Category Archives: News

Redwood City Economic Development Newsletter – April 10th Update

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The following is a message from the Economic Development Manager of Redwood City.

Greetings Redwood City Business Owner,

I want to begin by thanking you; this is truly an unprecedented time and although there is much uncertainty, your collaboration and partnership has continued. Please know that as a City, we are here to help navigate through this situation together.

As your economic development manager, I am striving to support you – our local business community – with providing information and sharing programs to help provide relief. We know that the success of small businesses is important to the economy and contributes to the economic vitality of the Redwood City community. Small businesses create jobs, foster innovation and provide revenue to fund City services, provide entrepreneurial opportunities for people including women and minorities, and provide essential goods and services.

We also know that the March 17, 2020 County of San Mateo order to shelter-in-place greatly reduced businesses’ ability to maintain regular operations, thus impacting your revenue and employees. Businesses have had to close or have stayed open with reduced staff and customer access. The cumulative effect of the loss of business revenue and staff has yet to be quantified because of the need for Redwood City businesses to make changes quickly and without planning.

Over the last few weeks, I have consulted with over 200 Redwood City businesses seeking guidance and/or assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please know that we hear you. And, we will continue to be here as a resource for you.

Be sure to visit the City’s website and Business Resources page, as information will continue to be updated.

If you need additional information or assistance please call me at (650) 780-7204 or email me at .

Don Burrus
Economic Development Manager

SPRINGtavaganza

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Unfortunately, RSCA’s annual EGGstravaganza plans were cancelled due to our Shelter-In-Place order. As an alternative, residents are encouraged to color, paint or craft a paper egg to display in a window visible from the sidewalk so that everyone interested can do a scavEGGeger hunt in April, with appropriate physical distancing. RSCA’s Facebook page will have an event/post to add your photos.  Click here to access a few sample printables.

 

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Applications Open Tomorrow

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(The following is a message from the Redwood City – San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce)

Assistance For Small Businesses

CARES Act Resources
Paycheck Protection Program – PPP

One of the most important and impactful elements of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act package is the Payroll Protection Program (PPP).

The Payroll Protection Program is the Small Business Administration’s $349 billion lending program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The new Paycheck Protection Program expands the SBA’s 7(a) loan program to help small businesses cover their near-term operating expenses and retain employees.

Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.

Please see below for links to important program details and an application:

PPP – Assistance for Small Businesses

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Asistencia para Pequeñas Empresas

Recursos de la Ley CARES
Programa de Protección de cheques de Pago – PPP

Uno de los elementos más importantes e impactantes del paquete de la Ley Federal de Ayuda, Alivio y Seguridad Económica Coronavirus (CARES) es el Programa de Protección de Nómina (PPP).

El Programa de Protección de cheques de Pago o Nómina es el programa de préstamos de $349 mil millones de dólares de la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas (SBA) bajo la Ley de Ayuda, Alivio y Seguridad Económica (CARES) de Coronavirus. El nuevo Programa de Protección de cheques de Pago amplía el programa de préstamos 7(a) del SBA para ayudar a las pequeñas empresas a cubrir sus gastos operativos a corto plazo y retener a los empleados.

Las pequeñas empresas y las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que sean elegibles, las organizaciones de veteranos y las empresas tribales descritas en la Ley de Pequeñas Empresas, así como las personas que trabajan por cuenta propia o son contratistas independientes, son elegibles si también cumplen con los estándares del programa.

Consulte los enlaces a continuación para obtener más detalles e información del programa y una aplicación.

PPP – Asistencia Para Pequeñas Empresas

Para más información:

SAMCEDA’S Business Action Plan

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(The following is a message from the Redwood City – San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce.)

COVID-19
Business Continuity Action Plan – 1.0
(Small and Medium-Sized Business)

In order to best serve the needs expressed by the business community, SAMCEDA has compiled a Business Continuity Action Plan – 1.0 as a first step in setting realistic expectations for the economic health of businesses in San Mateo County.

We recognize, appreciate and understand the uncertainty many businesses are facing and want to assure you that the County of San Mateo, San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA), your Chambers of Commerce and your respective cities and towns are working day in and day out developing solutions.

To read more about the Business Continuity Action Plan – 1.0,
please click here.

View the Business Continuity Action Plan 1.0

Zonehaven:
Find Out What’s Open in San Mateo County
(Restaurants, Stores & More)

Visit Zonehaven

 

BRRSD Superintendent’s Update: April 1, 2020

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(The following is a message from the Belmont Redwood Shores School District)

Hello Belmont-Redwood Shores Community,

Our government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and I am writing with education-related updates:

  • County stay at home order extended to May 3
  • State shifts expectations for remainder of school year
  • Next steps

Continue reading →

Paycheck Protection Program

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(The following is a message from the Redwood City – San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce)

Assistance For Small Businesses

CARES Act Resources
Paycheck Protection Program – PPP

One of the most important and impactful elements of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act package is the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). Continue reading →

COVID-19 Updates & Resources from Your Chamber of Commerce

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(The following message is from the Redwood City-San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce)

The Redwood City-San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce and San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA) invite you to participate in a Q&A discussion about your current operating situation, how you are being impacted, and what you need in the short-term and long-term for your business to survive.

Please join us for a video conference meeting on:

Monday, March 30, 2020 at 10:00am Continue reading →

Mayor Diane Howard: Assistance & Guidance for Businesses and Workers Impacted by COVID-19

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(The following is a message from Redwood City Mayor Diane Howard addressing local business owners, with advice of resources and services available to assist them.)

Dear Redwood City Business Owner,

The City of Redwood City recognizes that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is not only a public health crisis, but also an economic crisis. We want to support and inform our local businesses, and provide local and regional business resources to help. The City’s Economic Development team has been actively coordinating with our regional partners and governmental agencies on a daily basis to identify assistance for our local businesses. It is our goal to provide every Redwood City business with information on business assistance programs to help your business get through this challenging time.

There are several resources available to assist businesses, including the following:

Additionally, the City is actively exploring local business assistance measures. Please regularly check the City Council upcoming tentative meeting agenda calendar for updates.

The City of Redwood City values every business large and small, and we will continue to share information to help our businesses. Working together, we will navigate this unprecedented public health and economic crisis.

If you need additional information or assistance please contact Economic Development Manager, Don Burrus at 650-780-7204 or at .

In community spirit,

Diane Howard
Mayor of Redwood City

Redwood City Message on Open Restaurants, an Open Survey, and Volunteers

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(The following is a message from the Redwood City Improvement Association)

We are all in this together, and together we can make a difference for small businesses.

While Redwood City is under strict orders to shelter in place, many of the community’s favorite eateries have switched their operations from sit-down restaurants to takeout, delivery, or both.

Follow the link below to see an up-to-date list of open restaurants … We’re sure there is something to satisfy your craving!

*Please note this list is updated as we receive more information.

OPEN RESTAURANTS IN REDWOOD CITY

COVID-19 Business Resource Links & Survey

Special thanks to SAMCEDA, as their team is collecting more information on business assistance programs as well as other resources as soon as they become available. Please visit their website frequently for updates, including:

  • Loan assistance resources
  • State of CA resources for business
  • Scam alert warnings
  • Employer resources

Additionally, in partnership with our Chambers of Commerce and communities, SAMCEDA has launched a survey to gather data on how COVID-19 has affected the business community in order to develop financial assistance programs that can offer immediate relief.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Calling for Volunteers

When faced with challenging times, each person has the power to make a difference.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the County of San Mateo needs volunteers to help serve vulnerable members of our community. You may be asked to deliver food or provide other services.

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER

Student Dismissal Extended to May 1

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(The following is a message from the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District.)

Hello BRSSD Community,

This message will address an extension to the dismissal of students until May 1 and a clarification regarding my previous message on teacher-student videoconferencing.

Dismissal of Students Extended to May 1
Earlier today, we received this press release from the San Mateo County Office of Education. The dismissal of students from public schools throughout the Bay Area has been extended until May 1, 2020.

This makes BRSSD’s planning for the return from Spring Break on April 6 all the more important. Additionally, we are developing optional resources for families to help engage students academically over the break, given the current Shelter in Place order for San Mateo County. We will share more information at the end of the week.

Clarification Regarding this Morning’s Message
This morning, I sent you a message stating that a class’s morning meeting was recorded and put on the local news and social media. It was actually a still photograph of a student participating in a morning meeting via videoconference, with other classroom participants on the computer screen. I apologize for giving the misimpression that the meeting/lesson was video recorded when it was not. Nevertheless, this incident raises the importance of student and staff privacy, and we are committed to putting safeguards in place before resuming videoconferencing on April 6.

Thanks for your support and patience on both of these topics. We will continue to work on providing the best educational program possible for your student and improving week to week.

Sincerely,

Michael Milliken
Superintendent