California launched a new resource portal at business.ca.gov/shopsafeshoplocal July 8 to support small business owners doing business during the coronavirus pandemic.

Governor Newsom’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery, along with CalOSBA and GO-Biz, created the #ShopSafeShopLocal portal to consolidate all of the resources that are available to California small businesses.

The portal provides comprehensive guidance on the different public health protocols for all industries, including retail, restaurants, office workspaces, construction, and child care.

To help businesses understand and meet new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements for businesses, the portal provides both free resources available through a partnership with the California Manufacturers & Technology Association and a marketplace to connect businesses with approved PPE vendors for face shields, hand sanitizer, plexiglass partitions, and other required equipment.

The Task Force has also teamed up with vendors and state-wide organizations to offer training, discounts, and special offers, such as four free business posts on NextDoor, $150 in matching Google Ad funds, and waived merchant fees for restaurants with 5 or fewer locations on DoorDash.

In addition to small business resources, the #ShopSafeShopLocal campaign kicks off a dedicated month of consumer-focused marketing efforts to get Californians to deepen their support for their local small businesses, both online and in-person.

“It is up to us, as Californians, to support our tenacious small business owners and entrepreneurs to help them get back on their feet,” say Isabel Guzman and Sarah Friar, co-chairs of the Small Business Subcommittee.

“Let’s buy CAGrown, shop at local mom and pops, and order online to discover and support our diverse California storefronts, makers, manufacturers, restaurants, and service providers from every corner of this golden state.”