With a probable extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in the works, now is the time for businesses to be talking to their lenders.

Governor Newsom ordered the immediate shutdown of all fitness centers, places of worship, indoor protests, offices for non-essential sectors, personal care services, including nail salons, body waxing and tattoo parlors, hair salons, barbershops and malls, including those in Solano County.

The Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery launched a one-stop-shop website where businesses can learn about COVID-appropriate guidelines, source personal protective equipment and track down free resources.

The City of Benicia Economic Development Division announces BOOST (Business∙Open∙Opportunity∙Support∙Thrive) Grants and related grant guidelines are now available to help Benicia businesses navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown. Applications accepted July 1-July 13, 2020.

The Governor’s mandatory face covering action follows the unanimous approval of a resolution by Benicia City Council on Tuesday evening mandating the wearing of face coverings in order to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in Benicia. Guidelines can be found here.

The Benicia Chamber of Commerce - Benicia Industrial Park Association (BIPA) in conjunction with Ponder Environmental Service, Inc. & Valero Benicia Refinery has introduced BUSINESS HELPING BUSINESS – SMALL PRIVATE GRANTS.

Now that the EIDL and EIDL Advance application portal is accepting new applications, additional small businesses and non-profits will be able to receive long-term, low interest loans and emergency grants.

The last day for approved applications to be submitted to the SBA under the Paycheck Protection Program will be June 30th, 2020.

Before reopening to the public, personal care service businesses will be required to meet specific COVID-19 guidelines, including establishing a workplace specific plan, training employees and implementing screening and control measures, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, guidelines for social distancing and specific criteria for the type of service being provided. The state guidance documents can be found by visiting the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 website at www.Covid19.Ca.Gov/Roadmap-Counties.