COVID-19 Economic Resources
At Contra Costa County our economic development mission is to connect business owners, employees, entrepreneurs and residents to the tools, resources and opportunities needed to sustain, overcome, and grow after the pandemic.
The following resources are being posted here so that all of us - business owners, employees, and residents – can stay connected during the uncertainty of this public health crisis.
Find out more public health updates at cchealth.org/coronavirus. Also, for check out Frequently Asked Questions or Preguntas frecuentes.
During the COVID-19 public health crises, Contra Costa County Economic Development staff will remain available to clients, businesses, residents, and community partners. Please reach out to us by email or call 925-655-2782. We are here to help and please feel free to share resources, employment opportunities, and resource tips with us. We will post for all to benefit.
Thank you, Contra Costa County
Resources for Employees and Individuals
If your unemployed due to the pandemic, you may be eligible to receive assistance. For specific information, review the following federal, state, local, and non-profit support services.
California Employment Development Department
Purpose: Unemployment Relief
The EDD provides a variety of support services to people who have lost their jobs, had their hours reduced, or had their businesses affected due to the impacts of COVID-19 in California.
Learn more at California Employment Development Department websiteCalifornia Department of Industrial Relations
Purpose: Paid Sick Leave and Labor Law Questions
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs) on Laws Enforced by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office.
Learn more at the California Department of Industrial Relations websiteCalifornia Arts Council
Purpose: Resources for Artists and Arts Organization
The California Arts Council has created a COVID-19 resource page, including emergency funding opportunities, emergency preparedness best practices, and webinars featuring arts leaders and artists from the national arts community.
Learn more details on the California Arts Council websiteWho’s Hiring Locally?
Purpose: Select employment Opportunities
Employers, share your job openings with us and our workforce and economic development network. Let us help share the news!
Local companies currently hiring. :OnwardCalifornia
Purpose: A state-wide job clearinghouse
OnwardCalifornia is an initiative founded by a group of companies, foundations, and humans to get California workers displaced by COVID-19 essential life services and back to work as quickly as possible.
Learn more at OnwardCalifornia websiteCalifornia Labor & Workforce Development Agency
Purpose: Support Services for workers
State of California department charged with providing support services for workers.
Learn more at California Labor & Workforce Development AgencyContra Costa County, Workforce Development Board
Purpose: Resources for jobseekers
The Workforce Development Board provides access and assistance to online career and jobseekers’ resources and benefits for Contra Costa County residents and employees.
Learn more at Contra Costa County Workshop Development Board website
Resources for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Access to information, resources, and expert guidance for helping your business survive the pandemic and adapt to a changing economy. For specific information, review the following federal, state, local, and non-profit support services.
Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant
Purpose: Support for businesses with fewer than 5 employees
This program will provide grants of $2,500 to microbusiness (businesses that have fewer than 5 employees and earn less than $50,000 per year) that were in operation in 2019, still in operation, and were impacted by the COVID-19 public health restrictions. See below for additional eligibility requirements.
Learn more about the Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant 2022
View Microbusiness Grant Flyer (PDF)
View Microbusiness Grant Flyer - Spanish (PDF)
View Microbusiness Grant Flyer - Chinese (PDF)Contra Costa Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Purpose: Small Business Support
The SBDC network provides business counseling and training along with assistance in accessing working capital.
Learn more about the SBDC
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
Purpose: Small Business and Entrepreneurship Counseling
Renaissance provides no-cost guidance to entrepreneurs seeking to establish, maintain and grow small businesses.
Learn more about Renaissance Entrepreneurship CenterContra Costa County Workforce Development Board
Rapid Response Program
Purpose: Downsizing Rapid Response
Companies undergoing downsizing, we coordinate appropriate services, which may include on-site assessment of needed employment and training and access to state and economic assistance.
Rapid Response Staff Contact Charles Brown III, Rapid Response Coordinator
Email Charles
Learn more about the Rapid Response ProgramHuman Resource Hotline
Purpose: Human Resources Hotline for Employers
Monday to Friday Hour of operation is 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Call 1-888-599-7645 for assistance.
Learn more about the Human Resource HotlineCalifornia Employment Development Department (EDD)
Purpose: Work Sharing Program
Employers can apply for the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Work Sharing program as a temporary alternative to layoffs if the business’s production or services have been reduced.
Learn more about the Work Sharing ProgramCalifornia Infrastructure & Economic Development Bank (IBank)
Purpose: Disaster Loan Guarantee Program
Available to small businesses needing assistance to overcome economic injury caused by COVID-19.
Learn more about the Disaster Loan Guarantee Program
California Labor & Workforce Development Agency
COVID-19 Employer Portal is a tool designed for California employers to find state and local COVID-19 guidance for their business
Purpose: Support Services for Employers and Business Owners
Learn more at the California Labor and Workshop Development Agency COVID-19 PortalU.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Purpose: Disaster Loan Assistance program
The SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters located in regions affected by declared disasters.
Learn more about the Disaster Loan Assistance ProgramU.S. Chamber of Commerce
Purpose: Coronavirus Small Business Resources Guide
Resources for your business to survive and grow as you adapt to the new world of running a small business in the age of the COVID pandemic.
View U.S. Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Small Business Resource Guide
Last updated: March 1, 2023