Duarte Business Support

Occasionally, people use these times of emergency to try to make an extra profit. When businesses raise their prices too much during and after an emergency, it may be considered price gouging, a crime in California. 

Residents and businesses alike must protect themselves from price gouging. Please visit the county Consumer & Business Affairs webpage on price gouging for more guidance.

Duarte Business Statuses

The Duarte Chamber of Commerce is maintaining a list of the latest statuses of our:

• Local Restaurants, Markets, and all other local businesses and organizations

Due to the evolving nature of COVID-19, this information is subject to change. Please give your favorite local businesses a call to verify they are indeed open before placing online orders or leaving your home.

Small Business Stabilization Loan Program

In January 2021, the County announced the Small Business Stabilization Loan Program, an affordable and flexible business loan initiative designed to help stabilize businesses in our region. Loans range from $50,000 to $3 million and can be used for working capital, equipment purchases, inventory or refinancing existing loans at higher interest rates. The Application period opened on LACDA's website on Thursday, January 28, and will remain open indefinitely. In order to apply, eligible businesses are requirement to attend the "Applying for An Affordable & Flexible LACDA Loan" webinar and complete a one-on-one counseling session.

L.A. County Reopening Guidelines

On October 6, 2020, the L.A. County Department of Public Health released the revised Health Officer Order outlining business sector re-opening timelines and guidelines.

Duarte is following reopening guidelines set forth by the state and county. Please see the County's Road to Recovery Roadmap including what's open in L.A. County.

COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certification Program

L.A. County is helping train businesses on the implementation of COVID-19 safety protocols through a no-cost online training course called COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certification Program (CSCCP). Once completed, business owners receive a certificate and window seal to display on their storefront, which can reassure employees and customers alike that the business is following COVID-19 infection control and physical distancing requirements.

L.A. County Assistance Programs

• L.A. County Business & Worker Disaster Help Center: The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs’ Office of Small Business can help connect you to local, state and federal resources, including layoff aversion and emergency loans. To speak to a small business counselor, call (800) 593-8222 or (844) 432-4900 or email Concierge@DCBA.COVID19.LACounty.gov.
• Small Business Administration Disaster Loans: The application link is now open for any California business wishing to apply for a disaster loan related to economic damage from the COVID-19 health crisis.
• Rapid Response/Lay-Off Aversion: Is your business facing the possibility of laying off employees or even closing? The Los Angeles County America’s Jobs Centers of California (AJCCs) can help you get your business back on track. Contact your local Business Service Representative at an AJCC for more information by emailing BizDev@WDACS.COVID19.LACounty.gov or calling (213) 810-1641.
• LA Small Business Development Center Resource Guide: Small business owners can use this practical and effective resource to stay informed, plan, and respond to the impact of COVID-19.

State Assistance Programs

• Small Business Finance Center Loans for Small Business: California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) provides IBank loans for businesses from one to 750 employees (small businesses).
• Unemployment Insurance Work Sharing Program: The Work Sharing Program can help minimize the need for layoffs, retain trained employees and quickly prepare for when business conditions improve, and avoid the cost of recruiting, training and hiring new staff. It also helps employees whose hours and wages have been reduced keep their current job, receive UI benefits, and avoid financial hardships.
• Payroll Tax Assistance: Request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. A written request for extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return.
• Cal/OSHA Guidance on Requirements to Protect Workers from Coronavirus: Cal/OSHA has posted guidance to assist employers in complying with workplace safety regulations in California which require them to protect workers exposed to airborne diseases such as the Coronavirus. Protection is required for employees working at health care facilities and other services including hospitals, medical facilities, labs, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and more.
• CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers: The Centers for Disease Control has provided interim guidance that may help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. The guidance also provides planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks of COVID-19.

Please follow the City on social media and check back here to be notified when other sectors are permitted to reopen: