Good morning everyone,

During our check-in yesterday with merchants it was good to hear that many businesses have started the application process for some of the loans/grants that are available.

Again please do contact API Legal Outreach so that you can receive one-on-one assistance in the language preferred.

JCBD COVID-19 Impact Survey
We will be sending out a short survey on the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and the shelter-in-place orders has made to your small business. Information collected will provide us important data that we can share with the City, and be used for fundraising efforts that are being planned. Survey will be available in English, Japanese and Korean.

ALERT!
Yesterday an individual entered a restaurant, grabbed a to go order and ran off. A reminder not to leave pick up orders unattended and be aware of your surroundings.

Please stay safe!
 

Boarding up your closed store front with plywood is an option to prevent break-ins/looters. 

Fillmore Street Merchants have taken it another step to give muralists/artists an opportunity to share their creativity but also deter graffiti vandalism.

Photos courtesy of 
Vas Kiniris, Fillmore Street Merchants

Version-LISC Small Business Recovery Grant Application
The application period for Round 1 is now closed. Click here to register for 2nd round of funding that will begin mid-April.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Please go to: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/ to start the application process. Information is available in: Japanese / Korean

San Francisco Hardship Emergency Loan Program (SF HELP) 
Rapidly deployed loans up to $50,000 at 0% interest. Funds can be used to pay payroll, rent, utilities, inventory and more.
You can read more information and apply here
 

COVID-19 Resources for
Employers and Employees

The JCBD staff has compiled a list of resources for employers and employees during COVID-19 and have translated it in Japanese and Korean languages. We’ll continue to update the lists as new information comes in. Please read through so that you and your employees are up-to-date on information that can assist you during these difficult times.

Resources for Employers During COVID-19 
English / Japanese / Korean

Resources for Employees During COVID-19 
English / Japanese / Korean

Following update from Greg Viloria of the Japan Center Malls

UPDATE! For Union Bank Customers in the community: As of 1pm yesterday, I spoke with Jerry Ono and he said they are processing applications in-house manually till their on-line system is ready to go. That is why the pages and links are blank. He didn't have a timeline for online applications. Please go to Union Bank branch to submit your application for PPP loan. Remember, only so many people are allowed in the bank at one time, so waiting times may be longer than usual.

For CB&T Customers in the community: California Bank & Trust's preparation checklist for the Paycheck Protection Act. It is a bit more detailed than Union Bank's list. Check it out. As of yesterday afternoon, they are accepting applications. Here is the link to where you can apply.

Another source to consider...Online Small Business Loan Lender, Kabbage who has been in the market since 2011, might be another source for the PPP 

Reminder that API Legal Outreach staff is now available to assist one-on-one with our Japantown small businesses to help guide you through the various COVID-19 programs, services and loan programs.

Please call 1-415-567-6255 and leave a message requesting help in the language preferred. Currently they provide assistance in the following languages: Korean, Japanese, Tagalog, Cantonese, and Spanish. Please do not forget to leave your name, business name and phone number so that API staff can contact you.

Please notethe changes in operating hours for the Japan Center Garage. Please share this information with your staff and customers.
 

JapantownSF Small Business Group on Facebook – If you are on Facebook, please join the group so that we can keep the communication flowing. This is a private group and open to small businesses in Japantown. Click to Join.
 

Promoting Japantown Businesses
Japantown storefronts may be closed during the shelter in place order but we can still help you promote specials/discounts/products that you are offering on your website. 

Send us a photo and a 50 word description and we will post on the JCBD and JapantownSF social media pages. Please send to info@jtowncbd.org
 

SF Assessing Local Business Needs
Please take the time to fill this survey out. It only 5 minutes to complete. It will provide the Office of Small Business, OEWD, SBA, and other CIty departments info as to specific help our small business owners need now and how to reach them.