Financial Resources

The City of Ventura’s Economic Development Division strives to connect Ventura businesses with local, state and federal financial resources, programs and relief options.

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Grant & Loan Opportunities

Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Now Accepting Applications

 

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) is now accepting applications via the SBA application portal.The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. 

 

For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize reviewing applications from small businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Learn more about the priority groups CLICK HERE. Following the 21-day period, all eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications. 

 

Who can apply?

  • Eligible entities who have experienced pandemic-related revenue loss include:
  • Restaurants
  • Food stands, food trucks, food carts
  • Caterers
  • Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns
  • Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars
  • Bakeries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
  • Brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
  • Breweries and/or microbreweries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
  • Wineries and distilleries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
  • Inns (onsite sales of food and beverage to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
  • Licensed facilities or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products

For more information, visit sba.gov/restaurants. 

 

About the RRF

The new American Rescue Plan Act established a $28.6 billion “Restaurant Revitalization Fund” (RRF) within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). An eligible business may receive a tax-free federal grant equal to the amount of its pandemic-related revenue loss, calculated by subtracting its 2020 gross receipts from its 2019 gross receipts.

 

Assistance 

Looking for assistance with the Restaurant Revitalization Fund? Reach out to the SBA's Restaurant Revitalization Fund Program Hotline at 844.279.8898 (Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm ET). 


Shuttered Venue Operator Grant

The Shuttered Venue Operator Grant, administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance, offers grants for live venue operators, performing arts organizations, motion picture theater operators, cultural institutions and other eligible applicants. SVOG funding does not need to be repaid and can be used for specific expenses, such as payroll, rent, utilities and other costs. The SBA will begin accepting applications on April 8, 2021. 

 

To access the application portal click here. Please review the SBA’s extensive Frequently Asked Questions document here.

State and Federal Programs

Small Business Administration (SBA)

  • SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll. 
  • SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance up to $10,000.
  • SBA Express Bridge Loan: Loan allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. 

Economic Development Department (EDD) - State Unemployment

  • EDD Unemployment: Current unemployment benefits have been expanded to self-employed for those that have lost hours or wages due to the impact of Covid-19 you are encouraged to file for unemployment.
  • EDD Partial Unemployment:Employers that want to keep their employees. Employees are not required to look for a new job because the employer has certified that there will be a job for you at a future date. You are considered partially unemployed. 
  • EDD Workshare: Minimize or eliminate the need for layoffs.

State of California has released a Small Business Disaster Loan Fund Guarantee Program - This program, backed by IBANK, is intended to provide loans to businesses impacted by COVID19. Please note: IBANK is not a direct lender which means that businesses seeking capital will need to find lenders that are participating in this program.


Additional Resources

U.S. Chamber of Commerce - The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated almost $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued this guide to help small businesses and self-employed individuals check eligibility and prepare to file for a loan.

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.