Support for businesses throughout Contra Costa

By Karen Mitchoff 4 years ago

Contra Costa County cities and chambers of commerce took quick action and have continued to provide support and resources to local businesses during this incredibly difficult time.

The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County is a helpful resource for both employers and job seekers. Its #BounceBackContraCosta initiative supports employers by connecting them with resources and information that can help their businesses, as well as identifying employers who may be hiring.

In addition, the board is doing outreach to community members whose income has been impacted by COVID-19 to let them know they may be eligible for one-time financial assistance. Contra Costa County residents who experienced layoffs, reduced work hours or the inability to work due to school/child-care closures and those at high risk of contracting COVID-19 may receive reimbursement for housing, utilities, child care, telework equipment and other costs. To find out if you’re eligible, call Rubicon Programs at 510-323-1104. For more information, visit wdbccc.com.

Keeping Concord ­informed

The city of Concord and the Concord chamber have been sending out e-blasts regularly about county orders as well as business resources. The chamber staff have been distributing signage to businesses so that customers know the protocol before they enter an establishment. They have also been working with businesses to ensure they have the appropriate supplies to reopen, including personal protection equipment (PPE).

Mayor Tim McGallian holds regular live streams online to update the public about COVID-19 issues. He has featured Dr. Chris Farnitano as well as John Muir Health. The Concord City Council approved the Concord Forward Action Plan, which is a marketing and business assistance program that includes business license relief. For more information, visit these websites:

Boosting Clayton restaurants

The Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA) has also been working closely with local businesses. They have been providing resources and materials about reopening with physical distancing and other modifications in place. They update businesses on health orders so that they can prepare as needed.

They have organized a donation drive to collect monetary donations to purchase gift certificates from local restaurants. They then donate these gift cards to residents experiencing food insecurity.

The city of Clayton is also coordinating with restaurant owners who may need assistance with expanding the footprint for outdoor dining, and they have made changes to the permit process as well. City development staff are available to assist and support local businesses however they can. For more information, visit claytoncbca.org, claytonbocce.org/event/about/9 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

Helping businesses ­rebound

The city of Walnut Creek has launched the Rebound Program, which is a comprehensive approach to helping businesses reopen as we transition through the COVID-19 crisis. This includes free permitting and simplified processes and applications to help businesses reopen quickly.

The city has also been working in partnership with the Walnut Creek chamber and the Downtown Business Association to make changes necessary to allow for use of outdoor public space for outdoor dining and displaying retail items. For more on what Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill are doing to help businesses stay open and recover, see the full story on our website PioneerPublishers.com.
More information can be found at walnut-creek.org, walnutcreekdowntown.com and walnut-creek.com.

Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to Mitchoff at supervisormitchoff@bos.cccounty.us

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