State and local governments support Coachella Valley businesses impacted by coronavirus

With the latests shutdown, the state of California, Riverside County and the city of Palm Springs held a virtual meeting Thursday to discuss resources available to small businesses in the Coachella Valley. 

News Channel 3’s Dani Romero has more on what resources are available now and what’s ahead in 2021. 

Across the valley, small businesses have been hit hard by the global pandemic, reasons why resources are being made available.

In a virtual meeting, California governor’s office of business and economic development showed us what programs you can apply for. 

“It’s income tax credit you could use for a $1,000 down on corporate income tax credit that you owe but you’re also able to use it down on sales tax obligation that you may owe to the state’s so this is really if you really have made any hires," said Trelynd Bradley, Senior business development specialist for California governor's office business and economic development. "This will be open until January 15th. ” 

For more information on the state programs, click here.

And if you are struggling to pay your Southern California Edison utility bill consider this. 

“There’s a program called an economic development rate, you can reach out to their team anytime," said Bradley. "This is another incentive to use right now in the immediate it is a 12 percent reduction locked in year to year for five years.”  

For information on the So Cal Edison's EDR program, click here.

And if you’re a business owner looking into PPP forgiveness loan application.

 “Coachella Valley Small Business Development Center consultants are available to help you with anything questions you may have and the right paperwork you need to submit,"said Joaquin Tijerina, Economic development manager for Riverside County.

For more information on how to book your consultation appointment, click here.

Not only are businesses looking for a lifeline but so are tenants who are jobless.

During the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce meeting, the city announced they approved a residential rental assistance program.

City council has allocated $459,454 of community grant funds specially for COVID-19 relief.

“Anticipated in January 2021," said Jay Virata, Director of community and economic development for the city of Palm Springs. "This program will provide one time rental assistance of approximately $3,500 to city’s low income residents.” 

Payments will be made directly to the landlord.

One local business owner was overwhelmed by the resources shared.

“Grabbing one screen shot after another," said Dominique Fruchtman, owner of Escape Room Palm Springs."I just thought I am going to grab these it takes one second.” 

As small businesses near the end of 2020, any help is welcomed. 

“There was a lot of great information on this webinar," said Fruchtman. "I am really grateful.”