The Hidden Wealth Foundation News

Paycheck Forgiveness Portal

Raman S Dhillon — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:28:41 GMT

Paycheck Protection Program borrowers: If your loan is $150,000 or less, you may be eligible to apply for direct forgiveness through SBA using our online portal. Follow the steps below.

Find out if your lender is participating.
Watch a video about how to use the portal.
Apply for forgiveness.

For additional information, visit the SBA website.

California’s Recall Election

Raman S Dhillon — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 17:52:03 GMT

Dear California Voter,

If you have already returned your vote-by-mail ballot for California’s Recall Election, thank you for being a voter and helping keep your community safe!

If you haven’t returned your ballot yet, you have until September 14 to do so, but you don’t need to wait until then to vote. Returning your ballot now lets you skip the line and keep voting locations safe for those who need them on Election Day!

Your ballot asks whether or not you want to remove California Governor Gavin Newsom from office, and allows you to select a candidate who could replace him if a majority of California voters support the recall. You can choose yes or no on the recall, and still cast a vote for a replacement candidate.

You have multiple safe, secure, and reliable options for returning your ballot:

Mail – Your ballot includes a prepaid, first class postage return envelope that you can use to mail your ballot back – no stamp needed! To ensure your ballot arrives on time, we recommend you mail it as soon as possible.

>> Click here to track your ballot >>

Official drop box – You can return your ballot at a secure ballot drop box available in your county. Make sure your ballot is deposited by 8:00 p.m. on September 14.

>> Click here to find a ballot drop box >>

In-person – One or more voting locations will be open in many counties before Election Day for you to safely vote in-person, drop off your completed ballot, or get a replacement ballot. On Election Day, September 14, vote centers will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Returning your ballot before September 14 will help ensure safe physical distancing at vote centers.

>> Click here to find a vote center >>

Please allow several days after returning your vote-by-mail ballot for your county elections office to process it.

Together, we can ensure a safe and secure election for everyone!

Yours sincerely,

California Secretary of State

BREAKING: Paycheck Protection Program Extended to May 31

Raman S Dhillon — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 16:22:43 GMT

As President Joe Biden signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021 into law today, extending the Paycheck Protection Program an additional two months to May 31, 2021, and then providing an additional 30-day period for the SBA to process applications that are still pending, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, said:

“Today, President Biden sent another strong message to America’s more than 30 million small business owners negatively impacted by the pandemic: help is here. By signing the PPP Extension Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act into law, the President is providing additional critical relief to the smallest of the small businesses – the mom-and-pop shops that line our Main Streets and keep our local and regional economies going.

“The leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, working with leaders of the House Small Business Committee, Chairwoman Nydia Velázquez, and Ranking Member Blaine Luetkemeyer, Reps. Carolyn Bourdeaux and Young Kim, and Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Chairman Ben Cardin, and Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Susan Collins, ensured a strong bipartisan vote to extend this critical relief to hard-hit small businesses. More than 8.2 million PPP loans have provided struggling small businesses with the relief they need to keep workers employed and make ends meets during this pandemic. The SBA remains dedicated to reaching the heart and soul of the nation’s urban, rural, and low-income communities – the smallest businesses – and removing barriers to access this vital relief.”

Learn more about PPP

SBA and Treasury Announce PPP Re-Opening and Issue New Guidance

Raman S Dhillon — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 17:12:06 GMT

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced on January 8, that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.

This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

Learn more

Please join SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza on Monday, January 11 at 1:00 pm ET for a live webinar to announce the launch of Ascent. Ascent is a first-of-its-kind digital online learning platform geared to help women-owned small businesses grow and scale their existing business.

With Ascent, female entrepreneurs will be able to utilize this platform that brings a modern, e-learning experience specifically targeted for women business owners.

Click here to register

SBA Extends Application Deadline for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

Raman S Dhillon — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 18:51:06 GMT

This week, SBA announced that the deadline to apply for a COVID-19 pandemic Economic Injury Disaster Loan has been extended to December 31, 2021.

To date, SBA has approved $197 billion in low-interest loans, which provide U.S. small businesses, non-profits, and agricultural businesses working capital funds. Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications will continue to be accepted through December 2021, pending the availability of funds.

Loans are offered at affordable terms, including a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. All eligible small businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to apply.

Learn more and apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan

Stay safe from cybersecurity threats

Raman S Dhillon — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 20:50:28 GMT

Cyber attacks are a growing concern for small businesses. Learn about the threats and how to protect yourself.

National Small Business Week

Raman S Dhillon — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 21:39:37 GMT

As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration and cosponsors will host all virtual events September 22-24, 2020. This year’s National Small Business Week activities will include numerous educational panels providing retooling and innovative practices for entrepreneurs as our nation’s small businesses look to pivot and recover, contributing to a stronger economy. The event will recognize the national award winners, including the naming of the National Small Business Person of the Year.

The National Small Business Week event schedule includes three days recognizing America’s outstanding entrepreneurs, shining a spotlight on the nation’s 30 million small businesses across the country.

Women Empowering Women

Raman S Dhillon — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 15:16:48 GMT

We're celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to our Constitution which secured the right to vote for women and marking a monumental step toward the “more perfect Union” envisioned by our Founders. This milestone in American history was the product of the tireless efforts of suffragists and other advocates for women’s rights, who steadfastly pursued their vision of a more just and equal society. At the SBA, we advocate for and support women entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing resources to start, grow, expand or recover a business.

Learn more

Track your vote-by-mail ballot

Raman S Dhillon — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 21:02:45 GMT

Dear California Voter,

All California voters will be sent a vote-by-mail ballot with a prepaid postage return envelope for the November 3, 2020 General Election.

All voters can now get critical updates on their ballots through California’s official “Where’s My Ballot?” tracking tool. Signing up takes less than three minutes!

You can also copy this URL into your browser: wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov

**If you have already signed up for "Where's My Ballot?" you do not need to take further action.**

What you’ll be able to track

You can select to receive notifications on the status of your vote-by-mail ballot by text (SMS), email, or voice call, including alerts if there are any issues with your ballot and instructions for how to correct them to make sure your vote is counted.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to track your ballot every step of the way!

Alex Padilla

California Secretary of State

Today marks 99 days until the General Election on November 3, 2020!

Raman S Dhillon — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 15:49:21 GMT

Dear California Voter,

Today marks 99 days until the General Election on November 3, 2020!

All California voters will be sent a vote-by-mail ballot with prepaid postage for the General Election.

To make sure you get your ballot, we are asking all California voters to double-check their voter registration at:

You can ensure a smooth voting experience by:

Confirming your mailing address
Signing up for ballot tracking notifications

For voters unable to take advantage of vote-by-mail, you can still visit your local polling place for safe in-person voting and same-day registration.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have your ballot mailed directly to your home!

On behalf of the California Secretary of State’s Office, thank you!

P.S. Voting by mail helps protect your community by saving the polling place for those that need it. Double-check your voter registration today to ensure you receive your vote-by-mail ballot.

California Secretary of State | 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, California 95814
www.sos.ca.gov

SBA Programs - Scams and Fraud Alerts

Raman S Dhillon — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 02:13:54 GMT

By Office of Inspector General

Beware of Scams and Fraud Schemes

The Office of Inspector General recognizes that we are facing unprecedented times and is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the largest financial assistance bill to date, includes provisions to help small businesses. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times. Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing.

Scams and Fraud Schemes

Earth Day Every Day: What Did We See and Learn from Earth Day 2020’s Digital Actions?

Raman S Dhillon — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:12:52 GMT

At Bank of the West, we try to promote an “Earth Day is every day” mentality. That’s one reason why we are launching the new 1% for the Planet account1—the first checking account designed for climate action. The account helps you track the carbon footprint of purchases2 made with your compostable3 debit card, and gives 1% back of net revenue to the environment, at no cost to you4. There are lots of great ways to take action, express your convictions, and press for change. Here are some of the most inspiring ones from this year’s Earth Day, all relevant, inspiring, and in many cases ongoing.

Grocery stores not giving customers change back amid COVID-19 related coin shortage

Raman S Dhillon — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 04:11:00 GMT

Kroger is making some key changes at checkout as the U.S. experiences a coin shortage connected to the corona virus pandemic.

The grocer announced this week that they will not be returning coin change to customers who pay with cash during the shortage, and are instead offering other solutions.

Trump administration drops plan to deport international students in online-only classes

Raman S Dhillon — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 21:51:37 GMT

U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs announced the plan during a teleconferenced hearing.

Two of the country’s top universities won a major victory over the Trump administration on Tuesday after the government agreed to halt its plan to deport international college students who only use online courses to study this fall.

U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs announced the government's reversal during a teleconferenced hearing.

SBA Provided $20 Billion to Small Businesses and Non-Profits Through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance Program

Raman S Dhillon — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 20:19:49 GMT

Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the conclusion and success of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance program, which provided U.S. small businesses, non-profits and agricultural businesses a total of $20 billion in emergency funding. In order to assist the greatest number of small businesses, the EIDL Advance provided $1,000 per employee up to a maximum of $10,000. Recipients did not have to be approved for a loan to receive the Advance, and the Advance provided an interim but vital source of funds while applicants awaited a decision on their loan application.

Apply at sba.gov/disaster

Gov. Newsom orders hair salons, gyms, churches, other businesses to close indoor operations in most Central CA counties

Raman S Dhillon — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 01:06:17 GMT

The new order is part of a major rollback in the state's reopening efforts amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered gyms, churches and several other businesses to close their indoor operations in most Central California counties effective immediately. The new order is part of a major rollback in the state's reopening efforts amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Fresno Unified considering starting school year online

Raman S Dhillon — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 01:01:19 GMT

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson announced Monday that the district is considering beginning the school year in a fully digital format.

The district is joining with Los Angeles Unified, San Diego Unified, and San Bernardino Unified that also announced they are considering the same method of learning for their districts.

"First and foremost, I have been in active discussion with all of our Trustees today to discuss their overarching interest in keeping our students safe, while also ensuring that all of our students are actively learning," said Nelson.

Coronavirus update: 10,000 active Valley cases; Restaurants + PPP loans; Fresno schools deadline

Raman S Dhillon — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 01:34:50 GMT

The central San Joaquin Valley now has more than 10,000 active cases of coronavirus and is adding more than 500 new cases each day, according to health officials in the six-county region.

Fresno County reported 346 new cases and three related deaths on Thursday. The county continues to lead the region in the number of total cases (7,627), active cases (5,854) and confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients in the hospital (206). That is more than double the number in any other county in the region.

Will your kids learn online or attend in person? It's time to decide, says Fresno Unified

Raman S Dhillon — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 04:51:04 GMT

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As Fresno Unified moves forward with its plans to reopen schools next month, district officials are asking parents to make a choice.

Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson urged parents on Thursday to make their family's choice, whether they want their children to learn online or come to class for the next school year.

The district is just 34 days away from the new school year and the return of in-class learning.

Governor Newsom Issues Proclamation Declaring California for All Small Business Month

Raman S Dhillon — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 15:54:04 GMT

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring July 2020, as “California for All Small Business Month” today as the Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery launches a new campaign encouraging Californians to help small businesses in their communities operate safely during the pandemic.

California preparing for a surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations, Newsom says

Raman S Dhillon — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 15:48:51 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- California has been getting ready for a surge in coronavirus hospitalizations as cases continue to rise, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a press conference Wednesday.

He said the state has been successful at maximizing hospital capacity and establishing alternative care sites since March. The state now has the capacity to treat 50,000 COVID-19 patients if necessary.

That extra hospital capacity has started to look more and more necessary; COVID-19 hospitalizations have grown 44% over the last two weeks, the governor said.

Road Warrior

Raman S Dhillon — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 00:49:13 GMT

Gurjeet Kaur Randhwa drove a truck from Central Valley, California, carrying fresh produce to dinner tables across fifty states of the United States of America. A former national level field-hockey player in India, she now deftly navigates the American highways ensuring she stays in good health.In order to maintain her truck-driver’s license, Gurjeet must ensure her blood pressure and diabetes is within the acceptable range.

HERoes of the Highway

Raman S Dhillon — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 15:37:46 GMT

Do you remember when you were a child and someone would ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up? The typical elementary school response was firefighter, police officer, teacher, doctor, pilot, or even astronaut cited by children.

For many of you reading this blog, perhaps you already knew you wanted to drive a truck or work in supply chain when you were older. I’m guessing you were in the minority. Most of the occupations children mentioned had high profiles and were considered more glamorous than working in the trucking industry.

International students fear loss of visa after move towards online classes

Raman S Dhillon — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 02:44:14 GMT

FRESNO, Calif. (KGPE) — With many colleges and universities moving towards virtual classes, hundreds of thousands of international students won’t be able to study in the USA.

On Monday, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement said international students must leave the country if their classes are online.

“You know we are in the midst of worldwide pandemic and we are pulling the rug right from under our students,” said Merced College Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Mike McCandless.

Fresno’s COVID-19 tests keep pace, but a higher share of people are testing positive

Raman S Dhillon — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 02:40:37 GMT

After struggling for several months to ramp up its capacity to test for the novel coronavirus, Fresno County has finally achieved the state’s threshold of about 1,500 tests per day.

“We’ve met that metric for about 10 days now,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County’s interim health officer, in a media briefing Monday. “That’s very reassuring. We’ve built the capacity and following through on getting the testing done.”

Help Wanted: Job opportunities in the Central Valley

Raman S Dhillon — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 05:18:36 GMT

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- With so many people's jobs in the Central Valley impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis, we've compiled a list of available job opportunities for anyone looking for work.

If you are an employer and you would like us to add your job to the page (or if a job has been filled and needs to be removed), simply fill out the form on the bottom of the page.

If you are here looking to connect with Workforce Connection, you can call the Business Services Center at 559-230-4062 or email echerkaski@wfc.co to learn more about job opportunities through the job center.

More Jobs

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order to clarify the in-person voting locations required for the November 3, 2020 General Election.

Raman S Dhillon — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 05:01:45 GMT

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order to clarify the in-person voting locations required for the November 3, 2020 General Election. Many county elections officials have expressed concerns about meeting in-person voting requirements given the strain of the pandemic on voting locations and poll worker recruitment.

Press Release: Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order on November 3, 2020 General Election.

Per the Governor’s Executive Order, county elections officials must provide in-person voting options. They have two options for the General Election:

Provide the same level of in-person voting options they had for the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election.

Open a minimum of 1 in-person voting location per 10,000 registered voters from Saturday October 31 through Election Day (November 3). They must also open a minimum of 1 vote-by-mail ballot drop off location or drop box per 15,000 registered voters beginning 28 days before the Election.

In-person voting opportunities will be available in every county’s elections office starting 29 days before Election Day.

Become a Poll Worker

County elections officials need help this fall. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our most vulnerable poll workers will not be able to volunteer.

Serving as a poll worker is an opportunity to help your community, while being paid.

For more information on becoming a poll worker contact your county elections office, or visit https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/poll-worker-information/.

FedEx hiring 800 new employees for warehouse in Tracy

Raman S Dhillon — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 21:28:09 GMT

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- FedEx Ground is hiring 800 new employees for their warehouse in Tracy, the company announced.

The delivery company is looking for package handlers to help meet the "critical demand" within their warehouse, which is located just west of Modesto.

Those who are interested in applying must be 18 or older. You can apply here.

The company said it had implemented safety measures amid continuing coronavirus concerns.

Curtesy: ABC Fresno

Pizza Hut's largest U.S. franchisee files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Raman S Dhillon — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 21:10:57 GMT

NPC International, the largest U.S. franchisee of Yum Brands’ Pizza Hut, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Wednesday.

The company operates more than 1,200 Pizza Huts and nearly 400 Wendy’s restaurants.

In contrast to most of the restaurant industry, Pizza Hut is one of the rare companies to report same-store sales growth in April and May, thanks to higher digital and delivery sales. But the coronavirus pandemic follows years of slumping U.S. sales for Pizza Hut, and NPC has struggled with a debt burden of roughly $1 billion.

By Amelia Lucas, CNBC

Fresno murder suspect dies after shootout with Southern California authorities, police say

Raman S Dhillon — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 19:06:56 GMT

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A man wanted for murder in Fresno has died following a shootout with Southern California authorities on Monday night, officials say.

Fresno police identified the suspect as 34-year-old Nick Costales and said that homicide detectives had been searching for him after they found his mother, 59-year-old Thelma Vasquez, dead in her Fresno home earlier this month.

Controlled Substances Testing Waiver for Pre-Employment Extended by FMCSA

Raman S Dhillon — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 15:44:36 GMT

In order to take pressure off of trucking companies as they return to normal operations and start to hire back drivers who have been sidelined during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended its waiver for specific pre-employment drug testing requirements until Sept. 30.