COVID-19: SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
We know that local businesses are struggling during the current COVID-19 crisis. We have compiled these resources to assist San Bruno businesses during this difficult time.
We will be updating this webpage as we receive current information.
Do you have questions about how the Shelter-in-Place order applies to your business?
Consult the FAQs on the San Mateo County website.
Are you a San Bruno business that is open during the Shelter-in-Place Order?
Make sure your business is included on the San Bruno Chamber of Commerce's List of Open Businesses.
The San Mateo County Health Officer revised the Shelter-in-Place Order on March 31, 2020, to add clarifying language around essential business and activities, as well as some new directives, including:
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Essential businesses must develop a social distancing protocol before April 3.
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Most construction - residential and commercial - is prohibited.
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Funerals to be limited to no more than 10 people attending.
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Essential businesses expanded to include service providers that enable residential transactions (notaries, title companies, Realtors, etc.); funeral homes and cemeteries; moving companies, rental car companies and rideshare services that specifically enable essential activities.
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Essential businesses that continue to operate facilities must scale down operations to their essential component only.
Essential businesses are required to develop a social distancing protocol by April 3, 2020, as indicated in section 13h of the Shelter-in-Place Order.
Download the Social Distancing Protocol template, which you can easily modify to your business practice (also available in Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese). We understand that these times are challenging, but we also realize how important it is to comply with the order to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
You can also download a sample sign with social distancing guidelines that you can post at your business in compliance with the first signage requirement in the Social Distancing Protocol.
If you are a business that needs assistance, resources are available to you by visiting the San Bruno Chamber of Commerce website. Be prepared by developing your Social Distancing Protocol before the due date, and post it where it is available to the public.
On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. It is an estimated $2 trillion package that specifically allocates $10 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and $350 billion for Paycheck Protection Loans to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
* Forbes article on "Getting Cash for Your Small Business through the CARES Act"
* U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: What Small Businesses Need to Know
* Small Business Finance: The Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act
Small businesses and nonprofits are eligible for COVID-19 emergency relief under the federal CARES Act. Visit the Small Administration (SBA) website to find out how you can apply TODAY. Key relief programs include:
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Paycheck Protection Program: A new loan program to help small businesses including nonprofits to cover payroll during the immediate crisis. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
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Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Emergency Advance: The EIDL program provides small businesses including nonprofits with working capital loans to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. As part of this program, small businesses can apply for a $10,000 advance, which will be made available within days of a successful application and will not have to be repaid.
Applications are being considered on a rolling basis, so apply NOW.
For assistance, contact the SBA San Francisco District Office.
Corporations and nonprofits have established grant and loan programs for businesses suffering as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, including:
Facebook will be offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where it operates. Visit the webpage to sign up for updates.
Opportunity Fund is committed to supporting existing and new small business customers who are financially struggling amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
The James Beard Foundation has launched a fund that will be gathering support from corporate, foundation, and individual donors to provide micro-grants to independent food and beverage businesses in need. Visit the webpage to sign up for updates about application information.
The GoFundMe Coronavirus Small Business Relief Initiative is intended to support local businesses facing financial loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. Small business owners can create a GoFundMe effort for their businesses.
SaveOurFaves is a directory of Bay Area restaurants and coffee shops that offer online gift cards for purchase. By providing this resource, SaveOurFaves seeks to mobilize loyal customers to provide much-needed support for their favorite places in town. Restaurants offering online gift cards can add their information to the directory. Go to SaveOurFAVES and click on the FAQs link.
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