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Information and Resources for Mountain View Businesses

Page last updated  4/1/2020 at  12:52:55 PM

Click here for State Resources for Workers and Employers

On March 31, the Santa Clara County extended the Shelter-in-Place Order to May 3, requiring residents to limit travel outside of the home except for "essential goods and services" and exercise (so long as social distancing is practiced). We know that this has a big impact on your business, and we want to provide as many resources as we can to help you through this challenging time.

For new information regarding COVID at MountainView.gov/COVID and to subscribe to a daily email on short updates about COVID called "The Briefing," you can text MVCOVID to 22828 or complete this online form: MountainView.gov/COVIDBrief . 

LATEST NEWS

  • City Resources
    On April 1, the City of Mountain View will be launching a donation portal, #TogetherMV, for people to donate funds to help small businesses. Business owners who want to apply for funds can email SmBizCOVID19Help@mountainview.gov to get on an interest list. Interest list members will be notified when the application process is opened and what they will need to apply.
  • Regional, County, State and Federal Help
    We have also compiled a list of resources available to small businesses from other levels of government, including ways to access the recently passed CARES Act stimulus relief from the federal government. Existing resources here are listed below and broken out by topic area in the COVID HELP RESOURCES (COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL) FAQ menu.

    In addition, Intuit’s QuickBooks has partnered with other local tech companies and created a GoFundMe portal businesses can use to apply for grant money. More information may be found here.

    We encourage you to apply for as many and all resources at all levels that you are eligible for.

  • (Thursday, May 19, 2020) The U.S. Small Business Association now has their  Disaster assistance loans  portal open for financial assistance and is taking applications. (Please note that due to high volume, the page may load slowly.)
    Direct link to the Disaster Loan Assistance Information and Fact Sheets (in English and Spanish) 

Useful Links

County and State Resources:  Below are links to businesses to help employers and employees address impacts associated with COVID-19.

  • Santa Clara County Health Department: “Essential Business” information under Frequently Asked Questions  including a full list
  • State of California Employment Development Department: Support services for employers and employees
  • State of California Labor & Workforce Development Agency: Information on worker benefits
  • Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development:  Additional resources for businesses

Federal Resources: Additional information and guidance.

  • Center for Disease Control: Information for businesses on COVID-19-related information including cleaning and disinfecting.
  • COVID FAQs for MV BUSINESSES
    • My business is struggling due to COVID-19 and County shelter-in-place orders. Where can I get assistance? (updated March 31)

      City Resources

      On April 1, the City of Mountain View will be launching a donation portal, #TogetherMV, for people to donate funds to help small businesses.

      Business owners who want to apply for funds can email SmBizCOVID19Help@mountainview.gov to get on an interest list. Interest list members will be notified when the application process is opened and what they will need to apply.

      Regional, County, State and Federal

      We have also compiled a list of resources available to small businesses from other levels of government, including ways to access the recently passed CARES Act stimulus relief from fthe federal government. Existing resources here: MountainView.gov/MVBusinessCV19 and broken out by topic area in the COVID HELP RESOURCES (COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL) FAQ menu. 

      In addition, Intuit’s QuickBooks has partnered with other local tech companies and created a GoFundMe portal businesses can use to apply for grant money. More information may be found here: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/smallbusinesshelp.

      We encourage you to apply for as many and all resources at all levels that you are eligible for.

    • What business are considered "essential" and can remain open?

      The MV Chamber is keeping a list of local Mountain View essential businesses that are still open. You can find that list here: http://chambermv.org/services-open-during-shelter-in-place 

      If you are a business and need to be added to the list, please contact the Chamber directly.

      According to the Santa Clara County Public Health Department (SCCPHD) Order, "essential businesses" include things like grocery stores, pharmacy, gas stations, hardware stores, and laundry services. 

      The full language from the SCPHD is as follows: 

      For the purposes of this Order, "Essential Businesses" means:

      • Healthcare Operations and Essential Infrastructure;
      • Grocery stores, certified farmers' markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products). This includes stores that sell groceries and also sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences;
      • Food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing;
      • Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals;
      • Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services;
      • Gas stations and auto-supply, auto-repair, and related facilities;
      • Banks and related financial institutions;
      • Hardware stores;
      • Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses;
      • Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes;
      • Educational institutions-including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities-for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions, provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible;
      • Laundromats, drycleaners, and laundry service providers;
      • Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for delivery or carry out.
      • Schools and other entities that typically provide free food services to students or members of the public may continue to do so under this Order on the condition that the food is provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and take-away basis only. Schools and other entities that provide food services under this exemption shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other gathering site;
      • Businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home;
      • Businesses that supply other essential businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate;
      • Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residences;
      • Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers providing transportation services necessary for Essential Activities and other purposes expressly authorized in this Order;
      • Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children;
      • Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, and children;
      • Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities;
      • Childcare facilities providing services that enable employees exempted in this Order to work as permitted. To the extent possible, childcare facilities must operate under the following mandatory conditions:
        1. Childcare must be carried out in stable groups of 12 or fewer ("stable" means that the same 12 or fewer children are in the same group each day).
        2. Children shall not change from one group to another.
        3. If more than one group of children is cared for at one facility, each group shall be in a separate Groups shall not mix with each other.
        4. Childcare providers shall remain solely with one group of children.
    • If my essential business is still open, how can I let people know?

      The MV Chamber is keeping a list of local Mountain View essential businesses that are still open. You can find that list here: http://chambermv.org/services-open-during-shelter-in-place

      If you are a business and need to be added to the list, please contact the Chamber directly using the link above.

      Please consider indicating if you are To-Go or Pick-Up only and if people need to call ahead.

    • If my business is not listed as an "essential business" do I have to shut down? (March 23)

      per Santa Clara County

      What if my business is not considered an Essential Business?  Does this Order require that I shut down my business facility?

      You and your employees are allowed to perform “Minimum Basic Operations” at your work place, so long as employees maintain a distance of six feet from one another to the greatest extent feasible.  Minimum Basic Operations include maintaining the value of inventory, ensuring security, and ensuring that employees can work remotely.  Other than to maintain “Minimum Basic Operations,” employees can only work remotely from their residences.

    • Where can I get financial help if my business has been impacted by the COVID pandemic? (Updated March 31)

      We have a few resources available and more to come soon.

      Intuit's QuickBooks has launched a GoFundeMe Portal to give out small business grants. More information may be found here: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/smallbusinesshelp/

      The Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury loan program in Santa Clara County has gone live and can provide businesses and non-profits with relief from COVID-19 impacts. The application portal is now open and can be found through the SBA COVID-19 webpage.

      Businessownerspace.com partners SBDC, AnewAmerica, MBDA, and SCORE are available to help prepare loan paperwork. 

      • Loan interest rates are 3.75% and payments can be made over 15 years to a maximum of 30 years based on cash flow.

      • There is an initial 5-month grace period on interest and principal payments.

      • The loan program is open to businesses from single person, sole proprietorships, to larger companies up to the 500 employee limits set by the SBA.

      • Non-profits can also apply. Their interest rate is 2.75% but other factors are the same as small business loans. 

      • Loans under $25,000 require no collateral.

      • Loans can be up to a maximum of $2 million though collateral will be needed.

      • All borrowers must apply on-line.  

      • Translation is available in many languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin and Cantonese.

    • My company manufactures food that is supplied to grocery stores and restaurants. Am I considered an "essential business?"

      YES. (per Santa Clara County)

       All suppliers of essential businesses are allowed (and encouraged) to continue operating.  This includes businesses that supply food goods and prepared meals to grocery stores and other food retailers.

    • My company provides landscaping services. Can I still operate during the County Order? (March 23)

      (per Santa Clara County)

      Can landscaping services continue? 

      Landscaping services may continue only if they are necessary to protect the safety, sanitation, or operation of essential businesses, such as weed abatement and other fire prevention, tree trimming to prevent a dangerous condition, or clearance of irrigation infrastructure.  Landscaping for cosmetic purposes may not continue.  Landscapers performing services under contract with governmental agencies should consult the relevant agency to determine whether their services are deemed essential. 

    • What if I have a cafeteria at my worksite. Can it continue to operate to serve workers who are carrying out work exempted in the Order?

      (Per Santa Clara County)

      The Cafeteria can operate like other food facilities.  It can serve food to the remaining employees, so long as the employees take the food away and do not eat it in the cafeteria.  The cafeteria should follow the social distancing requirements in the Order. 

    • Can bike repair shops continue to operate?

      (per Santa Clara County)

      Yes, bike repair shops are treated as an essential business (the same as auto repair shops) because they are necessary to facilitate essential travel.

    • Can my company continue to provide janitorial services?

      Yes, janitorial services are allowed as necessary to health and sanitation.

    • Can nonprofit and charitable organizations continue to operate?

      If they provide essential services as described in the Order, then yes they can and should continue providing those services.  This would include non-profits operating food pantries, providing housing for homeless residents, and providing other critical services.

      Service Providers carry out services or work in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements to the extent possible.

    • I operate a food facility. What procedure should I take to keep my patrons and employees safe?

      (per Santa Clara County)

      Follow the best practices for allowable food facility operations included in the Department of Environmental Health’s “COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Measures for Food Facilities”: 

      Notices to Food Facilities [PDF]

      Read the Department of Environmental Health’s Letter advising on the effects of the Order on food facilities: 

      Letter to Food Facilities [PDF]

      Visit the Department of Environment Health>Novel Coronavirus>Informational Links for COVID-19 for the latest practices.

      Consult the Public Health Department’s website for additional up to date information.

    • Is the City keeping a list of restaurants that are still operating during the shelter-in-place order?

      The Mountain View Chamber of Commerce has been compiling a list of restaurants that are still open. The restaurants are mostly operating on a To-Go or delivery only capacity. 

      The list curated by the MV Chamber is available here: http://www.chambermv.org/restaurants-offering-takeout/delivery

      Please contact them directly if you need to be added to the list.

    • Can I get my restaurant listed as one that is still operating during the County Order?

      The Mountain View Chamber of Commerce has been compiling a list of restaurants that are still open. The restaurants are mostly operating on a To-Go or delivery only capacity. 

      The list curated by the MV Chamber is available here: http://www.chambermv.org/restaurants-offering-takeout/delivery

      Please contact them directly if you need to be added to the list.

    • Will permitting or inspections still happen while the County Order is in place? (as of March 19, 2020)

      CITY Construction and permit projects:

      • Suspending all but two construction projects

      • Shoreline Sewage Pump Station - wet well is at a critical point structurally and must complete some work before we can suspend the project – end of this week AND Leong Water and Sewer Main Replacement project.
      • For the Excavation Permits in active construction – all permittees have been told to suspend work and we are not issuing new permits except for emergency projects.  Our PW inspectors will inspect any projects that are for emergency work (e.g., utility repairs/services) and for any building permits that include right-of-way work that are deemed a priority by CDD (e.g., affordable housing projects).

      PRIVATE Construction Projects:

      1.       Inspections - At this time, we are allowing inspections of health facilities and affordable housing projects. 

      2.       Building permit applications - We are not currently taking in application and re-submittals of applications (except for affordable housing projects) but we are working on them remotely (staff picking them up once a week for processing at home since we don’t have paperless permitting)

      3.       Planning applications – We are not taking in new applications or re-submittals. We are working remotely on processing current applications (staff picking up as needed from City Hall).

    • What happens if I see a business that is violating the shelter-in-place directive?

      First and foremost, the amount of vehicles you see in one place may not indicate any violations at all. Please, again, see the County FAQ page about what businesses qualify as “essential.”

      If you believe there is a large group of people gathered who aren’t practicing social distancing, call 650-903-6344.

    • Are there resources for employees who may need a little extra help?

      Yes! Our Emergency Assistance Network (EAN) are working hard to make sure that our community is being taken care of during this time of crisis. Some of our local EAN members include:

      • Community Services Agency (CSA): CSACares.org or (650) 968-0836 located at 204 Stierlin Road, Mountain View
      • Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing: www.sccgov.org/sites/osh, Call (408) 793-0550 or text 888777 for text messages about services.
      • Second Harvest Foodbank: www.shfb.org
      • Santa Clara County Hotlines: Call 2-1-1 for Health and Human Services in Santa Clara County.

      All Social Security Offices have been order to close as of March 17 for in-person services, but online services are still available at: https://socialsecurityofficenear.me/coronavirus-covid19/

  • COVID HELP RESOURCES (COUNTY, STATE and FEDERAL)
    • Resources for workers and employers
      The State of California is taking proactive steps to ensure that workers affected by COVID-19 are protected from discrimination and understand all the benefits available to them.
      • If you are unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness, you may qualify for Disability Insurance.
      • If you are unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member, you may qualify for Paid Family Leave.
      • If you lost your job or have had your hours reduced, you may be able to partially recover your wages by filing an Unemployment Insurance claim.
      • If you or a family member is sick or for preventative care when civil authorities recommend quarantine, workers may use accrued paid sick leave in accordance with the law. If accrued sick leave is denied, you can file a Wage claim.
      • If you are unable to do you usual job because you were exposed to and contracted COVID-19 during the regular course of your work, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits.
      For more information, please visit: https://www.labor.ca.gov/coronavirus2019/.
    • State and Federal Tax Relief (Please note that county property tax deadlines have not changed)

      The deadline for filing California and federal tax returns has been extended. Taxpayers now have until July 15th to file and pay state and federal taxes. In addition, the California Franchise Tax Board and the Internal Revenue Service will waive interest and any late filing and payment penalties that would otherwise apply. The California Franchise Tax Board asks that taxpayers claiming the special COVID-19 relief write the name of the state of emergency (for example, COVID-19) in black ink at the top of the tax return to alert the Franchise Tax Board of the special extension period. If taxpayers are e-filing, they should follow the software instructions to enter disaster information.

      Please visit the California Franchise Tax Board's website for more information about filing your state tax return and the Internal Revenue Service's website for more information about filing your federal tax return. 

      Please note that county property tax deadlines have not changed.


    • Healthcare: Covered California Extended Enrollment

      Effective immediately, anyone uninsured and eligible to enroll in health care coverage through Covered California can sign up through June 30th. All medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19 are free of charge, and all health plans available through Medi-Cal and Covered California offer telehealth options. For more information, please visit: https://www.coveredca.com/newsroom/news-releases/2020/03/20/california-responds-to-covid-19-emergency-by-providing-path-to-coverage-for-millions-of-californians/

    • Department of Motor Vehicles Services Changes (March 19)

      On March 19, the DMV announced that it would be canceling all behind-the-wheel drive tests for the next 30 days, suspend extend office hours and Saturday field office service, and require appointments for in-office visits. The DMV previously announced a 60-day grace period for expired licenses and registrations so that at-risk populations can avoid required visits. For more information and to learn what services are available online, please visit: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv

    • Help for students and student loans
      The U.S. Department of Education is temporarily waiving interest on all federally held student loans and has directed federal lenders to suspend student loan payments for 60 days. For more information, please visit: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/delivering-president-trumps-promise-secretary-devos-suspends-federal-student-loan-payments-waives-interest-during-national-emergency

      • If you have student loans, you may qualify for a delayed or reduced payment program. Just remember, even though you don’t need to make payments now, interest will continue to accrue, and you will have to make up these amounts eventually. Contact your student loan servicer to find out more about your options. If you have a federal student loan, also ask your servicer about alternative repayment plans


      For guidance related to child care and K-12 education, please visit the California Department of Education's website: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/guidance.asp
    • Help with insurance payments (March 18)

      Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a notice on March 18, 2020 requesting that all insurance companies provide their policyholders with at least a 60-day grace period to pay insurance premiums. Please call the Department of Insurance's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-927-4357 or visit: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/

    • Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans (including gig workers)

      (Thursday, May 19, 2020) The U.S. Small Business Association now has their  Disaster assistance loans  portal open for financial assistance and is taking applications. (Please note that due to high volume, the page may load slowly.)
      Direct link to the Disaster Loan Assistance Information and Fact Sheets (in English and Spanish) 

      • Once Governor Newsom requests SBA assistance, small businesses will be able to apply for these loans.
      • These loans can help sole-proprietorships and ‘gig workers’ who qualify as such.
    • FEMA Public Assistance Guide

      Eligible emergency protective measures taken at the direction or guidance of public health officials in response to this emergency, and not supported by the authorities of another federal agency, will be reimbursed strictly under the FEMA Public Assistance program. FEMA assistance will be provided at a 75 percent Federal cost share. Reimbursable activities typically include emergency protective measures such as the activation of State Emergency Operations Centers, National Guard costs, law enforcement and other measures necessary to protect public health and safety.
    • California Employment Development Department

      • Paid sick leave, unemployment insurance and employer help. 
      • Employees can miss work if family members have the virus, using Paid Family Leave. Unemployment assurance should apply to individuals if:
        • Your hours are reduced due to the quarantine.
        • You were separated from your employer during the quarantine.
        • You are subject to a quarantine required by a medical professional or state or local health officer.
    • Meals on Wheels

      Service remains uninterrupted for Meals on Wheels, and constituents can call 2-1-1 for meal delivery.

      2-1-1 can also help with shelter, counseling, employment assistance, quality childcare, senior services, and more.

    • 2-1-1 COVID Information Hotline and General Help Line

      2-1-1 is for general information, questions and resources. By phone, 24/7 M-F it is available in 10 language. By text, English and Spanish.

      2-1-1 can also help with shelter, counseling, employment assistance, quality childcare, senior services, Meals on Wheels and more.

    • Medicare Tele-Health
      • Medicare covers the lab tests for COVID-19. You pay no out-of-pocket costs .
      • Medicare covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine.
      • Medicare covers “virtual check-ins” so you can connect with your doctor by phone or video, or even an online patient portal, to see whether you need to come in for a visit. If you're concerned about illness and are potentially contagious, this offers you an easy way to remain at home and avoid exposure to others.
    • Home loans (HUD-approved housing counselors)

      • The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved housing counselors can discuss options with you if you’re having trouble paying your mortgage loan or reverse mortgage loan. This may also include forbearance or a modified payment program.
    • Credit Counselors

      • Reputable credit counseling organizations are generally non-profit organizations that can advise you on your money and debts, and help you with a budget. Some may also help you negotiate with creditors. 
    • Court Information

      Federal courts are individually coordinating with state and local health officials to obtain local information about the coronavirus (COVID-19), and some have issued orders relating to court business, and public and employee safety. Use the Federal Court Finder to link to a court's website for court specific information.
    • Wif-Fi Access

      • Comcast is increasing Internet speeds and lowering rates for new subscribers.
      • AT&T, Verizon, and more than 100 telecommunications companies have committed to opening access during this crisis
    • Where can I get tested?

      'Project Baseline', by Google sister company Verily, is hosting drive-thru testing at the Santa Clara County. You must fill out the forms online AND qualify with the associated medical questions. If you qualify, you will be given the nearest location to go for testing. More here: https://www.projectbaseline.com/study/covid-19/

      You can also call your primary healthcare provider and schedule an appointment. You must call or contact (if you have an app) BEFORE going to the hospital. You will be asked at many medical facilities if you have an appointment before being allowed to enter.


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