Business Assistance Resources

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"Essential" Business Information

For questions about whether or not a certain business is considered "essential", please contact the County of Ventura at:

  • Covid-19 Compliance Hotline:  805.202.1805 or
  • Email the County of Ventura at:  covidcompliance@ventura.org 
  • You may also email or call the hotline to report a local business that is not properly complying with the County of Ventura order

LOCAL RESOURCES

  • Economic Development Collaborative 
    • Information on economic injury disaster relief, free business consultation on how to deal with COVID-19 disruptions, loan opportunities, payroll tax filing, one-stop shop COVID-19 Business Resource Guide, and resources for employers, employees, and sole proprietors.  
  • Ventura County Community Foundation - Rapid Response Fund
    • The Ventura County Community Foundation has launched the Ventura County Rapid Response Fund to support nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of individuals and families with food and housing support, childcare, wage replacement, mental health care, and more.  
  • Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) - Quick Response Loans
    • WEV has set up a fund to provide financial support and assistance to businesses experiencing economic hardship as a result of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.

STATE & FEDERAL RESOURCES

  • US Chamber of Commerce - Federal CARES Act Information
    • The US Chamber of Commerce has created a PowerPoint that includes helpful information about the CARES Act, including major provisions, implementation and resources for large and small employers, small businesses, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and non-profits. 
  • CARES Act - The Small Business Owner’s Guide
    • The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist small business owners, certain non-profits, and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs.
  • Small Business Administration - Disaster Loans
    • Due to COVID-19, the state of California has been declared an SBA disaster area, which allows for small businesses to apply for financial assistance through the SBA disaster loan program. The application link is now open for any California business wishing to apply for a disaster loan related to economic damage from the COVID-19 health crisis. Please contact your local SBA office for more information and assistance.
  • Economic Development Department (State Unemployment)
    • File a claim for unemployment, disability, or paid family leave benefits. Find job services and training available. For employers, manage your tax account and find important resources.
  • California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED)
    • A clearinghouse for federal, state, and local resources that provide guidance as well as examples of what communities are doing to help their local businesses.
  • Labor & Workforce Development Agency:  Guidance for Employers & Workforce
    • In the face of the COVID-19, the Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) provides a centralized source of information for workers, employers, and co-workers.

Food, Beverage, & Retail Information

Several of our local partners have compiled lists of food, beverage, and retail establishments that are providing take out, pick up (curbside services), delivery and eCommerce (website sales). If you’re able, we encourage everyone to support local as much as possible during this challenging time:

  • Downtown Ventura Partners
    • The Downtown Ventura Business Improvement District (d.b.a. Downtown Ventura Partners) has been serving Ventura’s historic core for 10 years. The DVP has compiled a list of downtown specific businesses that are providing avenues to shop online, food and beverage deliveries, curbside pick-up, retail curbside pick-up and gift cards.
  • Ventura Chamber of Commerce
    • Help support our local restaurants by ordering take-out. Remember to tip the server or driver! We will continue updating this list as we get new developments.
  • Totally Local VC
    • As the COVID-19 Coronavirus crisis continues, many Ventura County restaurants, bars, wineries and brewpubs are reeling from the short-term effects on their businesses and are anxious about the potential long-term impact. As you continue to take care of yourself, Totally Local VC presents some suggestions of easy ways to also help and support our Ventura County businesses.


Updates from Mayor Matt LaVere Regarding Covid-19

These updates can also be found on Mayor LaVere’s Facebook page

Mayor Matt LaVere

A Message from Economic Development Manager, Estelle Bussa (03.17.20)

The developments over the last week regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) are rapidly evolving. While county, state, and federal agencies take the lead to address the public health-related concerns connected to the virus, our office is also working closely with the County, Ventura Chamber of Commerce, and other key partners to assist our local businesses through the developing economic impacts.

On March 17, 2020, the County of Ventura issued a Public Health Order outlining new requirements including all permanent food facilities, along with bars and nightclubs that offer food. The Public Health Order also requires closure of the following types of businesses in Ventura County, which includes the City of Ventura:

  • Bars and nightclubs that do not serve food
  • Movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys, and arcades
  • Gyms, fitness centers, and aquatic centers
  • Wineries, breweries, and taprooms that provide tastings.

The economic health of our businesses is a key priority. We understand that during these times, our local employees and employers are going to be affected by the impacts of COVID-19. We are here with you and want to be your partner through these uncertain times. 

While recognizing social distancing is essential during this time, we do not want to overlook the importance of investing in our local economy. We encourage our residents to continue supporting our local businesses through pick up or delivery services. At the Tuesday, March 17, 2020 City Council meeting (link to agenda), City Council Leadership set the directive to allow for easier access to businesses offering pick up services. Effective immediately, all parking meters downtown will not be enforced. Free parking will be available through April 12, 2020.

Estelle Bussa 2018.10.02

Business Tax Office

The Business Tax Office will continue to provide services via the following methods:

Call: 805-658-4715 for the following:

  • Questions about your business license account
  • Assistance filling out an application
  • Make a credit card payment

Email: bl@cityofventura.ca.gov for the following:

Any transactions requiring a payment should be followed up with an over-the-phone credit card payment, or by mailing a check to our office at:
            Business Tax Office
            501 Poli Street
            Ventura CA 93001

General Business License Information

Business Tax Office