Small businesses get coronavirus relief from Stanislaus County

During this COVID-19 pandemic, many people are struggling with feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and exhaustion, as life as we knew it suddenly turned upside down.

Most of us want to do our part to protect public health and to “flatten the curve” of the coronavirus spreading to save lives, but that doesn’t mean it’s not hard. Whether we’ve been laid off, lost business, or closed a business; whether we’re having to work or teach our kids at home or both, life has changed pretty dramatically for all of us under social distancing and stay-at-home orders.

For me, most days are good. I feel fortunate to have a job, a healthy family, and more time, laughter, and creative activities with my kids at home.

I’m honored to work alongside our county’s Emergency Operations team and leaders with Modesto and other cities to help our communities get through this public health crisis.

Nevertheless, there are hours when I reach my breaking point and feel unequipped for the tasks at hand (especially being teacher and principal); there are times when I feel like I’m going to explode.

If you feel the same, I encourage you to find an outlet that allows you to decompress. For me, it’s usually playing piano or going for a jog. For you, it might be calling a friend, working in the yard, taking a bath, or having a dance party with your kids. Whatever it is, take time to recharge.

Practicing self-care and staying alert to our mental and emotional health is important at all times — but especially during this time of social distancing. If you are suffering and need help, you are not alone; please call our community hotline at 211 or 209-558-7535 so we can connect you to assistance.

If you are a small business owner struggling to make payroll, pay rent, or keep your doors open, the county has launched a new Business Services Branch of the COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center to answer your questions and assist.

We have a team of experts to help determine whether your business is considered essential and allowed to remain open, or whether there are ways you could re-tool your operations that will allow you to stay open while abiding by social distancing rules for your employees and customers.

Additionally, the team can connect you to grant and loan opportunities offered at the federal, state, and local level, and can connect people who may have lost their jobs to training, job searches, and unemployment assistance.

This week, the County Board of Supervisors gave approval to provide micro-grants to Stanislaus County-based small businesses of 50 or fewer employees. Up to $10,000 is available per small business facing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

We have enough funding to help 100 businesses; we are looking for donations from large companies or individuals to match the $1 million the county has put into the program so that we can help more businesses and save jobs.

To learn more about the county’s Small Business Relief Program and apply for a micro-grant, go to www.stanworkforce.com or call 209-558-4473. The application window will open April 13, with grants expected to be awarded to eligible small businesses the week of April 20.

Despite the pain and hardship our local economy, individuals, and families are facing, we will get through this. Each day, I try to remember to look for glimpses of joy and laughter, and often to my surprise, I find it in abundance. Perspective is a powerful thing.

This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 1:38 PM.