Community:
Small businesses and local entrepreneurs are the backbone of our communities. These businesses support the local economy with employment, services, and revenue, and serve community partners with local organizations.

Sadly, many of our favorite businesses experienced sharp declines in earnings because COVID-19 limited recreational activities and businesses adopted remote work policies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The State of California stepped in and provided over $4 billion in funding to support small business relief efforts due to the financial hardship as a result of the shelter-in-place guidelines. In addition, many Californians and business owners received direct relief through the California Comeback Plan.

I am very grateful to the Office of Small Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) for partnering with business owners, small business centers, and providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs in need of supportive services.

Presently, many of our small businesses are still experiencing financial hardships as individuals and entrepreneurs alike grapple with rising costs of living and the added costs of running the daily operations of a business.

Additionally, as community hubs struggle to return to pre-pandemic revenues, many of our beloved local businesses are closing. These challenges require short-term responses and long-term investment built through collaboration with local and state agencies, alongside private partners to enhance public safety and reactivate our business corridors.

Small business owners please reach out to learn about zero-cost services and programs for local entrepreneurs and business owners to participate in including individualized coaching and learning effective business strategies. As we navigate these challenges together, I encourage you to please share these resources with your communities.

Yours in Service,