COVID-19 Resources for Employers and Employees

Source: City of Santa Barbara

Many local businesses and employees have been impacted by the recent COVID-19 outbreak. The Economic Development Collaborative has compiled a list of resources now available for employees and employers. The website will be updated as the situation continues to evolve and new resources become available. The website contains information on the following:

• Assistance for Employers
  • Immediate Steps to Take
  • No-Cost Business Consulting 
  • Payroll Tax Extension Filing
  • Work Sharing Program as Alternative to Layoffs
  • Business Disruption Loans
  • Addressing COVID-19 in Business Operations

• Assistance for Employees
  • Unemployment Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid Family Leave

Click here for more information.

Economic Development Collaborative Releases COVID-19 Business Resource Guide for Santa Barbara County

Source: Economic Development Collaborative

Following the County of Santa Barbara’s emergency proclamation authorizing the City Administrator to take official direction from the recent guidance released by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) has released a comprehensive Business Resource Guide now available for employees and employers who have been impacted by COVID-19. Published and housed online via the EDC’s website (edcollaborative.com/covid19), the guide encompasses a list of local, state, and federal resources available to affected members of Santa Barbara County’s business community at large. 

As the spread and impact of COVID-19 still remains unknown, within the guide the EDC – a non-profit public/private partnership focused on supporting economic vitality in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles County – recommends five immediate steps employers can take to help mitigate financial loss. Additionally, the guide outlines no cost business consulting services, Work Share Programs, extension filing guidelines for payroll, personal, and business taxes, and a variety of Business Disruption Loans available for employers. Employees are encouraged to access the document to learn more about unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and paid family-leave options. 

“The EDC serves as one of the primary business service providers within the greater Santa Barbara County Region,” states Clare Briglio, Communications and Business Disruption Resource Director of the Economic Development Collaborative. “During moments of economic disruption, it is critical for business owners to keep informed of the local, state, and federal resources available. We anticipate a greater roll out of benefits from the state and federal government as the economic impact of COVID-19 continues to grow. For this reason, we encourage all business owners to visit the resource page on our website edcollaborative.com/covid19 for up-to-date and accurate information.”

The EDC’s Business Resource Guide also includes a comprehensive list of relevant websites and resources the Public can access to stay up-to-date with the latest news and information related to COVID-19.