COVID-19 Support for businesses and the arts community

There are federal, state, and local resources available to support businesses, non-profit organizations, and workers impacted by COVID-19.

Guidance and materials for businesses

City of Berkeley Health Officer Orders mandate that businesses implement specific COVID-19 safety measures and post certain signage at all entrances. Visit our business guidance and materials and outdoor commerce and dining web pages for everything you need to comply. 

Federal government assistance

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans

Businesses and non-profits organizations are eligible for federal disaster assistance and forgivable loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

• SBA coronavirus relief options
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans
• Paycheck protection program

The Alameda County Small Business Development Center offers free business continuity advice and help with loan applications for local businesses, arts, and non-profit groups. Sign up for free counseling online.

Paid sick and family leave tax credits

Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), employers with fewer than 500 employees are eligible for refundable tax credits for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave wages to employees for COVID-19 related leave.

• IRS information on FFCRA paid leave tax credits
• Department of Labor summary of employer paid leave requirements
• Q&A on paid leave requirements

State of California assistance

Take advantage of state assistance programs for your business and your employees.

• COVID-19 information for businesses and employers
• Financial and technical assistance resources for small businesses

Unemployment and disability insurance

The CA Employment Development Department (EDD) is providing:

• Disability insurance for people unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19
• Paid family leave benefits for people unable to work because they are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19
• Unemployment insurance for people unable to work because:

• their employer has reduced hours or shut down operations due to COVID-19
• their child’s school is closed and they have no other care options

City of Berkeley relief funding

The City Council allocated up to $3 million in emergency relief grants for small businesses, nonprofit arts organizations, and worker rent support. Community members supplemented this fund by donating online through berkeleyrelieffund.org. Currently, all funds have been distributed and the program is no longer accepting applications. 

Additional resources

• Employer resources from the Alameda County Workforce Development Board
• COVID-19 webinars hosted by the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce
• COVID-19 resources from the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce

Last updated August 18, 2020