Economic Development Division
City Hall
170 Santa Maria Avenue
Pacifica, CA 94044
T: 650-738-7301
F: 650-359-6038
Kevin Woodhouse
City Manager, Interim Economic Development Manager
Office Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Closed on Holidays
Check back for updates as new information becomes available.
(Updated: 07/21/2020)
For a PDF version of the information listed below please click here.
Some industries — from shipping to online learning — are hiring to meet coronavirus-related demand. Here are some of the companies hiring right now. See here for more information.
The most complete and up-to-date source of information for businesses in San Mateo County is the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA). SAMCEDA receives information on funding sources and information for small businesses from all levels of government and the private sector throughout the week, and their website is updated often. Please check their website frequently for updates.
Federal Resources
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law by Congress on March 27, 2020. One of the most important and impactful elements of the federal CARES Act is the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). The Payroll Protection Program is the Small Business Administration's $349 billion lending program under the CARES Act. The new Paycheck Protection Program expands the SBA's 7(a) loan program to help small businesses cover their near-term operating expenses and retain employees.
Please see below for links to important program details and an application:
As more programs become available for small businesses under the CARES Act, updates on these programs will be posted here.
A summary of the Local Economic Development Provisions of the CARES Act is located here: https://caled.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/200331_CARES-3.pdf
The full text of the CARES Act is located here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/748/text
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance Loans
Two low-interest loan programs designed to help businesses get operating again as quickly as possible.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Federal Income Tax Payment Extension
Taxpayers can defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers.
California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) COVID-19 Resources
Assistance with applying for relief, guidance through the available resources, cash flow concerns, supply chains interruptions and more – at no cost.
California State Treasurer – California Capital Access Program (CalCAP) for Small Business
CalCAP is a loan loss reserve program which may provide up to 100% coverage on losses as a result of certain loan defaults.
California State Treasurer Fiona Ma’s Small Business Resource List
Includes program websites, program summary and contact information.
An IBank loan guarantee program designed for Disaster Relief specifically and is currently available to small businesses needing assistance to overcome economic injury caused by COVID-19.
California Labor & Workforce Development Agency
COVID-19 Resources for Employers and Workers.
The NOVA Workforce Board has information on filing for unemployment, job seekers and other relevant resources.
San Mateo County Health COVID-19 Exposure in the Workplace
Recommendations from San Mateo County Health intended to 1) to protect people patronizing and working at the location, as well as the local community from COVID-19 infection, and 2) to reduce community transmission and introductions of COVID-19 into new communities.
San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SMCEDA)
SAMCEDA consistently compiles information on assistance and guidance for county businesses and workers impacted by COVID-19, including business assistance programs, the Business Continuity Action Plan, and a variety of other resources which are updated as they become available.
On March 24, 2020 the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved $3,000,000 in emergency funding to support those most impacted in San Mateo County in partnership with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. A process is currently being developed for distribution of these donations. Updates will be posted on the San Mateo County Strong website.
San Mateo Small Business Development Center
The San Mateo Small Business Development Center offers a wide variety of services for current and future small business owners, including assistance with COVID-19 funding sources. All advising services are confidential and free of charge.
San Mateo County COVID-19 Business Economic Impact Survey
This survey is designed to gather data on how COVID-19 has affected our business community in order to develop financial assistance programs that can offer immediate relief.
SAMCEDA COVID-19 Update Presentation (4/13/2020)
City of Pacifica COVID-19 Information
This website includes the latest information (updated frequently) on City closures and suspensions, community information and resources, school information, volunteering and donations.
Follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor. Also, sign up for the City's weekly e-newsletter.
The Chamber of Commerce is maintaining a list of grocery stores and restaurants that remain open during the COVID-19 Shelter in Place. If your business remains open under the Shelter in Place order, please contact the Pacifica Chamber of Commerce to have your business listing included.
If you have questions about your business during the COVID-19 Shelter in Place Order, please contact:
Tina Wehrmeister
Acting City Manager / Planning Director
City Hall 170 Santa Maria Avenue Pacifica, CA 94044
wehrmeistert@ci.pacifica.ca.us
(650) 738-7300
The Tory Burch Foundation supports the empowerment of women entrepreneurs. Their website includes a Guide to the CARES Act here.
Facebook Small Business Grants Program
Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants for businesses experiencing disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. Applications will be available in the coming weeks; sign up for updates on the Facebook site under “Next Steps”.
Assisting local business owners to earn additional revenue through direct support of our healthcare workers.
Salesforce Care: Supporting Small Businesses Through COVID-19 Recovery
Salesforce will be offering Salesforce Care Small Business Grants of $10,000 to provide capital to help keep businesses afloat.
Pacifica's Economic Development Strategic Plan responds to Council's direction to build a healthy, thriving economy. These activities will help benefit both the public and private sector.
The Economic Development Strategic Plan addresses 4 goals for economic development in the City of Pacifica:
The primary city council goal that is supported by this economic development plan is “Fiscal Sustainability”, which includes investing in economic development to increase revenues, funding a reserve/emergency fund, and being well prepared for grant opportunities.
In Pacifica, economic development activities are designed to enhance existing commercial districts to create quality shopping and dining experiences, and encourage activities and development that attracts both visitors and local residents. To accomplish this vision, a baseline of economic development techniques are employed:
Economic Development Strategic Plan FY 2019-20
Resolution No. 31-2019 Adopting the Economic Development Work Plan for FY 2019-20
Starting a Business in Pacifica - a How-To Guide
Additional Resources & Agencies
The following FREE retail business seminars were offered in Pacifica for merchants and anyone interested in the topics. The Small Business Development Center provided this free service in cooperation with the Pacifica Chamber of Commerce, the City of Pacifica and U.S. Bank. The seminars were funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. New and existing businesses were encouraged to attend. All sessions were presented by Paula Mattisonsierra from the San Mateo Small Business Development Center and held at the U.S. Bank, 1655 Oceana Blvd., Pacifica.
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. - Social Media 101 for Businesses
Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. - Starting a Home-Based Business
Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 6:30pm - Website Best Practices for Businesses (rescheduled from 10/19)
Three retail seminars were previously offered in Pacifica for merchants and anyone interested in the topics. The Small Business Development Center provided this free service in cooperation with the Pacifica Chamber of Commerce and the City of Pacifica. All sessions were presented by Paula Mattisonsierra from the San Mateo Small Business Development Center and were held at the Pacifica Coastside Museum, 1850 Francisco Blvd.
Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. - Retail 101: Launching Your Dream
Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. - Retail 102: Marketing Your Business
Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. - Retail 103: Visual Merchandising & Marketing Strategies