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COVID-19 Resource Portal

The City of Gardena has launched this business resource portal in response to COVID-19 to assist businesses that have been impacted and need additional information

Reopening Guidelines

Following LA County’s Department of Public Health, Gardena’s Reopening Guidelines will be broken down into five stages. Although there are specific requirements that your establishment is expected to follow, we understand that our Reopening Guidelines do not address every potential circumstance that may arise. We will progress to the next stages in accordance with the direction of LA County.

As of May 29, 2020, Restaurants are allowed to reopen for dine-in services at no more than 60% maximum occupancy with physical distancing protocols in place. Bar areas must remain closed and diners are required to wear face coverings when not eating. Barber shops and hair salons are also permitted to open with physical distancing and proper sanitation protocols in place. No walk-in appointments are allowed at this time, and appointments should be staggered to reduce reception congestion. Please be advised that nail salons and spa services, including massages, facials, and waxing, are still closed.

Lower-risk non-essential retail businesses, including those located in indoor malls and shopping centers, are allowed to open for in-person shopping with no more than 50% maximum occupancy and physical distancing protocols in place. Office worksites may open but telework is strongly encouraged. Houses of worship are permitted to resume in-person religious services and cultural ceremonies at no more than 25% maximum occupancy or 100 individuals, whichever is fewer. In addition, car dealership showrooms as well as manufacturing and logistics sector businesses that supply lower-risk retail businesses can also open with physical distancing and sanitation protocols in place.

The following businesses must remain closed at this time:

  • Bars and nightclubs that do not serve food and the portions of wineries, breweries and taprooms that provide tastings
  • Gyms and fitness centers
  • Movie theaters, live performance theaters, concert halls and venues, stadiums, arenas, gaming facilities, theme parks and festivals
  • Bowling alleys and arcades
  • Public piers
  • Personal care establishments (nail salons, massage and body art establishments)
  • Indoor and outdoor playgrounds for children, except those located within a childcare center
  • Community centers, including public pools, but specifically excluding pools and hot tubs that are in multi-unit residence or part of a Homeowners’ Association
  • Indoor museums, indoor children museums, gallery spaces, and zoos
  • All events and gatherings unless specifically allowed by LACDPH

All businesses that are permitted to reopen must post the signage provided by the City and prepare, implement, and post the required protocols from LA County Department of Public Health prior to opening. Should you need further guidance, please contact the Emergency Operations Center at (310) 217-9583 or EOC@cityofgardena.org.

Reopening Guidelines

Stage Guides:

May 11, 2020

May 29, 2020

LA County Protocols and Checklists:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MEDIA

PUBLIC HEALTHY & SAFETY

CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

The CDC has compiled guidance for businesses and employers based on current guidelines. The CDC is providing this guidance to help prevent workplace exposures to COVID-19 (in non-healthcare settings) and planning considerations for community spread.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Resources for Businesses and Employers.

Topics Include:

  • Purpose
  • Preparing workplaces for a COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Reduce transmission among employees.
  • Maintain healthy business operations.
  • Maintain a healthy work environment.
  • Resources for more information (Including OSHA guidance).

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The CARES Act 

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, $376 billion stimulus package, legislation recently passed to aid small businesses during the pandemic and economic downturn. The program will provide much-needed relief to millions of small businesses, so they can sustain their businesses and keep their workers employed.

 As of April 20, 2020, these funds have been depleted. However, the White House and Congress are working on a second round of stimulus for small businesses.

Small Business Administration  

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses, including businesses located in Gardena due to substantial economic injury because of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Funding is limited and applicants are encouraged to apply early and for multiple types of loans.

The SBA has a full menu of loan options including SBA Debt Relief, SBA Express Bridge Loans, EIDL Loan Advance and Paycheck Protection Program. See the various funding relief programs here.

Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) is based on the financial impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

  • Small Business Interest Rate: 3.75%
  • Private Non-Profit Organizations: 2.75%

For the Injury and Disaster Loan, applicants can apply online here. To receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications, click this link.

For assistance, contact (800) 659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.

The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 16, 2020.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is available to all businesses with 500 employees or less.  If a business has more than 500 employees, determine eligibility by checking with SBA employee-based standards.  Loans can be used for payroll costs, benefits, interest or mortgage obligations, rent or utilities.  Applications are now available by applying here.

Small Business Finance Center (SBFC)

The state of California’s CA Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank’s (IBANK) Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program (DRLGP) for small businesses affected by COVID-19 is also accepting applications.

More information on the Small Business Finance Center (SBFC) IBANK Disaster Relief Loan is available here.

GRANTS & LOANS

Gardena Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2020
The City of Gardena is providing Business Assistance to address the adverse repercussion of the novel coronavirus to the economy, to jobs, and therefore to businesses. This program will assist qualified Gardena businesses undergoing financial hardship due to COVID-19.
1. Must be a business with 20 or fewer employees on the current payroll.
2. Awardees will receive assistance for their monthly commercial rent/lease payment not to exceed$2,000 per month for up to three (3) months OR $3,375 per month for up to six (6) months.
3. The amount of assistance will depend on the willingness of the landlord of the property to reduce rent by 25% each month for the period of the City’s assistance.
4. All applications will be reviewed to establish qualification for the program.
5. The City anticipates receiving a substantial response to this program, funding awards will be provided through a random selection process or lottery.
6. All awardees will be contacted and provided with further information regarding the award.
7. Qualified applications not randomly selected for award will be retained by the City and revisited should additional funding become available for this program.
More information on this program and the application can be found: https://www.cityofgardena.org/gardena-business-assistance-program/

Facebook Small Business Grants Program

"We know that your business may be experiencing disruptions resulting from the global outbreak of COVID-19. We’ve heard that a little financial support can go a long way, so we are offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits to help during this challenging time," according to facebook.com.

More information on Facebook Small Business Grants Program is available here.

James Beard Foundation

The James Beard Foundation is assisting restaurants, bars, and other food and beverage  operations economic relief by launching a fund that will gather support from corporate, foundation, and individual donors to provide micro-grants to independent food and beverage businesses in need.

More information on the James Beard Foundation Fund is available here.

Go Fund Me

The Small Business Relief Initiative was started by GoFundMe to help small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and empower their communities to rally behind them. This fund will provide small business owners with the financial support and resources needed to continue running their businesses during and after the coronavirus crisis.

As part of the Small Business Relief Initiative, GoFundMe, Yelp, and Intuit QuickBooks have each donated $500,000 to the Small Business Relief Fund. Supporters can donate to the Small Business Relief Fund and GoFundMe.org will provide grants to small businesses across the United States, starting with the hardest hit areas. The Small Business Relief Fund will issue $500 matching grants to qualifying businesses that raise at least $500 on GoFundMe.

Yelp Loan

Yelp has established $25 million in relief focused to support independent local restaurant and nightlife businesses by waiving advertising fees, offering free advertising, products and services during this period. As part of this relief effort, restaurants and businesses remaining open will receive free access to Yelp page upgrades including Business Highlights and Call To Action as well as Connect, which will help them communicate timely information to their customers. Restaurants will also receive three months of free access to Yelp Reservations and Waitlist. For restaurant clients that offer delivery and/or takeout, Yelp will provide $100 in free search advertising. In addition to waiving advertising fees for independent restaurant and nightlife clients during this period, Yelp also offers support for independent local advertisers in other categories that are struggling to pay their bills during this difficult time. More details on the restaurant and nightlife business relief program can be found here.

WORKFORCE RESOURCES

South Bay Workforce Investment Board

For employers and employees in need of assistance, the South Bay Workforce Development Board (SBWIB) have implemented multiple guides and resources. Topics for businesses include grants and loans available for employers; planning tools to help with navigating these uncertain times; guidance for companies; and other resources for local business.  Employees will find ways to stay informed; what to do if they become sick, laid off or their hours are reduced; and how-to YouTube videos to apply for unemployment or disability insurance. The guides also include details about managing finances; temporary or new employment opportunities; available jobs; government support like tax deferral; deferment of bills; Gardena One-Stop Centers for job seekers; and more. For more information, visit https://www.sbwib.org/

Guides and Weblinks:

You can visit the Gardena One-Stop at: 16801 South Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90247. If you’d like to speak directly with a Gardena Client Advisor, please reach out to Carla Cortez at ccortez@sbwib.org or by calling: (310) 902-9854

California Employment Development Department (EDD)

  • Unemployment Insurance  Work-Sharing Program
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Tax Assistance
    • Employers experiencing a hardship as a result of COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. A written request for extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return. Call the  EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center (1-888-745-3886).

Businesses should check their insurance coverage to determine if they have business interruption insurance, which generally helps protect against lost income after a covered peril that affects a business.

Businesses should consult their banks to confirm financial services available including emergency access to capital, small business loans and waivers for late fees.

For more information, visit Employment Development department COVID-19 FAQs.

State of California Economic Development

Unemployment Insurance Work-Sharing Program

Employers who are considering laying off employees due to a slowdown in business from the coronavirus can apply for the UI Work-Sharing Program, which partially offsets reduced worker hours and wages with UI benefits. The program allows you to retain trained employees and quickly prepare for when business improves.

You can apply for a Work-Sharing plan by completing the application and mailing it to the address on the top of the form.

COMMERCIAL TENANT PROTECTION ORDINANCE

City of Gardena Moratorium on Eviction of Commercial Tenants

The City of Gardena City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No, 1819 on Thursday, March 26, 2020, establishing a temporary moratorium on the eviction of residential or commercial tenants who are unable to pay rent due to the impacts of COVID-19. The intention of this ordinance is to avoid the unnecessary displacement of tenants during this state of emergency

To take advantage of the protections provided in Urgency Ordinance No. 1819, residential and commercial tenants are required to do the following within 30 days after the rent is due: 1. Notify the landlord in writing of the substantial COVID-19 related financial impacts 2. Provide documentation in writing establishing substantial COVID-19 related financial impacts 3. Pay the portion of rent that the tenant is able to pay

Visit the Adoption Ordinance Memo from the City Manager Here

REGIONAL & STATE RESOURCES

CA.GOV: California Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

Get help for small businesses: The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has compiled helpful information for employers, employees, and all Californians as it relates to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

  • Is my business considered essential or non-essential?
  • Financial and Technical Assistance for Small Business.
  • Labor and Workforce Support for Businesses and Employees.
  • Business Taxes

Los Angeles County Economic & Business Resources

Los Angeles County has provided a tremendous amount of resources to meet the needs of businesses – including those in Gardena – impacted by COVID-19.

These resources we’ve listed below can support businesses with challenges such as lay-off aversion, loans, utility reduction programs, and community resources mapping.

Businesses can call the City of Gardena Economic Development Department at (310) 217-9533 from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Our team is available to assist and assess situations, and offer resources tailored to meet individual business needs.

Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation

As a finalist for the 2019 Most Business-Friendly City Award we’re proud to have a strong relationship with the LAEDC. The LAEDC has launched

During these unprecedented times, the LAEDC has established a LA COVID-19 Community Connectory which seeks to provide crucial resources for vulnerable residents, small businesses, and nonprofits. The Community Connectory:

  • Engages LAEDC’s award-winning staff of business assistance and layoff avoidance professionals to directly help employers overcome challenges, retain staff and position for economic recovery.
  • Spotlights a growing array of financial resources that directly support individuals, as well as programs to help businesses and community-based organizations.
  • Provides frequent analysis and economic outlooks from LAEDC’s Institute for Applied Economics to help all people in our region plan for economic recovery.

All the services of LA Community Connectory are provided at no charge, in keeping with LAEDC’s public-benefit mission, and true to our history of helping save over 240,000 direct jobs in LA County over the past 20 years. Email LAEDC for direct assistance to overcome challenges your organization is facing: covid19response@laedc.org
LAEDC Direct Assistance

LAEDC has prioritized coronavirus relief for small businesses and nonprofits and is working to serve them in the following ways:

  • Community Connectorymakes staff available to speak with micro-enterprises, and our team has assisted over 500 businesses thus far during the Covid-19 crisis.

Please call the LAEDC staff at 213-236-4837, or reach out via email to covid19response@laedc.org

  • Our Business Assistance team is adding staff and directly working with organizations, helping them apply for funds, manage costs, and avoid layoffs.  View the short video from Carrie Rogers of LAEDC to the right for some tips in that regard.
  • LAEDC’s economists from our Institute for Applied Economics are delivering analysis and insights to you.  View the most recent webinar on the “webinars” tab of this page.
  • We update daily a list of resources on this page for businesses, nonprofits, and our region’s workforce.
  • We are working behind the scenes on public policy and informing government leaders about effective approaches for mitigating the economic damage and strategizing for economic recovery

SBDC: Small Business Development Center (Los Angeles)

SBDC has COVID-19 step-by-step video guides, webinars, online business consulting and other downloadable online resources.

COVID-19 Resources.  

Downloadable SBDC Guide the Latest News and Resources for Your Business.

Download this guide to learn about FAQs regarding Employment Development Department (EDD) resources, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, our SBDC Finance Center, how we can help – and more!

 California Manufacturing Network (CMTC)

CMTC has COVID-19 related resources and information designed specifically for manufacturers. Topics include:

  • Workforce Support
  • Health & Safety in the Workplace
  • Loan Information / Access to Capital
  • Identifying Critical infrastructure
  • Supply Chain/Supply Scouting
  • Federal Announcements
  • State of California Announcements & Updates
  • California County Information by Region
  • Operational Assistance

CMTC will also be conducting webinars on Workplace Safety and other topics pertinent to COVID-19.  If your Gardena manufacturing business can benefit from these services and you would like to speak directly to a representative from CMTC or participate in the webinars, you can reach out directly to: Client Advisor, Linda Rosenberg: (310) 363-1540 or lrosenberg@cmtc.com.

 

Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA)

The Council of Development Finance Agencies is a national association dedicated to the advancement of development finance concerns and interests. According to the association, CDFA is comprised of the nation’s leading and most knowledgeable members of the development finance community representing hundreds of public, private and non-profit development entities. Members are state, county and municipal development finance agencies and authorities that provide or otherwise support economic development financing programs as well as a variety of non-governmental and private organizations including bankers, underwriters, attorneys, financial advisors and other organizations interested in development finance.

Development finance has always been at the forefront of recovering from natural disasters and economic challenges. The CDFA COVID-19 Resource Center is a collection of financing programs and resources to address disaster relief and recovery.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Resources for Businesses

All employers should be implementing strategies to protect their workforce from the coronavirus while ensuring continuity of operations.

Created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, these guides are based on information provided by the CDC to help employers and employees prepare for and address the impacts of the coronavirus.

Help for Small Businesses

CO— (by U.S. Chamber of Commerce) is working to bring you the best resources and information to help you navigate this challenging time. The coronavirus pandemic is affecting small businesses in a variety of ways. From loss of business to remote work, things are changing fast during the COVID-19 outbreak and businesses are being forced to adapt. Additionally, you can refer to your state chamber for helpful resources. The State of California has a website and dedicated page to Covid-19 resources.

FEMA

Explore the opportunity to do business with FEMA to support the response to COVID-19 with your company’s non-medical goods and/or services.  Submit your inquiry to the Department of Homeland Security’s Procurement Action Innovative Response (PAIR) team at DHSIndustryLiaison@hq.dhs.gov.

To sell medical supplies or equipment to the federal government, please submit a price quote under the COVID-19 PPE and Medical Supplies Request for Quotation.  Full details can be found in the solicitation (Updated Notice ID 70FA2020R00000011).

This solicitation requires registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) in order to be considered for award, pursuant to applicable regulations and guidelines.  Registration information can be found at www.sam.gov/SAM/.  Registration must be “ACTIVE” at the time of award.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Please be advised that many restaurants in Gardena are still open for take-out and or delivery. Please see this link for more information.

Companies Hiring Now (click to view/download):

Alpa Express

CVS

Jiffy Lube

Lowes

Subway

The Home Depot

UPS

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