Yesterday, San Diego County moved into the state’s orange tier. This move is based on continued improvement on public health indicators; Sunday, the county saw its fewest daily COVID-19 cases (127) since June of last year. Most importantly, the state has now administered more than 4 million vaccines in zip codes that correlate with our lowest quartile in terms of community health conditions. Because of that achievement, the requirements to move to the orange tier shifted up, meaning that San Diego’s metrics qualified retroactively.
Overall the state has administered more than 20 million vaccines, with a weekly pace exceeding 2 million vaccines per week.
(Click here or on the image for a full summary of what restrictions are changing for businesses)
In a corresponding action to the tier change, the County of San Diego announced it is updating its health order, effective April 7, to lift the 10 PM curfew on restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and bars.
The state also issued guidance for social gatherings and private events, which will go into effect on April 15.
  • Informal outdoor gatherings can have up to 50 people
  • Private events like meetings, receptions and conferences can have up to 100 people outdoors or if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination, up to 300 people
  • Indoor private events can have a max of 150 people if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination
  • For indoor venues that seat up to 1,500, seated live events can have up to 15% capacity or 200 people, and increase up to 35% capacity if all guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination
In addition, Governor Newsom announced on Tuesday that if vaccine supply remains as robust as it has been and if hospitalization rates remain low, the state will discontinue the Blueprint for a Safer Economy tiered-reopening strategy on June 15. For Carlsbad businesses, this generally means that all applicable operating restrictions on will be lifted. This memo provides more details about the state’s “Beyond the Blueprint” plan.
Businesses that are expanding or changing their operations due to the tier change, including increasing indoor operations should ensure their Safe Reopening Plan is up to date and posted. A template for the SRP can be found here
Business revitalization survey
With an eye on recovery and revitalization, we are working to understand the full impact of COVID-19 on Carlsbad’s economy, evaluate the city’s interventions, and understand expected challenges across industries, business types and ownership structures.
 
If you’re a business owner, or know someone who is, please complete or pass along this short survey which closes April 14.
 
It’s our goal to build support programs that serve all businesses in need. Feedback gathered will help us understand how businesses were impacted, the support they utilized and their expectations for the future. It’ll also help shape how the city supports recovery and revitalization going forward. Please reach out to us at [email protected] with any comments that might inform this process.
Updated Relief Programs for Businesses 
The deadline to apply for the current PPP round was extended to May 31, 2021 and funding is still available. PPP forgivable loans have been the most impactful relief program according to a recent survey of Carlsbad businesses. If you are interested in applying for a PPP loan, contact your financial institution. If you are having trouble finding a lender, try this resource. You are not obligated to use a local lender.
The program provides grants between $5,000 and $25,000 and prioritizes small businesses in disadvantaged communities. Businesses that do not get funded in a particular round are automatically waitlisted for subsequent funding rounds. New applicants will need to apply through the program website. According to the state’s grant website, it is estimated that there is approximately $729 million still available.
  • The sixth round will be open April 28 – May 4. New and waitlisted applicants will be considered in this round.
The Carlsbad Business Loan Program has been updated to provide increased access to relief and rebuilding funding for Carlsbad small businesses to keep operations going. There are two loan types for Carlsbad small businesses. Applicants may apply for multiple loan products if they meet all eligibility requirements. Those that have been approved for a loan, may reapply for a second loan up to the current total limit. Businesses can receive up to $60,000 total between all loan products.
  • Small business microloans of between $5,000 – $10,000 for businesses with $2,000,000 or less in gross revenue or 15 or fewer employees 
  • Small business recovery loans of between $10,000 – $50,000 for businesses with $5,000,000 or less in gross revenue and 50 or fewer employees 
  • Both loans types include scaled interest rates depending on how quickly the loan can be repaid. Neither loan type is forgivable. Access the application here
Restaurant Revitalization Fund 
More details have emerged around the restaurant relief program included in the American Rescue Plan. While applications are not yet being accepted, we know that the SBA will be administering the program. This summary from the National Restaurant Association provides more specifics about the program.

Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce

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