COVID-19

The information on this page was updated May 28, 2020, at 3:33pm PST. Please note the information below is subject to change as additional details emerge around how these programs will be implemented.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has left many people uncertain and concerned about what precautions to take, and the implications in the workplace.

We are closely monitoring Coronavirus and following the current guidance from the leading government and health authorities to ensure we are taking the right actions to protect our members, employees, and community.

As information becomes available regarding assistance from the Small Business Administration and other federal programs, we want the needs and issues of our membership to be heard. Please take our needs assessment survey.

Thank you for your support and confidence in our organization.

Priority Reading

• City of San Marcos eases rules to allow businesses to temporarily expand outdoor uses  (Date added: 05/28/2020)

• If you are a business owner, the Chamber encourages you to participate in our Business Safety Promise Program to show your commitment to open in a safe and healthy manner: link
• Access the template to submit your Safe Reopening Plan here: link
• Ready to Reopen: A Playbook for Your Small Business by the U.S. Chamber
  • A guide to helping businesses of all types navigate the complex process of reopening and evolving post-coronavirus pandemic.

• Supervisor Desmond has launched a COVID-19 Business Recovery survey to help businesses communicate to the county that they can open with safety precautions. Share your input here: http://sandiegobacktowork.com

Local News & Resources

Resources for Business Owners Affected by COVID-19

• Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
• U.S. Chamber Releases Two New Step-by-Step Guides for COVID Employer Tax Credit, Disaster Loans
• CalChamber
• Guide to Emergency Payroll Protection Loan (CARES Act) – see more below
• Guide to SBA Disaster Assistance Loan
• Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist
• San Marcos’ Business Sustainability Program
• SBDC is providing free counseling and guidance. Register for an appointment with a business advisor here: SBDC Free Counseling for Small Businesses
• Paycheck Protection Program update: the SBA is currently unable to accept new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program based on available appropriations funding
• Visit our San Marcos Chamber Member bank lenders for financial assistance. Lenders listed with a * below have been verified as participants in the CARES Act Payment Protection Program.

California Bank Trust*

Cal Private Bank*

Frontwave Credit Union*

Homestreet Bank*

Navy Federal Credit Union

San Diego County Credit Union

Torrey Pines Bank*

Wells Fargo*(as of 4/2/2020 12:11pm PST not yet approved for SBA Loan, alternative loans available)

• Economic Injury Disaster Loan

These loans may be used by small businesses to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and additional bills that can’t be paid because of COVID-19’s impact.

Apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan

• Guide to Independent Contractors’ CARES Act Relief

Industry-specific resources

• CDC. The CDC has created individual guideline documents for numerous industries that are uniquely impacted by COVID-19, including educational institutions, public health/healthcare professionals, veterinary clinics, retirement communities and more. You can view and search all CDC guidance documents here.
• American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). The AIHA has also created detailed industry guidelines for sectors like at-home service providers, construction workers, gyms, salons, retailers, restaurants and others as they plan their return to work. As a professional association for occupational health and safety science professionals, the AIHA has developed all guidelines for its Back to Work Safely initiative with special industrial health considerations in mind.

Webinars

Webinar (May 6, 2020) – Watch the recap of our webinar with guest speaker Isabella Janovick, President of Janovick Communications, to learn how to plan an effective social media strategy and position your business to succeed.

Webinar (April 29, 2020) – Watch the recap of our webinar with guest speaker Sarah Jayyousi, Tri-City Medical Center Operations Manager and adjunct faculty of the Graduate School of Social Work at California State University San Marcos, as she shares proven techniques to help you cope during this time of uncertainty. Combining science and decades of behavioral health experience, Ms. Jayyousi will offer strategies to help you regulate the complex emotions that we’re experiencing during this pandemic.

Webinar (April 28, 2020) – Senator Jones discusses his role as a member of the Senate COVID-19 response committee, the next steps to open California back up, and the importance of full restoration of our personal liberties once the COVID-19 crisis has stabilized.

Webinar (April 15, 2020) – Jennings Imel, Executive Director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Western Regional Office. This webinar will focus on the Paycheck Protection Program, SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Tax Provisions for all Businesses and Unemployment & Individual Provisions.

Webinar (April 9, 2020) – Featuring San Diego County Board Supervisor Jim Desmond and Kristal Jabara, San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones and Economic Development Director Tess Sangster. Hear how San Diego County and the City of San Marcos have been supporting the community and small businesses during this pandemic.