Connect with us

Business

Pandemic Besieged Small Businesses Struggle to Reopen Across All Major Metros in California, But Vaccine Rollout Brightens Outlook

Published

on

Small Business Revenues Scorched, Leisure and Hospitality Businesses Hit Hardest; Job Recovery Underway In Urban Centers

The number of ‘open’ small businesses in five of California’s largest metropolitan areas remains far below pre-pandemic levels – and has declined precipitously just since the surge in new COVID-19 cases hit the nation in late 2020, according to a new analysis released today by Beacon Economics.

As of early February, San Francisco has fared the worst with a 50.5% decline in the number of small businesses that are open and operating in the region compared to one year ago. Los Angeles has fared best with 34% fewer open small businesses, followed by San Diego (36.7%), the East Bay (37.2%), and the South Bay (40.3%). With the exception of Los Angeles, all metro regions performed worse than the state or nation as a whole where open small businesses have declined 35.4% and 34.2%, respectively.

In each region, steep drops in the number of open small businesses have occurred just since November when strict, health-mandated closures and restrictions were once again implemented following the largest surge in new COVID cases in the state to date. 

“These latest findings underscore just how badly small businesses, and their ability to operate, have been curtailed by the pandemic and the ongoing restrictions on activity,”  said Taner Osman, Research Manager at Beacon Economics. “However, with several effective vaccines rolling out in earnest, and with new virus cases falling across the state and nation, the outlook for small business is much brighter for the coming year.” 

Osman notes that these data do not suggest that businesses that are not open have closed permanently, but the longer they remain closed, the greater the likelihood of that occurring. “How this ultimately plays out for individual businesses will depend on whether they have the resources to sustain themselves until things open up widely and permanently again,” said Osman. “The good news is that a sustained reopening is drawing closer and while we may not completely return to trend this year, the economy is on the path to full recovery, bringing small business with it.” 

Revenues at small businesses have also been hammered, in many cases falling by close to or more than three-quarters compared to pre-pandemic levels. Key small business findings by region include:

  • San Francisco Metro (SF and San Mateo Counties): Like elsewhere, San Francisco’s Leisure and Hospitality small businesses have suffered the most from pandemic-related restrictions. Regionally, there has been a 66.7% drop in the number of open small businesses in this industry compared to pre-COVID levels. Moreover, revenues at these businesses have taken a staggering 83.4% tumble. No other industry in San Francisco has come close to this level of revenue loss.
  • Los Angeles Metro (Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale MD): While the data is brighter than in San Francisco, the number of open Leisure and Hospitality small businesses in Los Angeles has plummeted roughly 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This is approximately the same as in California as a whole. The loss of revenue at small Leisure and Hospitality businesses in Los Angeles stands at 68%, not as severe as the losses in San Francisco but still highly indicative of the harsh circumstances facing this industry.
  • San Diego Metro (San Diego County): San Diego’s Leisure and Hospitality small businesses also stand out as the most severely affected by the pandemic. The number of open small businesses in this beleaguered industry has fallen 47.7% compared to pre-COVID levels. This is a better outcome than in the state or nation as a whole, reflecting the relative strength of the region’s economy at the outset of the crisis. Although acute, at 66.2%, there has also been less revenue loss among San Diego’s Leisure and Hospitality businesses than in any other metro.
  • South Bay (Santa Clara and San Benito Counties): Unlike every other metro, in the South Bay, small businesses in the Transportation sector have fared the worst with 47.7% fewer open compared to pre-pandemic levels. Leisure and Hospitality small businesses are not far behind, however, with 45.8% fewer open. Revenues among the latter have also been hit the hardest, by far. As of February 2021, Leisure and Hospitality small businesses in the South Bay have suffered a 72.7% drop in revenue. 
  • East Bay (Alameda and Contra Costa Counties): In the East Bay, Leisure and Hospitality small businesses have experienced the most severe impacts with a 59.4% drop in the number of open businesses compared to pre-pandemic levels. Only San Francisco has experienced a steeper decline. Accordingly, revenues have fallen 72% at East Bay small businesses in this industry. No other sector in the region comes close to this level of revenue loss.

The new analysis also finds that employment gains are occurring across all the state’s major metros, but each still has significantly fewer jobs compared to pre-pandemic levels – ranging from 7.3% fewer jobs in the South Bay to 10.4% fewer jobs in San Francisco. Unemployment has continued to fall across all metro areas of the state. 

View the full Regional Outlooks for the East Bay, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and the South Bay here:

The Inland Empire Business Journal (IEBJ) is the official business news publication of Southern California’s Inland Empire region - covering San Bernardino & Riverside Counties.

Business

GreenRock Capital and J.P. Morgan Close $103 Million Tax-Exempt Financing for Ontario Hotel and Conference Center

Published

on

GreenRock and J.P. Morgan Deliver $103 Million in Tax-Exempt C-PACE and Mortgage Revenue Bond Financing for National CORE’s Hyatt Regency Ontario

GreenRock Capital LLC announces the close of a $103 million financing for the Ontario Airport Hotel and Conference Center in Ontario, California. The $103 million package pairs $26 million in tax-exempt C-PACE bonds with $77 million in tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, all underwritten by J.P. Morgan and placed with municipal bond investors.

“This innovative and successful transaction was a result of a true team effort, and we are thrilled with the outcome for all,” said Matt Smith, Principal at GreenRock Capital.

National CORE owns the property, which is being transformed into the Hyatt Regency Ontario through a comprehensive renovation and repositioning effort. Financing proceeds will support the redevelopment of the existing 309-room hotel into a 295-room upscale Hyatt Regency destination featuring expanded suites, a redesigned lobby experience, upgraded food and beverage offerings, a new Club Lounge, more than 16,000 square feet of meeting space and fully renovated guestrooms and common areas.

“This transaction reflects the confidence investors have in both the strength of the project and the experienced team behind it,” said Robert Diaz, Executive Vice President of National CORE and project lead for this effort. “We are grateful to GreenRock Capital, J.P. Morgan, and our partners for helping bring this transformative vision to life. The overwhelming response to the offering reinforces the long-term potential of this property and its impact on the Inland Empire.”

Located near Ontario International Airport, Toyota Arena, and the Ontario Convention Center, the hotel sits at the gateway of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga and is positioned to become a premier hospitality destination for business and leisure travelers throughout the Inland Empire.

“This financing reflects what is possible when a strong sponsor, creative capital partners, and disciplined execution come together around a compelling project,” said Keaton Yellin of JLL Capital Markets, which arranged the financing.

“The financing structure for this project represents an innovative approach to capitalizing hospitality assets in today’s market,” said Fred Schuster of FGS Realty Advisors, who assisted the Sponsor with the transaction.  “By combining tax-exempt C-PACE with tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, the team was able to deliver a compelling financing package that aligns long-term capital with a transformative hospitality investment.”

Continue Reading

Business

Morongo Invests in Inland Empire Sports and Entertainment with New Baseball Partnerships

Published

on

Deal with Ontario Tower Buzzers and Rancho Cucamonga Quakes strengthens community engagement and fan experience

The Morongo Casino Resort Spa, the Ontario Tower Buzzers and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes have announced a new partnership by which Morongo is now the presenting sponsor of the Tower Buzzers and the official field naming sponsor at the Quakes’ Epicenter Stadium.

Under the multi-year agreement, Morongo is now the “presenting sponsor of the Ontario Tower Buzzers,” the new Minor League affiliate of the 2025 World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Additionally, the home of the Quakes has been renamed the “Morongo Field at the Epicenter” strengthening Morongo’s connection to sports fans across the Inland Empire.

The innovative collaboration marks a fresh advancement in the Morongo Casino’s ongoing investment in entertainment and recreation in the Inland Empire.

“Baseball is America’s pastime because of its power to bring people together,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “We are thrilled to join with the Ontario Tower Buzzers and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes to celebrate this tradition while creating new opportunities for families across the Inland Empire to enjoy the excitement of the game.”

“At Morongo Casino Resort Spa, our brand is built on delivering exceptional guest experiences centered on entertainment, excitement, and memorable moments,” said Mike Bean, Chief Executive Officer of Morongo Casino Resort & Spa. “Partnering with the Ontario Tower Buzzers and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes reflects that same commitment as our three organizations work to create energy, community pride, and unforgettable experiences for fans.”

“This partnership is a great example of what makes Minor League Baseball so special — bringing together strong community partners, great organizations, and unforgettable fan experiences,” said Diamond Baseball Holdings West Region Vice President Ben Taylor. “Morongo’s commitment to entertainment and community aligns perfectly with our vision for both the Ontario Tower Buzzers and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. We’re excited to see this collaboration elevate the experience for fans across the Inland Empire.”

The partnership debuted during a pair of special events celebrating the start of the 2026 season.

  • On April 2, Morongo joined the Ontario Tower Buzzers for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the beautiful new ONT Field, which was followed by the ball club’s first-ever season opener before a sold-out crowd as the team took flight on its inaugural season.
  • On April 3, fans enjoyed Morongo Diamond Nights where the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes unveiled Morongo Field at the Epicenter during a special game-day celebration.

The Ontario Tower Buzzers brand reflects the city’s proud aviation heritage and its close connection to Ontario International Airport. The team’s name and their mascot, Maverick, evoke the adrenaline and daring of aviation’s most thrilling flybys while celebrating the airport control tower that has guided thousands of flights into Ontario. Inspired by that spirit of precision and innovation, the team’s name captures the city’s can-do attitude.

Launched in 1993, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes have been one of Minor League Baseball’s most beloved franchises, building a loyal fan base and a reputation for family-friendly entertainment at the Epicenter. As the Minor League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, the club has earned three California League championships (1994, 2015 and 2018) while creating lasting memories for local baseball fans. The newly named Morongo Field at the Epicenter marks an exciting new chapter for the ballpark and the community that has supported Quakes baseball for decades.

Continue Reading

Business

Unisource Solutions Grows Its Inland Empire Presence with the Addition of TOTALPLAN Business Interiors

Published

on

Southern California’s leading workplace design and furnishings resource deepens its regional presence by uniting with a 57-year Inland Empire institution. 

Unisource Solutions, California’s Haworth Best in Class dealership and a comprehensive  workplace design resource, has announced the acquisition of TOTALPLAN a fixture of the  Inland Empire business community since 1969. The strategic partnership brings together  two organizations with a combined heritage of more than 80 years of expertise, unifying  their complementary strengths to better serve businesses, architects, and interior  designers across the Inland Empire. 

Founded in 1987, Unisource Solutions has built its reputation as far more than a furniture  dealer. The company operates as a full-service design resource — offering space planning, workplace strategy and analytics, installation services, project management, and custom furnishings through its in-house brand, Platform by Unisource Solutions. With access to more than 300 manufacturers, Unisource serves clients across corporate, healthcare, higher education, and financial sectors. 

TOTALPLAN has spent more than five decades cultivating trusted relationships with  businesses of all sizes throughout the Inland. Under the leadership of owner Denny  Fosdick, TOTALPLAN earned a reputation for quality service, community investment, and a deep understanding of the regional market. 

“For over 57 years, TOTALPLAN has been dedicated to providing exceptional workspace solutions throughout the Inland Empire and beyond. Now, we’re excited to join forces with Unisource Solutions. This partnership brings together our deep community roots with Unisource’s extensive resources and capabilities. I’m proud to pass the torch to a fellow Inland Empire resident who understands this community and will carry on the legacy we’ve built here.”  —Denny Fosdick, Owner, TOTALPLAN Business Interiors 

Jamal Nasserdeen, President of Unisource Solutions, who grew up in the Inland Empire,  expressed the personal significance of the acquisition and its implications for Unisource’s  long-term growth strategy in the region. 

“Growing up and living in the Inland Empire, it’s a true honor to build on the tremendous 57-year legacy that Denny and his team have established. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our growth journey, significantly expanding our capabilities throughout the region and strengthening our position as Southern California’s premier workplace solutions provider. It’s a privilege to bring TOTALPLAN into the Unisource Solutions family.”  — Jamal Nasserdeen, President, Unisource Solutions 

The partnership also carries the endorsement of Haworth, the globally recognized  furniture manufacturer for which Unisource holds its Best-in-Class dealer designation.  Tom Peyton, Haworth’s Regional Vice President for the West Region, noted that the  partnership reinforces the strength of Unisource’s regional coverage and honors the  trusted relationships TOTALPLAN has spent decades building. 

The combined organization now brings a unified offering across workplace design, multi brand furniture sourcing, custom fabrication through Platform by Unisource Solutions,  and comprehensive facilities services including delivery, installation, reconfiguration, and relocation support. Clients across architecture, interior design, and corporate facilities teams will benefit from a single, deeply resourced partner capable of supporting  projects from initial concept through move-in. 

For businesses in the Inland Empire seeking to transform their workspaces, the new  partnership signals expanded local access to a nationally capable team, one that is deeply  invested in the communities it serves. 

Continue Reading

Business Journal Newsletter



Trending