FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: 3/23/20
CONTACT: Kurt Clark
Phone: (209) 228-3506
Email: kclark5@ucmerced.edu

Central California SBDC Regional Network is Providing Business Assistance for Companies at Risk of Closing or Impacted by the COVID-19 Outbreak

Merced, CA: The Central CA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Regional Network wants companies in Central CA to know that all of its Service Centers are ready to assist businesses in navigating the negative impacts arising from the COVID-19 outbreak, from providing assistance in applying for Federal SBA Disaster Loans to offering no-cost consulting and additional useful resources.

“We know that this is an extremely difficult time for all companies,” explains Central CA SBDC Regional Director Kurt Clark. “Nobody can be prepared for a global situation like this. But what’s essential now is to focus on solutions and ways businesses can navigate through it and survive. The SBDCs are designed to help companies do this – and have been doing it in Central CA for over two decades. We are taking a leadership role in being a support resource to our local small businesses.”

To help people find the most update-to-date resources, the Central CA SBDC has set up a special online resource page at https://centralcasbdc.com/covid-19-resources-uc-merced-sbdc, which offers information on SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), apply for financial assistance, State assistance, informational webinars, and how to request one-on-one no-cost business consulting to develop strategies and best practices to cope with the situation. Central CA SBDC has Centers serving 14 counties. Companies can find the Center nearest them by visiting https://centralcasbdc.com/locations.

While many firms may want assistance to apply for the EIDL, Clark advises they should also look for ways to remain in touch with their customers and look for new ways to generate business. “All our Service Centers have consultants who are expert in social media, finance & operations, marketing and much more who can work closely with business owners to look for creative solutions.”

Note: due to the mandatory “stay at home” directive recently issued by the State, all SBDC personnel are currently working remotely. Companies are advised to contact the Central CA SBDC via casbdc@ucmerced.edu to determine the next steps for arranging an advising meeting or answering general questions as best we can. Current response time is less than 24 hours.

For more information, or to interview SBDC Regional Director Kurt Clark email kclark5@ucmerced.edu. Learn more about SBDC services at CentralCASBDC.com.

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