COVID-19 TEMPORARY OUTDOOR DINING & RETAIL PROGRAM – click here

commerical eviction moratoriums

The City of El Cerrito Eviction Moratorium remains in place for El Cerrito residents/businesses (after September 30, 2021) through the duration of the City’s Local Emergency Declaration.

• City of El Cerrito: On March 25, 2020, the City Council joined other local cities in adopting an Urgency Ordinance enacting a temporary moratorium to halt evictions for residential and commercial tenants financially impacted by COVID-19. At this time, the Ordinance is set to expire upon the expiration of the local emergency or the Governor’s Proclamation Of A State of Emergency, whichever is later.The Ordinance does not establish rent forgiveness but provides temporary rent forbearance to those who qualify by providing 6-months, from the Ordinance expiration date, to catch up on unpaid rent and suspends late fees from being charged for qualified tenants/businesses who can demonstrate loss of income or revenue due to COVID-19. The City encourages tenants/businesses to notify their property owner/manager to discuss a repayment plan if you are experiencing loss of income from work, childcare costs related to school closures, healthcare costs related to COVID-19. Property owners also have expenses mounting and similar actions are being taken by the Federal Government and banking industry to provide mortgage and other relief. Click here to view the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
• The Contra Costa County Eviction Moratorium Expired on September 30, 2021.
• Contra Costa County Moratorium on Evictions: On February 2, 2021, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed Urgency Ordinance No. 2021-04 that continues a temporary eviction moratorium for certain residential tenants and a moratorium on certain residential rent increases through June 30, 2021. The Urgency Ordinance also continues a temporary eviction moratorium for certain commercial tenants through March 31, 2021. Ordinance No. 2021-04 supersedes Ordinance No. 2020-29. See Press Release (PDF). See Urgency Ordinance No. 2021-04 (PDF). Please visit the County’s website here for additional information.
  

Webinars AND PRESENTATIONS

The Alameda County and Contra Costa County Small Business Development Centers continue to host a series of Small Business workshops. These workshops are available to Contra Costa County based businesses and are very beneficial for Small Businesses that are going through tough times and preparing to resume a new normal of operations. Visit www.eastbaysbdc.org for more information.

COVID-19 RELIEF GRANT: APPLICATIONS OPEN THROUGH OCTOBER 19, 2022

Applications are now open to Contra Costa microbusiness and nonprofits who experienced business closures/interruptions during the pandemic. This program will provide grants of $2,500 to eligible businesses. Visits www.microbusinessgrant.org   or click here for the flyer.

Access Business Assistance Programs

• The University of California, Berkeley - New Business Community Law Clinic - provides free legal help to small businesses that cannot afford an attorney. The clinic offers support to new and existing businesses, including guidance to on how to navigate COVID-19. If your business needs assistance, please visit www.law.berkeley.edu/NBCLC.
• On March 27, 2020 the federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in response to our public health crisis. The CARES Act, through the Small Business Administration, aims to provide immediate support to help businesses survive the loss in revenue they are experiencing.
• The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application is closed as of January 1, 2022. If you previously applied, please contact (833) 853-5638 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. 
• Contra Costa Call Center for Small Businesses A call center is available in Contra Costa County to connect businesses and workers with helpful federal, state, and local programs. This includes providing resources and referrals on loans and grants, unemployment insurance, payroll subsidies, and other critical concerns. The trained team who answer calls can also assist with tapping into programs to reduce utility costs, access online career training, and other business services. 833-320-1919; 8:30 am to 5 pm - Monday through Friday
• Contra Costa Small Business Development Center Provides business located in the County with help applying for relief, navigating available resources, cash flow concerns, supply chain interruptions, workforce capacity, insurance coverage and more at no cost. For one-on-one advising, please contact their office by phone or email at: (925) 222-5228 or admin@contracostasbdc.org.
• Workforce Development Board Contra Costa County Employers planning a closure or layoffs due to COVID-19 impact may get help through the workforce development board’s Rapid Response Services. 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. Please contact Patience Ofodu, Business Services Manager, at (510) 453-6950 or by email pofodu@ehsd.cccounty.us.
• East Bay Economic Development Alliance has a list of COVID-19 Business Resources that can be accessed by visiting their website.
• The El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce is another useful resource for information during this time. Please visit their website or contact Chamber Manager, Lisa Martinengo, at info@elcerritochamber.org.
• Working Solutions is a non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides support to the small business community. During this time of crisis, they have several resources and grant opportunities available. To learn more, please visit their website or contact info@workingsolutions.org or (415) 780-1217.
  
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses suffering substantial economic and physical injury caused by a declared disaster. Download an application here or contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
• Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)
• The Northern California Small Business Development Center put together a helpful COVID-19 Resource Guide  for local businesses that includes:
  • Detailed information on SBA’s Economic Disaster Loan
  • Information (including FAQs) for business owners and business employees
  • Information on Business Interruption Insurance
• The U.S. Department of Treasury provides assistance for small businesses, including tax credit programs and the Paycheck Protection Program.

Stay Informed

Information about the outbreak is changing rapidly. Below are resources to help you stay informed:

• City of El Cerrito COVID-19 Page
• Contra Costa Health Services
• CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• California Labor & Workforce Development Agency Guidance for Employers 
• Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development Guidance for Employers and Employees 
• California Association for Local Economic Development
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Resources
• CalOES Business Preparedness Information
• ResilientWorkplace.org