Orange County announces a second round of funding for small businesses impacted by COVID-19

SANTA ANA, Calif. (July 31, 2020) – In partnership with the Orange County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB), the County of Orange is launching the second round of funding for the OCWDB COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Support Program.

Through the OCWDB COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Support Program, eligible businesses can receive up to $10,000 in grant funds. This funding is intended to help local small businesses mitigate layoffs and adhere to “social distancing” provisions established by state and federal public health entities.

The first round originally announced in May awarded approximately $444,000 of the $700,000 in Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds received from the California Employment Development Division (EDD), leaving OCWDB approximately $256,000 to award in this upcoming second round to support local small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Businesses must submit an application on the Orange County One-Stop Centers website at oconestop.com/covid-19-layoff-aversion-program to be considered for the grant funding. Eligible applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds have been committed.

Due to the overwhelming response to the first round of funding, businesses are strongly encouraged to review the application requirements and process in advance. Applications will open beginning August 3, 2020, at 9 a.m. PST and are scheduled to close on August 6, 2020, at 5 p.m. PST or when the maximum number of applications are received, whichever comes first. First-round funding was allocated within one hour of the application going live, and a similar level of interest is anticipated in the second funding round.

To be eligible for this grant funding, businesses must be in Orange County, have a workforce of 500 or fewer employees, and be up to date on Unemployment Insurance (UI) taxes and in good standing with the State of California. Other general criteria employers must meet to be considered for local funding include:

• Priority consideration will be given to Small Businesses located within the Orange County Workforce System (Application will be considered for small businesses operating in the Santa Ana and Anaheim Workforce Systems)
• May only apply for one-site or location in Orange County
• Only one application may be submitted per organization
• Must pay employees minimum wage or more
• Must use the funds to help avert imminent layoffs or furloughs as a result of the COVID-19 economic crisis
• Must be able to demonstrate a need for layoff aversion support due to the impacts of COVID-19
• Must be able to enter into an agreement with Orange County that includes the conditions outlined in the application
• Must be able to complete quarterly reports for up to one year after the award

Businesses can visit the Orange County One-Stop Center website for full details on eligibility requirements for the Layoff Aversion Support Program, including allowable activities and prohibited costs.

For more information on Orange County One-Stop Centers, visit oconestop.com or call the Economic and Business Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500.