services to employers affected by COVID-19. For the most up-to-date state resources for businesses, please visit the GO-Biz resource page.
CA Department of Labor Employer Portal
The CA Department of Labor has updated their employer resources with additional financial and technical assistance for small business, in addition to requirements for all employers.
Cal/OSHA Covid-19 Resources
The State of CA health department is continuing support of small businesses. For webinars, resources, and assistance programs related to workplace safety and COVID-19, please visit their portal.
Federal Resources
PPP Program
The Paycheck Protection Program Round 2 extension ended on May 31, 2021. There is now PPP Loan Forgiveness if you had borrowed through PPP.
Grants.gov
The hub site for the all Federal grant programs, COVID related or not. The resource is also available as an app for iPhone and Android, and there are also user guides for grant applications.
Business Loan and Government Benefits Portal
The Benefits.gov Covid-19 page includes a number of resources for loans and assistance, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
Corona Virus Tax Relief for Businesses
The Internal Revenue Service has updated their resources and information regarding employee retention credit and other federal programs.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a checklist and guide for Small Business Emergency Loans. Please revisit this link often for updates.
Low-Interest Business Loans from the SBA
The SBA is offering business loans of up to $2 million dollars to help offset the impact of the COVID-19 virus. For more information visit www.sba.gov/coronavirus, call or email fresno@sba.gov. They also offer SBA debt relief for existing borrowers. View and download a list of local SBA Lenders provided by the Fresno County EDC.
The US Senate approved the CARES Act which includes provisions to help assist and protect small businesses during the COVID-19 emergency. The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship has provided a Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act.
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