SANTA ANA, Calif. (February 7, 2022) – Awarded by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), the Orange County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB) has received $3,975,481 in California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program funding to support underserved microbusinesses and entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19.

“This grant opens doors for some of the hardest to reach business owners who are typically confronted with obstacles preventing them from receiving funding, and this award can make a difference in helping them succeed,” said Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District Supervisor.

The County will provide payments of $2,500 to microbusinesses and entrepreneurs facing barriers to accessing capital including businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, individuals without documentation, individuals with limited English proficiency, and business owners located in low wealth communities.

“Many businesses are still suffering from COVID-19 impacts, and this funding is an example of how we are continuing to find and provide opportunities supporting our community,” said Vice Chairman Don Wagner, Third District Supervisor.

To be eligible, microbusinesses must meet the following requirements:

The microbusiness began its operation prior to December 31, 2019.

The microbusiness is currently active and operating or has a clear plan to reopen when the state permits reopening of the business.

The microbusiness was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The microbusiness had less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in gross revenues in the 2019 taxable year.

The microbusiness currently has fewer than five full-time equivalent employees and had fewer than five full-time equivalent employees in the 2019 and 2020 taxable years.

The microbusiness is not a business excluded from participation in the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, as specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (f) of Section 12100.82.

“Orange County’s small business owners and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. “Supporting small businesses is central to our county’s recovery.  The grant program will help alleviate some of the costs associated with new equipment, permits, debt and so much more.”

If awarded, microbusinesses can use the funding for the purchase of new equipment; investment in working capital; application for, or renewal of, a local permit; payment of business debt built up during the COVID-19 pandemic; or costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and related health and safety restrictions, or business interruptions or closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The culture and quality of life in Orange County would not be the same without our microbusinesses and entrepreneurs, and it is important we meet their needs with the resources the County has available,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Second District.

Interested microbusiness owners can apply at oconestop.com/grant-relief-programs beginning February 14, 2022, at 9 a.m. For questions about the program or assistance submitting an application, call the Orange County Business and Economic Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500. Microbusiness owners who do not have access to a computer or internet may contact the Call Center mentioned or visit OC Public Libraries, Garden Grove Workforce Solutions Center, or the Mobile Unit. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility, and submission does not guarantee receipt of payment.  

“Entrepreneurs and microbusinesses bring tremendous value to our community. They create pathways for many Orange County residents, whether it be job opportunities or development skills,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District.

The County of Orange would like to thank the following Orange County community partners: Orange County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB),  U.S. Small Business Administration, Orange County Small Business Development Center, SCORE, Orange County Public Libraries, City of Garden Grove, City of Irvine, City of Laguna Niguel, City of Mission Viejo, City of Rancho Santa Margarita, City of Santa Ana, La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce, Orange Chamber of Commerce, and San Clemente Chamber of Commerce.

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The Orange County Workforce Development Board, through the Orange County Business Service Center and Orange County Workforce Solutions, offers comprehensive services such as hiring assistance, career transition services, and employment services to businesses and job seekers at no cost. 

This WIOA Title I financially assisted program or activity is an equal opportunity employer/program.  Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.   If you need special assistance to participate in this program, please call 949-341-8000.  TDD/TTY users, please call the California Relay Service at (800) 735-2922 or 711.  Please call 48 hours in advance to allow Orange County Workforce Solutions to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this program.

SANTA ANA, Calif. (February 2, 2022) The Ready S.E.T. Orange County (OC) Youth Entrepreneurship Program (Program), formerly known as the “Earn and Learn” Program, is set to relaunch on February 28, 2022, and will now be open to all Orange County youth ages 14-24. This Program is aimed at preparing youth for future business and life skills and was historically available to youth enrolled through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) only. 

The OC Youth Entrepreneurship Program is designed to assist youth in making a successful transition to unsubsidized employment, post-secondary education, military, apprenticeship or trade placement to ensure self-sufficiency and a long-term positive employment outlook. Youth will participate in occupational skills training; financial literacy; leadership development, which includes peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors during non-school hours; mentoring; and entrepreneurship. Youth will have the opportunity to undergo a unique 10-week Entrepreneurship Training delivered online and by instructors with professional business experience who guide students through the process of turning a skill or idea into a venture. Youth interested in launching their own venture can participate in an additional eight-week mentorship following successful completion of the 10-week Entrepreneurship Training. 

The OC Youth Entrepreneurship Program begins on February 28, 2022, and enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will be able to choose among various days and times for their weekly classes. All youth interested in participating must attend an orientation. 
 

OC Youth Entrepreneurship Program Orientation Sessions 

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Searching for a special day to say “I Do” on the most romantic night of the year and at one of the most iconic landmarks in Orange County? Look no further! This Valentine’s Day, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be hosting a special night at the historic Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana where couples will be able to take the plunge during ceremonies performed under the glow of candles. Ceremonies will be offered from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. by appointment only. No walk-in service. Couples must obtain a marriage license and make an appointment to participate. Appointments are limited. To complete an application online and to make an appointment, please visit the following link: https://www.ocrecorder.com/services/marriage-services.

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For those looking to tie the knot on the most romantic day of the year, we are here to help you! This upcoming Valentine’s Day, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be offering extended hours at his offices in Anaheim, Laguna Hills and at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana. Instead of its normal closing hours, the department will be keeping its marriage services units open until 5:00 p.m. Due to high demand, appointments are highly recommended. Walk-ins are welcomed and will be served on a first come, first served basis; however, couples must complete an application online prior to visiting any of the offices. To complete an application and/or to make an appointment, please visit the following link: https://www.ocrecorder.com/services/marriage-services.

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Santa Ana, Calif. (February 1, 2022) – Today, the County of Orange opened the public comment period for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The public may submit comments during the FY 2022-23 Budget development process starting on February 1, 2022 through March 11, 2022 by clicking here.

Orange County residents may also view more information on the County’s ARPA and CARES Act Transparency website for constituents. The website includes expenditure information related to both Acts, an overview of the ARPA funding and the 2021 Performance Plan and links to the US Treasury ARPA website. The ARPA information will be updated periodically as new information becomes available. The website also includes the final reporting on the County’s use of CARES Act funds. The County of Orange is anticipated to receive its final 50 percent of its $617 million federal ARPA allocation in May 2022. 

To learn more about the County’s ARPA and CARES Act expenditures, click here.

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SANTA ANA, Calif. - Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport increased in December 2021 as compared to December 2020. In December 2021, the Airport served 847,671 passengers, an increase of 266.9% when compared with the December 2020 passenger traffic count of 231,033 and a decrease of 4.9% when compared to December 2019 of 891,492 passengers.

Commercial aircraft operations increased 86.9% and commuter aircraft operations increased 9.5% when compared with December 2020 levels. Comparing December 2021 to 2019 levels, commercial aircraft operations of 7,170 decreased 5.0% and commuter aircraft operations of 508 increased 23.6%.

Total aircraft operations increased in December 2021 as compared with the same month in 2020. In December 2021, there were 22,410 total aircraft operations (take-offs and landings), a 24.1% increase compared to 18,061 total aircraft operations in December 2020, and increased 8.2% compared to December 2019 of 20,718 total aircraft operations.

General aviation activity, which accounted for 65.6% of the total aircraft operations during December 2021, increased 7.0% when compared with December 2020, and increased 15.6% when compared to general aviation activity of 12,731 in December 2019, which accounted for 61.4% of total aircraft operations.

The top three airlines in December 2021 based on passenger count were Southwest Airlines (315,770), American Airlines (142,915) and United Airlines (120,831).

1. Aircraft used for regularly scheduled air service, configured with not more than seventy (70) seats, and operating at weights not more than ninety thousand (90,000) pounds.
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3. Includes all Canada and Mexico Commercial passengers and operations.

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John Wayne Airport (SNA) is owned by the County of Orange and is operated as a self-supporting enterprise that receives no general fund tax revenue. The Airport serves more than 10 million passengers annually and reaches more than 30 nonstop destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. More information can be found at www.ocair.com. Like us on facebook.com/johnwayneairport, or follow us on Twitter @johnwayneair and Instagram @johnwayneair.

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (January 27, 2022) – The County of Orange, in partnership with the Orange County (OC) Workforce Development Board and the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards, announces an apprenticeship program collaborative to help Orange County employers develop a skilled workforce with viable career pathways through the creation of Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship programs.

“Employer-driven demand for skilled workers is the catalyst for apprenticeship programs,” said Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District Supervisor of the OC Board of Supervisors. “This partnership comes at a critical time as Orange County employers continue to rebuild and reinvest.”

Benefits to employers include creating a diverse, flexible workforce possessing the specific skills needed in the workplace while instilling loyalty in employees leading to high retention rates.  Apprenticeships increase productivity as employees in a structured training program are motivated to achieve. According to a 2016 U.S. Department of Commerce study called The Benefits and Costs of Apprenticeship: A Business Perspective, participating companies were unanimous in their support of apprenticeships and found value in the program that more than justified the costs and commitments made to the apprentices.

“Together, the Orange County Workforce Development Board and California Division of Apprenticeship Standards is a powerful combination representing the interest of the employer as well as the apprentice,” said Vice Chairman Don Wagner, Third District Supervisor. “Apprenticeship programs help to lift the economic trajectory, which is a win for Orange County.”

The mission of the partnership is to provide Orange County businesses with the workers they need to compete and prosper while delivering excellent training experiences and high-paying career opportunities for their workers.

“There are many alternative routes to a successful career that don’t require a college degree,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. “Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for individuals to earn a paycheck while mastering skills and for employers to fill skills gaps. Skilled trade careers will always be in demand.”

The partnership collaborative is intended to help Orange County employers create flexible, customized training options used to recruit and develop a highly-skilled workforce that helps grow business and foster a diverse and inclusive culture.

“As a strong advocate for earn and learn apprenticeship programs, I want to expand programs that provide an opportunity to learn a trade and start on a path toward middle class stability. Apprenticeships benefit our communities by creating a better trained and skilled workforce, thereby increasing company revenue and worker satisfaction. These programs are structured, successful, and motivate apprentices and businesses for success,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Second District.

Tapping into the expertise of the Orange County Workforce Development Board and the California Division of Apprentice Standards allows employers access to a network of program development, customer service, and support experts.

“Apprenticeships provide tremendous opportunities for apprentices to gain hands-on training and experience in a real world environment,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “Not only do they help create an opportunity for multiple funding streams for businesses, they also instill loyalty in employees which, in turn, often results in high retention rates.”

Federal workforce and education funds can help many businesses undertake new investments in apprenticeship. In addition, tax credits and tuition support are available across the state. Possible funding streams include Apprenticeship Related and Supplemental Instruction (RSI) funding for the classroom, California Apprenticeship Initiative (CAI) Grant Program, California Employment Training Panel (ETP) Investments in Apprenticeship, and California Workforce Development Board (CWDB).

California state-sponsored apprenticeships currently include more than 36,000 participating employers, 90,000 registered apprentices, 700 training programs statewide, and 300 active educational institutions. 

For businesses interested in creating an apprenticeship program or to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities, contact the OC Business and Economic Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500 or email businessservices@ocworkforcesolutions.com.

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Point in Time Count will be held February 21 - February 24, 2022

Santa Ana, Calif. (January 14, 2022) – The County of Orange is among several Continuums of Care (CoC) in Southern California that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development  to reschedule the 2022 Point In Time to the last 10 days of February due to the impacts of COVID-19.

The County of Orange and Orange County Continuum of Care will conduct the sheltered count the night of Monday, February 21, 2022, and the unsheltered count starting the morning of Tuesday, February 22 through Thursday, February 24.

For additional information about the 2022 Point In Time Count, including details on how to volunteer, please visit https://www.everyonecountsoc.org/.

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(Santa Ana, CA) – With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surging in Orange County, the OC Health Agency strongly urges residents and visitors to strictly follow proper masking, proper hand-hygiene, physical distancing, and other non-medical preventative measures to minimize further spread of this highly transmissible variant.

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Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be offering virtual marriage services to the public by appointment only effective January 18, 2022. This will help reduce crowds at the department’s offices and help couples minimize exposure to COVID-19, allowing them to obtain marriage services from the comfort and safety of their homes.
These services are also geared towards helping first-responders and military personnel tie the knot without having to take time off from their busy work schedules. The department will offer virtual marriage appointments only from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays, and on a first come, first served
basis. Appointments will be limited so schedule your appointment soon! Couples must purchase a marriage license and have a virtual civil marriage ceremony performed during their appointment. To complete a marriage license application and to make an appointment, couples must visit the department’s online appointment system at https://cr.ocgov.com/portal_OC/emarriagescheduler/. For more information, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 or visit OCRecorder.com.

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