For Businesses

DOWNTOWN ALAMEDA

Bookmark this Page: COVID-19 Updates for Businesses

A revised and extended Shelter In Place Order is in effect in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. We're committed to keeping businesses up-to-date with relevant information; bookmark this page and check back for regular updates.

City of Alameda Updates

updated 5/27/20

Town Halls & Webinars

updated 5/28/20

Reopening Businesses Safely

updated 5/28/20

Economic Assistance Programs

updated 5/1/20

COVID-19 Business Resources

updated 5/12/20

Committees & Member Info

updated 5/22/20

NEW the reopen guide

As we slowly begin to open, we are happy to present “the reopen guide.” These actionable steps will help you transition into the next phase while maintaining safe spaces for workers and customers.

CLICK HERE

open for business

We're providing an easy-to-share list for community members who are looking for ways to support you. Please add or update the status of your Downtown Alameda business.

CLICK HERE

Join Us! Share Ideas! Learn from Others!

Virtual Mixer Mondays

Grab your favorite libation and socialize online with your Downtown neighbors. This is an opportunity to have casual discussions about how we can help each other. Occurs every other week, starting at 5:30pm.

Next session: June 1

Join Here!

Town Hall: Tuesdays @ 2

Learn what is being done to support our local business community and get questions answered. This webinar series is in partnership with the City of Alameda and is open to all Alameda businesses. Occurs weekly.

Next session: June 2

Join Here!

Coffee Talks

Relax with a morning beverage while a local expert from our Downtown community shares insights into the finer details of operating a business during this unprecedented economic time... and beyond.

Next session: TBA

View Previous Session

Recent Page Updates
5/28/20 updated - Webinars and Town Halls (Webinars)
5/27/20 added - Alameda Strong Community Fund (Alameda)
5/18/20 added - "the reopen guide" for Downtown Alameda Businesses (Safety)
5/18/20 added - Businesses Allowed to Operate in Alameda County (Safety)
5/17/20 added - City Manager's Letter to Alameda Businesses (Alameda)
5/12/20 added - Statewide Industry Guidance & Checklists for Operating Safely (Safety)

CITY OF ALAMEDA UPDATES

The City of Alameda committed to keeping businesses up-to-date with relevant information. Regular updates and information that may help business owners with the economic impacts of COVID-19 are being posted on the city's website:

Preparing to Reopen
Webinars + Town Halls
Business Loans & Grants
Tax Extensions, Deferments, and Credits
Eviction Relief for Businesses
Other Resources for Businesses

Alameda Business Resources

Worker Resources

City Manager's Letter (5/17)

City's COVID-19 Updates

NEW! Alameda Strong Community Fund: In partnership with our local business associations, the City has launched a new "Alameda Strong" campaign to raise money for Alameda businesses, residents, and non-profits adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the grant awards, small businesses and non-profits could receive up to $7,500; sole proprietor businesses could receive $3,750. The goal is to raise over $1 million for grants that can help our most vulnerable small businesses. Help get the word out about this new program! More info: www.alamedastrong.org

Please Note: The grant application for businesses is not available yet. Sign up to be notified when the application process will open.

UPCOMING WEBINARS & TOWN HALLS
The City of Alameda, West Alameda Business Association, and Alameda Chamber host special guests to discuss resources available for small businesses. Click on webinar titles to register.

Friday, May 29, 10:30am - Small Business Development Center Live Q&A (hosted by SBDC)
Tuesday, June 2, 2:00pm - Town Hall: Tuesdays @ 2 (hosted by Downtown Alameda Business Association)
Thursday, June 4, 10:30am - Open Your Business Safely (hosted by Chamber of Commerce)

Past Online Discussions - click on titles to view

Best Practices in Retail and Restaurant Re-opening (May 27, 2020)
Panel Discussion: Helping to Define "The New Norm" (May 22, 2020)
Next Steps for SBA Loan Recipients (May 21, 2020)
Town Hall: Tuesdays @ 2, special guest: State Insurance Commissioner (May 12, 2020)
Preparing for the New Normal, with SBDC and SCORE (May 6, 2020)
Legal Insights with Robert Matz (May 1, 2020)

SAFETY PROTOCOLS & REQUIREMENTS
As California moves into Stage 2 of our Resilience Roadmap, every business should take steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and create a safer environment for workers and customers. Before reopening, all facilities must:

Perform a detailed risk assessment and implement a site-specific protection plan
Train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19, including how to screen themselves for symptoms and stay home if they have them
Implement individual control measures and screenings
Implement disinfecting protocols
Implement physical distancing guidelines

These key documents will guide you in preparing a safe workplace and implementing the required protocols:

the reopen guide (Downtown Alameda Business Association, updated 5/28/20)
Businesses Allowed / Not Allowed to Operate (Alameda County)
Statewide Industry Guidance to Reduce Risk (State of California)

Social Distancing Protocol Form Requirement
A revised and extended Shelter in Place Order requires businesses operating in Alameda County to create and post a tailored “Social Distancing Protocol” explaining how the business is complying with social distancing requirements. It must be posted at the public entrance in plain sight. Download the county's Social Distancing Protocol form: Click Here

Face Coverings Required - Download an Entry Sign
Effective April 17, face coverings must be worn by the public, employees, contractors, owners, and volunteers when at essential businesses. Download an entry sign and post by your entrance: Click Here

Need a large format sign for posting at your entrance? Pick up a FREE sign at Island Print Express (1422 Park Street) between 10am and 2pm.

ECONOMIC RELIEF PROGRAMS

Payroll Protection Program (PPP)
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides federally guaranteed, forgivable loans to small businesses. Loans will be forgiven if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed persons are also eligible. Learn more about the PPP and the information that will be requested when you apply with a lender: www.sba.gov/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program

The application process for Paycheck Protection Program reopened Monday, April 27. Information about the PPP is now available in 17 additional languages on the city's website. View a list of Alameda banks approved to offer SBA Loans.

Pandemic Unemployed Assistance
As part of the federal CARES Act, the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program helps business owners, self-employed, independent contractors, have limited work history, and others not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance as a direct result of limited business operation during the pandemic.

The EDD is currently accepting online applications for this program. More Info

Eviction Relief & Deferred Rent for Businesses
The Alameda City Council has taken action to protect residential and commercial tenants from being evicted for non-payment of rent due to a substantial loss of income/revenue because of COVID-19. These protections will remain in place for 30 days after the declared state of emergency is over. Tenants will then have 180 days to catch up on any deferred rent that was not paid from March 1, 2020 to 30 days following the end of the local emergency declaration. Read More

Business Tax Extensions, Deferments, and Credits
State and federal governments are assisting businesses experiencing economic hardship related to COVID-19:

Business License and Business Improvement Area fees: Payment of Business License and Business Improvement Area fees is deferred for sixty (60) days -- penalties apply after September 1, 2020.
State Income Tax Extension: Most small businesses now have until July 31, 2020 to file first quarter returns. If you qualify, the extension is automatic and you do not need to submit a request. More info: www.cdtfa.ca.gov#relief
State Payroll Tax Extension: Employers may request up to a 60-day extension from the EDD to file state payroll reports and/or deposit payroll taxes without penalty or interest. More Info: www.edd.ca.gov/payroll_taxes
Deferred Payment of Sales & Use Tax: Effective April 2, 2020, small businesses can take advantage of a 12-month, no-interest payment plan for up to $50,000 in sales and use tax liability. It’s essentially an interest-free loan. Payment plan requests can be made through the state's online services system. More Info: www.cdtfa.ca.gov#small-business-payment
Employee Retention Tax Credit: Refundable payroll tax credits are available for 50% of qualified wages that eligible employers pay their employees. The credit applies to qualified wages paid after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. More Info: www.irs.gov
Federal Tax Extension: The IRS has extended the deadlines to file and pay federal income taxes to July 15, 2020. More info: www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief
County Property Tax Penalty Waiver: Businesses deemed "non-essential" and required to close, may apply for a waiver of penalties for late payment. Full payment of the second installment must be made by May 4. More info: https://treasurer.acgov.org

LOCAL BUSINESS GUIDANCE & RESOURCES
Local organizations are available to help equip you with tools and guide you through the economic difficulties posed by COVID-19:

EAST Bay Score offers business counselling services, including help with applying for a SBA Disaster Assistance Loan. All counseling sessions are conducted by telephone, video, or email. East Bay Score can be reached at 510-273-6611 or info@eastbayscore.org.
Alameda County SBDC provides one-on-one counselling for small businesses and has a wealth of information about resources and programs. Free online webinars are available featuring interviews with experts in capital resource, e-commerce, and more.

Small Business Survival Guide and Resources
California SBDC has compiled the latest news and resources in a Small Business Survival Guide that helps employers and employees get through the economic hardship of COVID-19 and prepare for a stronger reopen: www.californiasbdc.org/covid19

COVID-19 Resources for Businesses:

The Reopening Guide for Downtown Alameda Businesses

City of Alameda COVID-19 Business Resources

CDC: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Businesses & Employers

Map of Hand-Sanitizing Stations in Alameda
How to Prevent Catching & Spreading Illness (post in your business)

Message from the Executive Director:

Hello there…

I’m thinking a lot about our community: all of you, who comprise this vibrant and vital district. The shopkeepers, restaurateurs, business owners and your employees. I hope you’re staying safe and healthy.

During my first week as Downtown Alameda Business Association, Executive Director, I had been fortunate to stop in to meet some of you. Sady, these in-person introductions are on hold for now, but I want you to know I am honored to be here...to listen...and learn.

We are facing a challenging time. This is uncharted territory for all of us and it is constantly evolving. As we navigate this new path together, please let me know what you need. I am available at kathy@downtownalameda.com.

I want you to know, with certainty, that your Downtown Association's leadership is committed to support and advocate for you during this challenging time— whether it’s to provide a reliable place to go for up-to-date, factual information, access business resources, or simply offer an opportunity to connect. How can we help?

It's an unprecedented time, and I want to make sure we keep supporting each other like the great community we are.

Be well,

Kathy Weber
Executive Director

For Members:

The Reopen Guide

Our team has reviewed available COVID-19 resources to define best practices with actionable steps to help you transition into the next phase of reopening your business.

Download Now

COVID-19 Business Relief Grant

The City of Alameda plans to offer another source of small business emergency funding to help our local businesses. This one will be funded by community donations.

Coming Soon!

Social Media 101

Learned how to grow your presence on Facebook and Instagram using best practices. Topics include: creating content, engaging with followers, and using hashtags.

View Presentation

About the Downtown Alameda Business Association

Mission & Purpose

The Downtown Alameda Business Association serves as a support network for the businesses located in Alameda's Park Street Business District. The Downtown Association's goal is to develop an economically prosperous business district through a united effort of its members.

Board & Committees

All meetings are held online. Contact the office for access.

Outreach Committee - Develops and maintains relationships with stakeholders and important entities including local businesses, property owners, City staff, and various government agencies.
First Tuesdays, 8:30am.

Operations Committee - Plans and executes key programs that are vital to the Downtown Association including managing the L&L Assessment and operational functions for street maintenance, event execution, and volunteers.
Second Tuesdays, 8:30am.

Marketing Committee - Develops the Downtown Association’s long-term marketing plan, creating a consistent brand and key messaging strategy to bring visitors to the downtown; plans and implements public events.
Third Thursdays, 4:00pm.

Board of Directors - Provides oversight and governance of the association, determines the annual budget, and represents the membership on issues that affect the District. Board members are elected by the membership.
Meets last Wednesday of the month, 8:00am. Board Packets

View the 2020/21 Annual BIA Report & Work Plan

Things To Know

The Downtown Alameda Business Association's staff are available to answer any questions you may have about our Downtown community -- send us an email, call, or schedule a meeting. In the meantime, our Member Portal is full of information you will find to be beneficial.

Welcome, Member!

Welcome to the Downtown Alameda Business Association! We are thrilled to have you and your business as a new member of our community.

As a retail, professional, or service business located within the designated Park Street Business Improvement Area (BIA), you are automatically a member of the Downtown Association with payment of BIA dues as set forth by the City ordinance. The BIA fee is paid in conjunction with your business license each year. (Members outside the BIA boundaries may join as an Associate Member.)

Member fees are vital to maintaining and decorating public areas in the downtown district, supporting committee efforts to create a desirable business climate, contributing to the operational costs of the Downtown Association, as well as promoting the downtown district to a wide audience.

While you become more familiar with the downtown district, we look forward to assisting you with the many member-focused opportunities provided by our association. We're also excited to help you engage with local customers by showcasing your business online and through other marketing channels.

We hope the information compiled on this page will be beneficial as you get your business up and running.

Sincerely,

The Downtown Alameda Business Association's Board of Directors and Staff

What Your Association Does For You

The Downtown Alameda Business Association is hard at work year-round with our members in mind. The goal of our organization is to help businesses thrive while improving our historic downtown and maintaining an economically prosperous district that is family-friendly, clean, green, and safe.

Here are some of the things we do for our Downtown Alameda businesses:

ADVERTISING/MARKETING

Coordinate both both on- and off-island promotions to attract visitors to the downtown district
Publicize member events, promotions, and fundraisers through our online channels and local media contacts
Host networking opportunities to increase awareness of local businesses to other downtown business owners and managers

DOWNTOWN EVENTS

Produce long-standing annual events that bring thousands of visitors to the district
Activate local areas during street closure events to bring local businesses to the forefront
Create innovative events such as Downtown Strolls to drive traffic into your business
Coordinate effective district-wide seasonal marketing campaigns to drive traffic into your business

DISTRICT MAINTENANCE & SAFETY

Monitor street maintenance and trash collection ensuring service is provided as scheduled
Work with the City to install additional recycle/compost stations in the district
Maintain our Clean, Green & Safe Fund to provide resources for the beautification of our historic district
Work diligently with the Alameda Police Department to stay on top of any safety issues in our downtown district

ADVOCACY & MEMBER SUPPORT

Advocate on behalf of member businesses regarding municipal issues, ordinances, and new projects
Work with members to access grant funding opportunities as they become available
Communicate district news, activities, and business opportunities via association newsletters and online forums
Support in a variety of capacities through personal visits
Provide discounted monthly parking passes available for two Municipal Lots
Host complimentary member events including mixers, workshops, and our annual holiday party

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Collaborate with community organizations to create a positive image of the downtown district and promote community-focused events.
Support local art programs including 2nd Friday ArtWalks
Our staff and Board members sit on multiple committees in the interest and betterment of downtown including: Coalition of Alameda Business Associations, City’s Economic Task Force, Facade Grant Committee, Government Relations & Economic Development Committee, Carnegie Restoration Project, Homeless Outreach Team, Climate Action Plan, and IntraCity Shuttle Project

Membership Categories

Promoting a healthy retail/service climate in our downtown district benefits the entire community. Membership fees are vital to maintaining and decorating public areas in the downtown district, supporting committee efforts to create a desirable business climate, contributing to the operational costs of the Downtown Association, as well as promoting the downtown district to a wide audience.

Retail, professional, and service businesses located within the designated Park Street Business Improvement Area (BIA) are automatically a General Member of the Downtown Alameda Business Association with payment of BIA dues as set forth by City ordinance.

Businesses located outside the BIA boundaries may become Associate Members with payment of annual dues. Our Associate Membership program allows businesses operating in other parts of Alameda to support our mission while taking advantage of member benefits and a variety of marketing opportunities.

View member benefits: www.DowntownAlameda.com/about/membership/

What's a BIA?

Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) are used extensively throughout California to promote a healthy retail/service climate as well as a district that is aesthetically pleasing and clean. Perhaps the biggest advantage to being in a Business Improvement Area is the knowledge that the welfare of the district is being actively pursued by both hired staff and civic-minded volunteers.

The Park Street Business Improvement Area (BIA) was formed in 1989 and codified in the Alameda Municipal Code (AMC), Section 6-7. Each year, the City Council re-confirms the Park Street BIA and sets the levy that becomes "dues" for businesses located within the designated improvement area.

Revenues from the BIA directly benefit businesses located in Downtown Alameda through the general promotion of business activities and public events, beautification and ambiance, construction and maintenance of parking facilities, and special projects benefiting the business area.

The Park Street BIA includes the "Theatre District" (Zone A) and the surrounding downtown business area (Zone B), including the newly added Park Street Landing.

The Park Street BIA is managed by the Downtown Alameda Business Association (formerly known as the Park Street Business Association).

View background info for fiscal year 2019/2020 (boundaries map and address list, BIA fee schedule, Downtown Association work plan): City Council agenda item (May 7, 2019)

Additional information about the City of Alameda's Business Improvement Areas (BIA's) is available on the city website:
www.alamedaca.gov/Business/Business-Associations-Improvement-Areas

Businesses located in and around Park Street are encouraged to contact the Downtown Alameda Business Association for further details.

Ways To Get Involved

Your business and our district depend on how proactive business owners and managers like you are throughout the year. There is always a way for you to make a difference that can benefit you, your staff, your business, and our entire historic downtown district.

Join a committee

Sit on one of our four standing committees or join a subcommittee.

Become a block captain

Our block captains help to welcome new businesses and distribute important announcements within an assigned area.

Volunteer to help with district events

Assist in producing one of our exciting downtown events.

Attend monthly mixers

Our downtown business mixers are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month. Join the conversation at a mixer or other special meeting. Maybe even host a mixer.

Speak up at a City Council

Your opinion matters. We'll notify you when an important topic affecting downtown businesses is scheduled to be heard at City Council.

Write an article for our monthly newsletter

Share your business tips.

Promote the downtown district in your emails and on social media

Help us spread the word about how great it is to live, work, shop, dine, and do business in Downtown Alameda! Tag your social posts with #DowntownAlameda

Participate in an online discussion group

Join a private GOOGLE GROUP or FACEBOOK GROUP to communicate directly with other merchants in our downtown district!

Send alerts

Ask for advice

Recommend a service

Share good news

To join one or both groups, send a request to: office@downtownalameda.com

Update Your Business Listing

Having your business listed on the Downtown Alameda website is a member benefit we provide to help you gain more exposure. Our website gets lots of traffic each month as thousands of visitors search for information on events, current news, and businesses located in the downtown district.

The online directory includes custom pages for each of our member businesses. Each business page includes business description, location info and map, link to your official website, and a business profile image. Additionally, to help visitors identify your type of business, businesses can be listed in one or two subcategories -- for example, maybe you offer Home Services and Design Services.

Take a moment to look for your business on our website: www.DowntownAlameda.com/Merchant-Directory

If you cannot find your business or would like to make changes to your business listing, please email office@downtownalameda.com.

Post an Event

The Downtown Association’s website includes a page for posting events happening in the district. Anybody can post events. There is no need to log in.

After an event is submitted, it is reviewed by an administrator to ensure the event takes place at a member business within the district. Approval can sometimes take up to 2 days so be sure to submit your event well in advance.

Submit your event here: www.DowntownAlameda.com/calendar/

(Look for the blue "Submit An Event" button.)

Report a Safety Issue

Doing Business in Alameda

Our online resources can help you to successfully start and operate a business in Alameda. Topics include:

Starting a Business in Alameda

Business Improvement Grants

Permit Applications (new, remodel, signs, special events)

Alameda's Green Ordinances (recycling & composting, plastic bags, foodware, straws)

Smoking and Tobacco Ordinances

Temporary Sign Guidelines

Minimum Wage Official Notice

Important Phone Numbers

Learn more about each topic and access links to the city's website: www.DowntownAlameda.com/doing-business/

Our Leadership

The Downtown Alameda Business Association’s Board of Directors,
committees, and staff work year-round in collaboration with the City of
Alameda, community organizations, association stakeholders, and all of
you to focus on important issues and activities that keep our downtown
vital, clean, green, and safe.

View the current Board of Directors roster and staff listing: www.DowntownAlameda.com/about/leadership/

Our Guiding Documents

The Park Street Business Association (dba Downtown Alameda Business Association) is a 501(c)6 organization. The association was first formed in 1981 by community leaders and downtown business owners. The association acts as the advisory board for the Park Street Business Improvement Area which was codified in 1989.

By-Laws:

Association By-Laws; revised 8/8/18

Policies:

Operating Reserve; adopted 1/30/19

Document Retention; adopted 1/30/19

Transparency; adopted 1/30/19

Procurement & Purchasing; adopted 2/27/19

Financial Reports:

FY18/19 Tax Return (most current report filed)

FY18/19 Balance Sheet

FY18/19 P&L

Work Plans:

FY2019/2020 Budget

FY2019/2020 Work Plan

Monthly Mixers

Downtown business mixers provide an opportunity for our members to network and receive district updates.

Bring your business card for a chance to win a door prize!

Next Downtown Mixer:

MONDAY VIRTUAL MIXER

Monday, June 1
5:30-6:30pm
Location:
ONLINE

Mark your calendar... Downtown Mixers are usually held the third Wednesday of the month.

Newsletters

Updates regarding COVID-19 resources and other news are currently being emailed weekly.

Past Newsletters:

.....

Not receiving our newsletters and other email updates? If your business is located in Downtown Alameda, please contact our office to be added to our email list.