As regulations, guidance and suggestions change from Riverside County's Department of Public Health, the City would like to provide the business community a landing site for frequently asked questions, concerns, and information.
Please check back often for updates, and email cityinfo@indio.org for feedback, as this page is constantly under construction.
On March 19, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered Californians to shelter-in-place. This order provided some exemptions for essential or critical services. Those exemptions are provided here, and allow for some restaurants and stores to remain operational.
In an effort to provide support for stores and restaurants in Indio, we have compiled a current list of hours and services available. That list is available at the bottom of this page. Please call beforehand for the most updated information.
On March 16, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration also announced low-interest federal disaster loans to help mitigate the economic injury caused by COVID-19, which includes fund available to small businesses in Riverside County. The Orange County-Inland Empire Network of the USBA is also providing free services and resources for businesses.
On April 29, Riverside County announced that the Office on Aging would like restaurants, especially those who deliver, to fill out a contact form or email rcaging@rivco.org if they would like to participate in the statewide food delivery program designed for seniors who do not qualify for other food assistance programs. Seniors can determine their eligibility for "Restaurants Deliver: Home Meals for Seniors" program here and also fill out a contact form here.
Riverside County Economic Development has also launched a website with resources related to COVID-19 disaster assistance. Among the resources made available on May 6 are ReStart loans for small businesses of between $15,000 and $30,000. Apply here. Grants of up to $10,000 are also available for businesses in Riverside County that have not already accessed federal COVID-19 funding. Applications will be accepted from June 3-19, 2020. Call (951) 955-0493 for more information for this and other financial assistance programs through the County of Riverside, and go to www.rivcobizhelp.org to apply. In addition, the County has partnered with United Way and Lift to Rise to provide $35 million in rental assistance to Riverside County residents. See "rental assistance" in the FAQ below, or see here.
On June 9, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved $5 million in financial support to the nonprofit community. Funds will be dispersed through the Riverside County Nonprofit Assistance Fund that will be administered by IECF, in partnership with the Inland Empire Funders Alliance. With over 7,500 organizations countywide, the new program will assist Riverside County nonprofits facing financial strain following the COVID-19 crisis. The application process opens on Wednesday, July 1. More information is available here.
FAQ's on Business and Financial Support
What kind of assistance is available for renters in Indio and Riverside County?
Indio and Riverside County renters are eligible to apply for financial assistance to pay for back-due rent through direct rental assistance provided through the United Lift Rental Assistance Program, a coordinated effort between Riverside County, United Way of the Inland Valleys, and Lift To Rise. This program is intended to keep 10,000 Riverside County families and residents housed between the months of June and November 2020 by providing one-time support in direct rental assistance.
The application portal is available in English and Spanish. The application period is continuous.
Please refer here for the latest information on United Lift and the process to apply for rental assistance.
Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board (IFHMB) and Inland Counties Legal Services, Inc. (ICLS) are both currently funded by the City of Indio through the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Funds. These organizations provide information, trainings and counseling services related to housing rights and responsibilities, especially as associated to impacts of COVID-19.
Indio Office Locations:
- IFHMB provides free counseling, landlord/tenant mediation services and discrimination investigations, and has an office located within the Indio Chamber of Commerce building, located at 82-921 Indio Boulevard. Indio Dedicated Hotline: (888) 885-8020
- ICLS provides free legal services (consultation and court representation) to low-income tenants facing evictions, and has office located at 82632-C Hwy 111 (within the shopping center behind Wienerschnitzel). Indio Dedicated Hotline: (888) 245-4257 (dial “1”, then “1”)
How can I support Indio businesses, and those people who are employed there?
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is compiling a list of local businesses that are open and are providing services through the COVID-19 crisis. This list in Indio is being updated daily, and includes those which are offering delivery, curbside or other service special during our current state of emergency. Those who are interested in supporting these businesses, can also search on social media using the hashtag #CVShopLocal
The Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau is also compiling a list of local restaurants offering delivery and curbside pickup. Here’s the link
Also, here is a list of Indio restaurants that are offering take out service, dine in and pickup options to accommodate our citizens.
Can short term rentals operate right now?
On May 29, Riverside County announced they will allow vacation rentals to resume operating. Those homeowners and agencies wishing to reopen should follow this county guidance, restricting short term rentals to private homes or condos, as well as any other applicable city ordinances or guidance. City of Indio orders regulating reopening of short term rentals must still be followed, and has been updated with a new Emergency Order on June 2, 2020. Read more about that here.
