Beware of Scams

Dublin businesses will never receive a phone call from Dublin Police Services about their business not adhering to the Shelter-in-Place Order and a fine being imposed. All contact from Dublin Police Services regarding the Shelter-in-Place Order will be in person. For general information about scams, read SBA’s Beware of Scams and FEMA’s Coronavirus Rumor Control.

SBA Offers Disaster Loan Assistance to California Small Businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering Economic Injury Disaster Loans,  Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance ($10,000 Grant), Express Bridge Loans and Debt Relief to eligible small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19:

• Read about SBA Guidance and Loan Resources.
• For SBA materials in languages other than English, visit the SBA Recovery Information webpage.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the EIDL Advance

On April 15, the  Small Business Administration (SBA) closed the application portal for EIDL. On May 4, 2020, the SBA  resumed accepting applications for EIDL loans and EIDL Advances only for agricultural small businesses on a limited basis. EIDL loan applications that were submitted before the portal stopped accepting new applications on April 15 will continue to be processed on a first come, first served basis.

The EIDL Advance provides up to $10,000 quickly to cover paid sick leave to employees, maintaining payroll, meeting increased costs to obtain materials, making rent or mortgage payments, and fixed debts that cannot be met due to revenue losses. This amount does not need to be repaid. Requesting the advance is available as part of the EIDL application. The amount of the advance is calculated based on the number of pre-disaster employees: $1,000 per employee up to $10,000. Applications are funded on a first come, first serve basis.

For more information about the SBA’s process including the documentation required to process applications and make disaster loan decisions, download the SBA brochure, The Three Step Process: Disaster Loans.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you applied for an EIDL loan prior to March 30, you should submit another EIDL application. If your application number starts with a “1” or a “2” it means that you applied through the old system.  SBA has requested all of those applicants to apply again through the new system on the SBA website as using the new streamlined portal will speed up the processing of your application. If you application number starts with a “3” then SBA has received your application and it is in the queue to be processed.

How to Apply for Express Bridge Loans and SBA Debt Relief

The Express Bridge Loan program enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly while waiting for decision and disbursement of an EIDL. To apply for an Express Bridge Loan or apply for Debt Relief on an existing SBA loan, please contact your lender directly.

For more information, download the Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program Guide.

CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program 

UPDATE AS OF APRIL 20, 2020: Based on available appropriations funding, the SBA is currently unable to accept new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program. Already-approved PPP Loans will continue to be processed. Applicants will need to consult with their lender regarding individual status, as the lender is the one approving the PPP loan.

The U.S. Treasury Department is the lead on this program which provides capital to cover the cost of retaining employees; Amount is 250% of average monthly payroll from the past year, up to $10 million. SBA-approved lenders will begin accepting applications April 3, 2020.  Businesses will apply through a existing SBA 7(a) lender or participating federally-insured financial institution. The deadline to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program is June 30, 2020.

• Learn more about the Paycheck Protection Program 
• View the Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
• To help you be prepared to apply, review this sample application form (PDF) to see the information that you will need to provide. Your lender may have a different form - this sample is just for your reference.
• Look up participating lenders. Note: if you are having difficultly with the website, you can also download this list of locally active SBA-certified lenders, however, the PDF flyer is a list from 2019 and may not be comprehensive or up to date.

CARES Act Small Business Tax Provisions

This program allows eligible businesses to defer paying the employer portion of certain payroll taxes through the end of 2020 and provides a refundable payroll tax credit for 50 percent of wages paid by eligible employers to certain employees.

There is no application form; Eligible employers report total qualified wages and related health insurance costs for each quarter on their quarterly employment tax returns or Form 941 beginning with the second quarter. Visit the IRS website for more details.

Important note:  The Paycheck Protection Program is not available to employers receiving assistance through these tax provisions.

View the Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act

City of Dublin Small Business Emergency Microloan Program 

To help mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on Dublin small businesses, the City Council established a Small Business Emergency Microloan Program to offer financial assistance to local small businesses, with a focus on retaining local restaurants and retailers in Dublin. The program provides zero-interest, unsecured, short-term loans of up to $10,000 to eligible Dublin small businesses and is intended to augment state and federal financial assistance programs. The City will begin accepting online applications on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 8 a.m. and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. 

For more details, visit the City of Dublin’s Emergency Microloan webpage. 

State and Other Resources

Go to the "Quick Links" tab at the top of this page for additional resources and assistance.

On June 1, 2020, the Alameda County Sheriff issued a countywide Emergency Curfew Order in order to preserve public order and safety throughout the County. The curfew hours are from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following day. The Order is in place until 5:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2020. Per the Order, everyone must remain in their residence for the night unless traveling to their home or workplace or are in search of medical attention. Public safety personnel are not subject to this Order. 

Read the Order Setting Curfew.

Alameda County Shelter-in-Place Order

On May 29, 2020, the Alameda County Public Health Department issued a press release reiterating that the Shelter-in-Place Order issued on May 18, 2020 remains in effect until further notice. Read the press release. 

The Shelter-in-Place Order remains in effect without any changes to permitted activities. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), everyone should continue to stay and work at home as much as possible; and wear a face covering when outside their home. 

The following types of business activities (defined in the Order) are permitted under the current Order:

• Essential Businesses;
• Outdoor Businesses and activities;
• curbside and delivery retail; and
• manufacturing, warehousing and logistical operations that support retail businesses.

Business owners should be aware that:

• The requirements for these "Additional Businesses" to operate is detailed in Appendix C-1 of Health Order 20-11.
• All businesses operating in the County must update or create Site Specific Protection Plans to reflect State and County guidelines for operating.
• All businesses in operation must follow social distancing and public health guidance to protect its employees and customers.

Read the full Order on their website. (This page includes a link to a list of business types and if they are currently allowed to operate in Alameda County.)

Please note: Activities that pose a higher risk, such as salons, gyms, bars, and museums will be evaluated and considered at a later date.

Alameda County will continue to monitor the COVID-19 indicators however, Alameda County currently has the highest rate of case increases in the Bay Area alongside a large increase in hospitalized cases. In order to lift restrictions, the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations needs to remain low "to protect our health care system and workforce and others at high risk, and continue our efforts with expanded testing, contact tracing, and ensuring people can isolate and quarantine safely." The County’s statement also noted that the virus is highly contagious and has a two- to three-week incubation period.

Required Site Specific Protection Plans:

All permitted open businesses must implement Site Specific Protection Plans to include the following elements:

• Physical distancing plans for employees and customers.
• Administrative controls to stagger employees, breaks, and teleworking for those that can work remotely.
• Training for employees on limiting spread of COVID-19 (temperature and/or symptoms screening, hand washing technique, and face covering requirements).
• Disinfection protocols for routine and deep cleaning.
• Notification of COVID-19 positive cases.
• Compliance and documentation.
• Industry-specific best practices:  Alameda County plans to align with the State’s Guidance for Industries where possible, however, where there are differences between the local Health Officer’s order and the State’s order, the stricter restrictions apply. The Statewide guidance for industries are detailed on the Industry Guidance webpage.

Required Social Distancing Protocol & Signage:

Appendices still in place from previous shelter-in-place order:

Download fillable Social Distancing Protocol (Appendix A): English | Arabic | Chinese: Traditional | Chinese: Simplified | Farsi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

Small Construction Safety Protocol (Appendix B-1): English | Arabic | Chinese: Traditional | Chinese: Simplified | Farsi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

Large Construction Safety Protocol (Appendix B-2): English | Arabic | Chinese: Traditional | Chinese: Simplified | Farsi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

Face covering sign for businesses: English | Spanish | Chinese (Simplified) | Chinese (Traditional) | Korean | Arabic| Tagalog | Vietnamese | Cambidian

Required Face Coverings or Masks for Workers and Customers

The Health Officer Order #20-04  (issued on April 17, 2020) remains in effect and requires all members of the public to wear face coverings when around people outside of their household. Businesses must also take reasonable measures, such as posting signs, to remind  visitors about wearing a mask, and not serve customers who do not observe the Order. The Order provides exceptions for children under age 12, certain health-related reasons, or if wearing a face covering would create a safety risk on the job. Read the full Order for more details.

For more information, read the: Press Release | Health Officer Order #20-08 | FAQs (FAQs available in multiple languages)

     Note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has additional information on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19:
     English | Spanish | Chinese | Vietnamese | Korean

Minimum Basic Operations for Non-Essential Businesses

All businesses may continue operations consisting exclusively of owners, employees, volunteers, or contractors performing activities at their own residences (i.e., working from home). 

Provided that owners, employees, and contractors comply with Social Distancing Requirements (as defined in the Order) to the extent possible, while carrying out such operations, Non-Essential Businesses may perform the following Minimum Basic Operations:

1. The minimum necessary activities to maintain and protect the value of the business’s inventory and facilities; ensure security, safety, and sanitation; process payroll and employee benefits; provide for the delivery of existing inventory directly to residences or businesses; and related functions. (For clarity, this section does not permit businesses to provide curbside pickup to customers.)
2. The minimum necessary activities to facilitate owners, employees, and contractors of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences, and to ensure that the business can deliver its service remotely.

Public Health Requirements for Licensed Facilities and Other Agencies

The Health Officer Order #20-07 (issued April 13, 2020) remains in effect for “Licensed Facilities and Other Agencies” in Alameda County. The requirements apply to all long-term care facilities, licensed intermediate care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home health and hospice agencies/organizations, chronic dialysis centers, and other congregate living settings and agencies. The Order requires their staff, contractors and any essential visitors entering those sites to comply with guidance to control the spread of COVID-19.

Beware of Scams

Dublin businesses will never receive a phone call from Dublin Police Services about their business not adhering to the Shelter-in-Place Order and a fine being imposed. All contact from Dublin Police Services regarding the Shelter-in-Place Order will be in person. For general information about scams, read SBA’s Beware of Scams and FEMA’s Coronavirus Rumor Control.

Resources for Dublin Businesses

Alameda County Department of Environmental Health provides COVID-19 guidance for food facilities as well as links to guidance for cleaning and disinfection.

Alameda County District One Small Business Grant (DOSBG) Program provides a one-time grant of $5,000 to eligible independently or locally owned businesses in Fremont, Dublin, Livermore and Unincorporated East County, with priority given to restaurants and small retail businesses. The application period started on May 25, 2020 and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including how to apply, download Supervisor Haggerty’s May 26, 2020 COVID-19 Update Newsletter.

Alameda County Public Health Department provides a COVID-19 dashboard and information on the Shelter in Place Health Order.

Alameda County Treasurer-Tax Collector issued their "COVID‐19 Related Delinquent Property Tax Penalty & Interest Waiver Policy” in order to help taxpayers determine if they qualify for a waiver of delinquent penalties, interest, or costs related to the second installment payment of delinquent taxes paid after April 10th. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This procedure will be in place until May 4, 2020. 

Alameda County Workforce Development Board provides Rapid Response assistance to businesses considering layoffs.

Amazon Small Business Academy provides information for successful selling on Amazon stores.

American Express "Shop Small" Program provides free materials including graphics to help promote small businesses.

Anewamerica Women’s Business Center is a trusted SBA partner and can help women entrepreneurs in the Bay Area with an SBA loan application and offer other valuable resources and advice.

Association of Manufacturers Bay Area provides a list of resources to assist manufacturing companies.

Banks offering relief to customers (list compiled by Forbes).

California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO) provides self-employed, entrepreneurs and micro-businesses with small business financing, technical assistance and business management training.

CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) administers California’s Small Business Sales and Use Tax Relief deferment of sales and use taxes payment of up to $50,000, for up to 12 months.

CA Employment Development Department (EDD) administers worker Unemployment Insurance, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and provides resources for workers and employers relating to employee benefits, payroll taxes, workforce development programs, etc. The EDD also provides an option for employers to postpone filing and payment deadlines for payroll tax filing. Employers must make request in writing to the EDD for up to a 60-day extension. 

CA Great Plates Delivered is a program established by the State that will be administered locally by Alameda County to help ensure older Californians (that are not eligible for other nutrition programs) have access to healthy meals. The County of Alameda has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select local food providers. Responses to the RFP are due Monday, May 11, 2020 by 2:00 pm.

CA Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBANK) through their Small Business Finance Center (SBFC) has California Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program — to provide loan guarantees and direct loans for small businesses that experience barriers to accessing capital elsewhere.

CA Labor and Workforce Development Agency provides resources for workers and employers relating to Paid Sick Leave, Disability and Unemployment Insurance, Paid Family Leave, Workplace Health and Safety.

CA MyChildCare.ca.gov is a new portal to help Essential Workers find childcare services during the pandemic.

CA Treasurer’s CalCAP Program offers a special loan program which encourages banks to make loans to small businesses that have difficulty getting financing.

Cal-OSHA administers occupational safety and health program and provides guidance to employers on workplace safety and issues.

• Read CAl-OSHA’s Interim Guidelines for General Industry.

California Employers Association offers guidance to employers on human resources compliance issues.

California Manufacturers & Technology Association offers guidance to manufacturing employers regarding OSHA, Cal/OSHA, EPA, and CDC COVID-19 compliance.

CARES Act Resources:

U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Guide to the CARES Act

U.S. Chamber of Commerce CARES Act Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist

International Economic Development Council (IEDC)’s First Glance at the Stimulus Bill (3/25/2020)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had information about Coronavirus.

Dublin Chamber of Commerce provides information and resources to members; Also promotes Dublin-based businesses on the Discover Dublin Facebook page.

East Bay Clean Energy has implemented a moratorium on service disconnections for non-payment for both residential and commercial customers.

East Bay Community Foundation provided one-time general operating grants to nonprofit organizations that provide critical services around economic security to the most vulnerable populations in the East Bay.

East Bay Economic Development Alliance provides guides and resources for businesses in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

East Bay SCORE is a trusted SBA partner and can help business owners (in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties) with an SBA loan application and offer other valuable resources and advice.

eBay Up & Running Program offers a free basic online storefront for 3 months to impacted businesses that do not currently sell online.

Facebook for Business Hub provides guides and resources for businesses.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program offers non-governmental grants of $2,500 plus ad credits up to $1,500 for eligible small businesses. For San Francisco Bay Area businesses, the application period opened on April 20, 2020.

GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund – Provides matching grants of $500 to eligible businesses through the Small Business Relief Initiative created by GoFundMe, Yelp and Intuit QuickBooks.

Google Resources provides guides and resources for businesses.

Great Plates Delivered is a program established by the State that will be administered locally by Alameda County to help ensure older Californians (that are not eligible for other nutrition programs) have access to healthy meals. The County of Alameda has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select local food providers. Responses to the RFP are due Monday, May 11, 2020 by 2:00 pm.

ICA Fund Good Jobs is offering zero-interest loan for small Bay Area companies through their Rapid Response Liquidity Fund.

Innovation TRIVALLEY Leadership Group (ITV) provides a resources guide for local businesses; also has launched #TRIVALLEYTogether to bring regional businesses and community members together to help donate technology, donate medical supplies and cash to support the most vulnerable population.

iTradeNetwork is offering (during the month of April) to help businesses in the foodchain connect with non-traditional trading connections (e.g. operator-to-retailer, distributor-to-retailer) on their network to ensure food and supplies are directed where they are needed most.

Kiva offers non-governmental crowd-sourced 0% interest small business loans.

Main Street Lending Program is a program administered by the Federal Reserve to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in good financial standing before the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Association of Manufacturers provides information to manufacturers.

Northern California Financial Development Corporation (Nor-Cal FDC) offers a loan guarantee program for small businesses.

Open for Business Hub lists technology companies that are helping small businesses by enabling remote work during this time.

Pacific Community Ventures provides resources for small businesses.

PG&E has implemented a moratorium on service disconnections for non-payment for both residential and commercial customers.

PostMates Small Business Relief Pilot is a program that temporarily waives commission fees for businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Professional Beauty Association (PBA) COVID-19 Relief Fund is offering $500 grants to licensed beauty professionals.

Salesforce Care Small Business Grant Program offers non-governmental grants of $10,000 for eligible small businesses. For California businesses, the application period is April 27 to May 4, 2020.

SF Made (COVID-19 Impact Resources for Manufacturers) provides resources and tips for Bay Area manufacturers. Note: references on their website to “City” mean the City of San Francisco.

Shopify is offering an extended 90-day free trial; Also enabling physical and digital gift cards for new and existing clients.

Shopify Capital program offers non-governmental loans to small business clients.

Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans to eligible small businesses.

Small Business Relief Initiative Fund offers non-governmental grants. (Sponsored by Yelp, GoFundMe and Intuit QuickBooks.)

Small Business Majority provides tips and resources for small businesses on the national level.

Stop Waste has temporarily suspended the Alameda County Reusable Bag Ordinance including inspections, enforcements and bag charge requirements.

Tax Filing Relief for Businesses:

Federal income tax filing and payment postponed to July 15, 2020

State income tax filing and payment postponed to July 15, 2020

Request a time extension for state payroll taxes

Tri-Valley Career Center has small business assistance information for employers and unemployment information/job seeking information for workers.

Vagaro is offering an extended free trial for new clients plus monthly discounts, marketing tools, online shopping cart resources and other resources for existing clients.

Veterans Business Outreach Center is a trusted SBA partner and can help California business owners with an SBA loan application and offer other valuable resources and advice.

Visit Tri-Valley (VTV) is providing resources to support Tri-Valley businesses with new webpages that provide small business listings, updates and special offers. They also created a #TriValleyToGo campaign to support local businesses and offer information to support hospitality industry businesses on their Partners webpage.

Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund through Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

World Central Kitchen coordinates #ChefsForAmerica, a non-governmental meal delivery program that support small, independent restaurants.

Yelp Resource Hub provides guides and resources for businesses

Yelp Relief Program offers non-governmental grants and ad credits (primarily for restaurants and bars)

SBA Disaster Economic Injury Loan Assistance - Webinars, Videos and Slidedecks:

Watch the Walkthrough for SBA Economic Injury Loan Online Application video from SBA

Download the How to apply for a SBA Disaster Loan slidedeck from CAMEO

Watch the CAMEO Webinar with SBA Office of Disaster Assistance (recorded 3/19/20)

Watch the Guide to Economic Injury Loans webinar from SBA Region IX (registration required)

SBA Disaster Economic Injury Loan Assistance - Partners to assist with loan applications:

Alameda County Small Business Development Center (part of America’s SBDC, the association that represents America’s nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers).

Veteran Launch: Provides SBA Small Business loans to qualified California small businesses owned by veterans, active duty military personnel and their families who are unable to obtain a bank loan.

Other Webinars:

Watch the COVID-19 Coping Strategies and Insights webinar hosted by Innovation Tri Valley Leadership Group (recorded 3/27/2020)

See America’s SBDC calendar for a list of upcoming webinars.

Support Local Restaurants

Visit the #DublinEats webpage for a list of local restaurants offering to-go and delivery services during the COVID-19 Shelter-In-Place.

And also check out Visit Tri-Valley’s  #TakeOutTriValley webpage for other restaurants in the Tri-Valley area that are operating.