Businesses and employers
Last updated February 10, 2021 at 4:46 PM
California and the federal government are providing broad assistance to small businesses and employers impacted by COVID-19.
On this page:
Grants and loans
Small business relief grant program
- Available to small business or small nonprofits operating in California
- Provides cash payments based on eligible business’s gross revenue
- This application period closed on February 8, 2021
Round 2 is the final application window for the Small Business Relief Grant. Applicants who applied but did not receive funds in round 1 do not need to apply again. They will automatically be entered in round 2. You can begin preparing your documents at CAReliefGrant.com.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans
- Available to first and second time loan applicants
- Provides loans to help fund payroll costs
- Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2021
The Paycheck Protection Program provides forgivable loans to help fund payroll costs, including benefits. PPP may also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, and uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020.
Learn more about the PPP at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) website.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
- Available for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters
- There is currently no expiration date for this benefit
The EIDL is available for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters. For questions, you can contact SBA’s customer service line at 1-800-659-2955 / 1-800-877-8339 (TTY), or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Apply for disaster loan assistance.
Small Business Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program
- Available to small businesses with 1-750 employees
- Provides easier access to funds for small businesses
- There is currently no expiration date for this benefit
IBank’s Small Business Loan Guarantee Program provides loans to underserved small businesses. Learn more about this program at the IBank website.
Other help for small businesses
California has additional resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19:
- Resources and services for small businesses collected by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
- Tax relief and extensions from the Department of Tax and Fee Administration
Labor and workforce support for businesses
- Check the Employment Development Department’s resources for employers for information about workplace health and safety guidelines, reduced work hours, potential closure or layoffs, California WARN Act requirements, and tax assistance.
- Visit the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency’s employer resources and assistance.
- Check the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing’s information about COVID-19 infection in the workplace.
- For information about recording and reporting requirements for COVID-19 infection, check the frequently asked questions provided by the CA Department of Industrial Relations.
How to manage COVID-19 in the workplace
As California reopens, every business will need to create a safer, low-risk environment. If you own or manage a business, follow:
- The employer playbook to help plan and prepare your business for reopening
- The industry-specific guidance that applies to your business to protect your workers and customers
As workplaces reopen, employees will need both childcare support and workplace flexibility. It’s also important that employees with COVID-19 know they should stay home. Your sick leave policies need to support that. See more information on:
- Government programs supporting COVID-19 sick leave and workers’ compensation
- Family friendly practices for employers (PDF)
- Support for working families (PDF)
- Find childcare
Questions and answers
Small business grants and loans
Managing COVID-19 in the workplace
Stay informed
- CA Labor and Workforce Development Agency: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Resources for Employers and Workers
- CA Employment Development Department: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
- Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development: Coronavirus 2019
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration: COVID-19 State of Emergency
- Cal/OSHA Guidance on Requirements to Protect Workers from Coronavirus
- Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – FAQs on laws enforced by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office
- CA Department of Fair Employment and Housing: COVID-19 Resources and Guidance
- CA Department of Industrial Relations: COVID-19 Resources and Workers’ Compensation
- U.S. Internal Revenue Service: Coronavirus Tax Relief
- U.S. Internal Revenue Service: COVID-19-Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses FAQs
- U.S. Department of Labor: Paid Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act