Business Resources

Business Resources & Information

We understand that the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19) may be impacting several employers and employees in Palmdale. We encourage businesses to stay informed and prepare, as it is not clear how long this period of uncertainty will last. To that end, we’ve assembled some resources that may be available to you and your employees during this difficult time.

Los Angeles County Health Orders

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Mayor Garcetti has implemented an emergency order to help keep Angelenos safe during this crisis. You can read the full Health Order here.

The Small Business Stabilization Loan Program

The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) will launch the Small Business Stabilization Loan Program on January 28, 2021. The loan program is made possible through a $10 million business recovery assistance fund issued by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

The funds were made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Recovery Assistance, and are intended to prevent job loss and business closure. The Program will provide flexible and affordable capital to small businesses Countywide.

The Small Business Stabilization Loan Program will provide eligible businesses with a competitive interest rate for loans ranging from $50,000 to $3 million. Businesses interested in applying for the Program must have been in operation for at least two years and are seeking working capital, equipment purchases, real estate acquisition, or refinancing of existing loans at higher interest rates.

Further details are available at BizStabilization.LACDA.org.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll. First Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits, and may also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations.

SBA will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met, and the funds are used for eligible expenses.

• PPP loans have an interest rate of 1%.
• Loans issued prior to June 5, 2020 have a maturity of two years. Loans issued after June 5, 2020 have a maturity of five years.
• Loan payments will be deferred for borrowers who apply for loan forgiveness until SBA remits the borrower's loan forgiveness amount to the lender. If a borrower does not apply for loan forgiveness, payments are deferred 10 months after the end of the covered period for the borrower’s loan forgiveness (either 8 weeks or 24 weeks).
• No collateral or personal guarantees are required.
• Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.

SBA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Relief Lending

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is now offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19. An Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations in designated areas of a state or territory to help alleviate economic injury caused by the coronavirus. SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

Work Sharing Program

Employers experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the coronavirus impact on the economy may apply for the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Work Sharing Program. This program allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs — retaining their trained employees by reducing their hours and wages that can be partially offset with UI benefits. Workers of employers who are approved to participate in the Work Sharing Program receive the percentage of their weekly UI benefit amount based on the percentage of hours and wages reduced, not to exceed 60 percent. Visit Work Sharing Program to learn more about its benefits for employers and employees, and how to apply.

Potential Closure or Layoffs

Employers planning a closure or major layoffs as a result of the COVID-19 can get help through the Rapid Response program. Rapid Response teams will meet with you to discuss your needs, help avert potential layoffs, and provide immediate on-site services to assist workers facing job losses. For more information, refer to the  Rapid Response Services for Businesses Fact Sheet (DE 87144RRB) (PDF) or contact your local America’s Job Center of California^SM.

Utility Company Relief Programs

Southern California Edison - Southern California Edison announced that it is suspending service disconnections for nonpayment and waiving late fees, effective immediately, for residential and business customers impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. For additional information, please visit   https://www.sce.com

SoCal Gas

SoCal Gas is committed to helping customers experiencing hardships, including from the COVID-19. If in need of assistance, we encourage customers to call us at 1-800-427-2200. SoCal Gas is waiving late payment fees if your business is experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

Resources for Workers Impacted by Coronavirus Pandemic 

Sick or Quarantined

If you’re unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim. DI provides short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week.

Self-Employed

If you are self-employed, you may have benefits available from EDD employment insurance programs that you or your employer may have paid into over the past 5 to 18 months. You may have contributions from a prior job, or you could have been misclassified as an independent contractor instead of an employee. Apply for the benefit program that best fits your situation and include details about your employment to help us process your claim.

Visit Coronavirus 2021 FAQs and Self-Employed/Independent Contractor to learn more

Moratorium on Evictions

As of January 29^th Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to extend the state’s landmark eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021, protecting millions of Californians struggling as a result of the economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the passage of SB 91, California leads all states by enacting the strongest renter protections in the nation.

Eviction Moratorium Extension

Utility Company Relief Programs

Southern California Edison - Southern California Edison announced that it is suspending service disconnections for nonpayment and waiving late fees, effective immediately, for residential and business customers impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. For additional information, please visit https://www.sce.com/billhelp

SoCalGas

SoCalGas launched the SoCalGas campaign for customers facing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

If you have recently lost your job, even if you are receiving unemployment benefits, you may qualify for 20% off your natural gas bill with our CARE program. It only takes a few minutes to apply and no additional documentation is required. To apply or to see if you qualify, please click here.  SoCal Gas also offers additional assistance like the Gas Assistance Fund and Medical Baseline Allowance programs. For additional information regarding additional assistance programs. Please visit https://www.socalgas.com/save-money-and-energy/assistance-programs..

Palmdale Water District

The Palmdale Water District has suspended water shutoffs. We understand this is a difficult time for all of us and know that water is critical during the pandemic. We urge everyone to stay healthy by washing their hands for 20 seconds or more throughout the day to ward off the virus. For additional COVID-19 related information, please visit https://www.palmdalewater.org/about/covid-19-info/.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Luis Garibay at (661) 267-5162 or via email at lgaribay@cityofpalmdale.org. 

Please note that this information is current as of the publication. For up-to-date information regarding available resources, please visit www.cityofpalmdale.org/Coronavirus.