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Coronavirus-Business
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- COVID Compliant Partnership Program
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- Employee Assistance
- Financial Assistance
- Fontana To-Go Menu
- Re-Opening Assistance
- Temporary Outdoor Operating Permit
Business Assistance - State of California
Tax Relief for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
The Governor will direct the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to do the following:
- Provide an automatic three-month extension for taxpayers filing less than $1 million in sales tax on the return and extend the availability existing interest and penalty free payment agreements to companies (with up to $5 million in taxable sales)
- Broaden opportunities for more businesses to enter into interest-free payment arrangements.
- Expand interest-free payment options for larger businesses particularly affected by significant restrictions on operations based on COVID-19 transmissions.
$500 Million for New COVID Relief Grant for Small Business
The Governor announced the creation of a $500 million COVID Relief Grant administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development for small businesses that have been impacted by COVID and the health and safety restrictions. Funds would be awarded to selected intermediaries with established networks of Community Development Financial Institutions to distribute relief through grants of up to $25,000 to underserved micro and small businesses throughout the state by early 2021. Non-profits would also be eligible for these grants. Learn more here.
Increase Funding for the California Rebuilding Fund by $12.5 million
Last week, the Governor announced the opening of the California Rebuilding Fund which makes available $25 million to help impacted small businesses rebuild from the economic crisis and keep local economies strong. This program is built to be a resource in the market for the next year as businesses pivot and recover.
An increase of $12.5 million would allow the Fund to be fully capitalized. The additional funding will help the 3rd party administrator of the fund raise $125 million to make more low-interest loans to small businesses with less access to loans from traditional banking institutions.
Business Assistance - City of Fontana

As of Friday, August 21st at 5 PM, the City is no longer accepting applications for the Business PPE Reimbursement program or Microbusiness Assistance program. If you would like to be placed on a waitlist, please complete the form using the link below. If funds become available, then potential applicants will be contacted in the order of the waitlist to submit an application with supporting documentation.
Emergency Microbusiness Assistance
The Emergency Microbusiness Assistance (EMA) program will provide grants up to $5,000 to microbusinesses (5 or less employees including owner) that were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Microbusiness grants can be used for the following purposes:
- Rent/utilities
- Payroll
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies required for business operation
- Business services to increase capacity to carry out business activities (e.g. Point of Sale system, website development, etc.)
Business PPE Reimbursement
Fontana businesses adversely affected by COVID-19 are eligible for reimbursement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Businesses must document that they have neither received nor will seek other grants, loans, or other assistance from any private, local, state, or federal funding source for the same uses as identified in the application. For example, if a business received the SBA PPP Loan for PPE Supplies, CDBG assistance could not be used for PPE supplies for the same supplies.
COVID-Compliant Business Partnership Program
The County of San Bernardino is committed to rebuilding and sustaining a high quality of life for its residents and businesses.
To support our local small businesses and help ensure ongoing compliance with State and County Health orders and direction, San Bernardino County is implementing the COVID Compliant Business Partnership Program.
This program has two components.
- Funding of $2,500 for eligible Small Businesses with 1-100 employees
- Support and Partnership for ALL eligible County businesses who wish to become a COVID Compliant Business Partner
Benefits of Becoming a Partner
Businesses that meet small business requirements will:
- Collect up to $2,500 in funding from the County of San Bernardino to offset costs and impacts directly related to complying with COVID protocols for business
All eligible businesses that participate will:
- Once it has been determined that a company is a COVID-Compliant Business Partner, they will be issued a “This Business Partner is COVID Compliant” window graphic to recognize the business for its commitment to public health and safety. This acknowledgement is encouraged to be prominently displayed for public view at the business location
- Gain exclusive access to receive PPE directly from the County at County cost
Donations
For local businesses that would like to donate essential items such as masks, gloves, and sanitation products, please email donations@fontana.org. The City of Fontana is not requesting donations from residents at this time.
Employee Assistance
The Chamber of Commerce offers local businesses more resources including planning and resilience, supply chain resources and more.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.
The Open for Business Hub lists technology companies that are helping small businesses by enabling remote work throughout this period.
For businesses that have employee and employer concerns.
The Governor’s Office of Business And Economic Development has compiled helpful information about COVID-19 for employers and employees in California.
Workplace safety and health regulations in California require employers to protect workers exposed to airborne infectious diseases such as the coronavirus. Cal/OSHA has posted guidance to help employers comply with these safety requirements and to provide workers information on how to protect themselves.
COVID-19 Resources for Workers and Employers relating to Paid Sick Leave, Disability and Unemployment Insurance, Paid Family Leave, Workplace Health, and Safety.
Another site to provide Federal, State, and local resources to help businesses maintain operations.
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers.
Frequent updates about the COVID-19 virus including State Health Emergency Announcements, Quarantine, and Social Distancing Guidelines.
Financial Assistance
- COVID-Compliant Business Partnership Program
Small businesses are eligible to receive $2,500 to reimburse or offset costs related to COVID compliance health requirements. Learn more here.
- FEMA
Businesses can apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance here.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan
The SBA is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to California small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus. Apply here.
Learn more about the economic injury disaster loan, business interruption insurance, taxpayers’ relief and more through the SBA COVID-19 Resource Guide here.
- Tax Relief
The Franchise Tax Board announced special tax relief for California taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Affected taxpayers are granted an extension to file 2019 California tax returns and make certain payments to June 15, 2020, for all tax filings and payments due between March 15, 2020, through June 15, 2020. Learn more here.
- IBANK Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
Apply for the California Small Business Loan Guarantee Program and Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program through CA Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBANK).
- CA Tax and Fee Administration
The CDTFA has the authority to assist individuals and businesses impacted by complying with a state or local public health official’s imposition or recommendation of social distancing measures related to COVID-19. This assistance includes granting extensions for filing returns and making payments, relief from interest and penalties, and filing a claim for refund. For more information, click here.
- CA Treasurer’s CalCap Program
This special loan program encourages banks to make loans to small businesses that have difficulty getting financing. Learn more here.
- Inland Empire Microenterprise Collaborative
This resource is a collection of microlenders who can provide loans up to $75,000.00 to small businesses. Learn more here.
- IRS
The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. Learn more here.
- Inland Empire Small Business Development Center
Free resources for small businesses to get consulting and access to capital programs. Learn more here.
Fontana To-Go Menu
The City of Fontana, in partnership with the Fontana Chamber of Commerce, has developed the "Fontana To- Go" menu of restaurants that have ramped up their takeout and delivery options to serve you during the Coronavirus crisis. Our local restaurants need us now more than ever to keep family and friends employed. Please help support local food establishments. View the original list of restaurants here.
View the updated and interactive map here.
Getting Ready to Reopen Your Business?
Businesses are encouraged to complete a Reopening Plan, for each business location if applicable. Utilize the Reopening Plan as a guide for staff training and education.
Use this template to safely prepare. Click Here to download.
Re-Opening Assistance
Industry guidance for:
- Dine-in Restaurants
- Bars and wineries
- Family entertainment centers
- Museums, galleries and zoos
- Fitness facilities
- Campgrounds
- Hotels
- Satellite wagering facilities
For more industry guidance, please click here.
Apply for a Temporary Outdoor Operating Permit
The Temporary Outdoor Operating Permit allows restaurants to create temporary outdoor seating areas and/or curbside pick-up as quickly as possible, as well as permits retail stores to create temporary curbside/storefront pick-up areas or outdoor waiting areas. This includes utilizing sidewalks and parking spaces if safe to do so.
The permit was developed to assist businesses with establishing a safe, clean environment for workers and customers in compliance with the State of California COVID-19 industry guidance.
View the Temporary Outdoor Operating Permit here. Please submit applications and questions to Planning Manager Orlando Hernandez at ohernandez@fontana.org or (909) 350-6602.