The city of Chula Vista approved a 90-day economic recovery plan May 5 in an effort to assist local businesses as they reopen following temporary COVID-19 related closures.
The plan includes a focused recovery program for small businesses with direct financial and technical assistance, marketing and promotion for small businesses, and numerous revisions to city policies and programs to remove barriers for businesses looking to reopen or relocate in Chula Vista, according to a city press release.
Deputy City Manager Eric Crockett said in an email the city of Chula Vista has a great amount of empathy and appreciation for the business community.
“We hope the implementation of this Plan will help ease their burdens on the road to economic recovery. We look forward to seeing our businesses open back up safely and gradually in compliance with Governor Newsom’s directives,” Crockett said.
He also said the city is partnering with the South County Economic Development Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Third Avenue Village Association to hold industry specific focus groups to maintain lines of communications with our businesses.
Third Avenue Village Association’s Executive Director Luanne Hulsizer said the plan benefits all of Chula Vista.
“I think it’s an absolute win for our small businesses, not just on Third Avenue but in all of Chula Vista that the city has put together this comprehensive plan. It looks like we’re going to have some opportunities for funding, which is utmost on everyone’s mind,” Hulsizer said.
However, Grind House owner Ron Richie expressed concern over conflicting information on available funding for those employees.
“I currently have Payroll Protection Plan funds but I have yet to touch it because so much conflicting information has come out since I applied. It’s very nerve-wracking taking on debt when it’s uncertain when business will return to normal, if ever,” Richie said.
Copy Link owner Kimberly Marshall expressed concern for businesses that typically rely on future billing cycles to keep doors open in the present.
“We are an essential business so we’ve been able to remain open but the most difficult times are actually ahead of us because a lot of our revenue is billed in arrears. For example, we can bill for the previous quarter but these next 90-180 days are going to be tough because everybody has been shut down. We don’t have much to bill for in these next few months,” Marshall said.
However, other neighborhood business owners are simply waiting until they can open doors again to pick up where they left off before the pandemic prompted mandatory social distancing.
Chula Vista Brewery owner Timothy Parker said he is especially looking forward to seeing his regulars after reopening.
“Right now we can do curbside service so business hasn’t drastically changed for us but I’m really looking forward to opening back up and having patrons back inside. I want to see my regulars,” Parker said.
The full economic recovery plan is available on the city of Chula Vista’s website at www.chulavistaca.gov/businesses .
