CBCC - Old Website

This website has been moved. If you are not redirected within 5 seconds, click

here to go to the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce homepage.


COVID-19 Updates

Participating Denver businesses can operate at increased capacity amid the ongoing pandemic. For more information click here

COVID-19 Updated Information
June 18, 2021

"Power the Comeback" Business Pledge

From the beginning of this pandemic, we’ve been making decisions based on saving lives and livelihoods. And we know that the good times come back when we all do our part to power the Colorado Comeback for ourselves, our families, businesses, and students by supporting the decision to get vaccinated. 

 

Business owners and employees have been innovative and nimble in the face of this crisis. There are incredible stories of resilience, and that is in no small part due to over 60% of Coloradans getting the vaccine, who can now do the things they love and give our economy a much-needed boost in the process. 

 

That’s why the State is launching a new business tool as part of our "Power the Comeback" campaign, which will encourage businesses to do their part by encouraging employees to get vaccinated and by promoting policies that create COVID-safe workplaces. 

 

Through this "Power the Comeback" campaign, businesses can take the Power the Comeback business pledge.

 

Here are some of the ways we are asking Colorado businesses to help public-facing workers understand the benefits of getting vaccinated and understand the support their employers can provide:


  • Host a vaccine clinic for employees
  • Promote information about the Colorado law that mandates paid time off to get the vaccine and recover from vaccine side effects.
  • Provide incentives for employees to get vaccinated (e.g., cash bonuses, additional paid time off, etc.). 
  • Share information about nearby vaccination clinics with employees and customers.
  • Commit to posting ample signage about safe COVID-19 behaviors, mask rules for those who are unvaccinated, employee rights, and quarantining rules if exposed to COVID-19.
  • Have a policy in place that encourages any individual aged 12 and older, who is not fully vaccinated, to continue wearing a mask inside your workplace.

 

A toolkit that includes posters, graphics and other materials for use will be available once your pledge is received.

  

New Button

Colorado Jumpstart Bonus Program

 

State offers up to $1,600 to unemployed workers who find a full-time job

 

Time to rev up your job search! The Colorado Jumpstart program is offering eligible unemployment recipients up to $1,600 when they find a full-time job between May 16 and June 26, 2021. The program seeks to help small businesses in their hiring efforts as they face challenges to fill positions.

                                                                              


Global Landing Pad September Session - Applications Open

 

Program guides foreign firms expanding in the U.S. via Denver

 

The Denver Global Landing Pad has opened applications for its September, 2021 session. The program is open to foreign, scaling companies worldwide interested in entering the U.S. market via Denver. Selected firms will go through the seven-week virtual program which offers education, introductions to experts within the Denver entrepreneurial ecosystem, and networking. 

 

Access the application via this link, and submit yours by June 18. 


                                                                                       


Back to Work 50+ Program

 

You have the experience - now regain the confidence!

 

DEDO’s Denver Workforce Services has a wealth of free information about job searches or career transitions for adults ages 50+. We can help older workers re-tool and explore their options in an ever-changing marketplace. We also working with the AARP Foundation’s Back to Work 50+ program, which offers free online workshops led by experienced coaches on strategies to compete for Denver’s full-time, in-demand jobs.

 

The intro session is just one hour and FREE: details at 855-850-2525 or register here.   


                                                                                       


More Resources

 

HIRING NOW! Hospitality Jobs

Hotels and restaurants throughout Denver are hiring a wide variety of positions. The hospitality industry is investing to rebuild better than ever and attract talent. Take a look at this job list for hotels and this job list for restaurants. Apply today or help us spread the word- many jobs come with hiring bonuses!

 

Business Investment Program (BIP) Tax Credit

We are still accepting applications for the BIP! Deadline is June 25, 2021. Access all the information via this link. Questions? Email us at InvestInDenver@denvergov.org

 

Community Navigator Grants - Small Business Administration

The SBA has lunched its Community Navigator Pilot Program and is accepting applications. The program will fund efforts to reach out the smallest businesses, with a priority focus on those owned by socially and disadvantaged individuals. Applications open until July 12. Read more and apply! 

 

Emergency Broadband Benefit 

Millions of American households can apply for help to pay for computers and home internet service through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Millions stand to benefit, but those most in need also are the hardest to reach. Please help get the word out!


COVID-19 Updated Information - February 2, 2020


 Governor Polis provided an update on how Coloradans who are 70 and older can sign up to receive the vaccine through the State’s major health care providers:

 

  • Coloradans who are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine can still sign up through the State’s health care providers to receive vaccine alerts and sign up for a spot on a provider’s vaccine waitlist.
  • Many major providers have also provided toll-free numbers where people can call to make an appointment and find out more information about the vaccine.
  • Coloradans are not required to be a current member of any major health care provider to receive the vaccine. 

 

Below, you will find information from some of the state's major health care providers on how you can sign up to make an appointment to get vaccinated, receive updates, and access assistance in languages other than English.

 

Denver Health: If you do not have access to MyChart, you are welcome to set up an appointment with the Denver Health appointment center by calling the phone number listed below.

 

 

Centura Health: If you are not currently a patient with Centura, you’ll need to sign up using the MyCenturaHealth patient portal.

 

 

UC Health: If you have a UCHealth My Health Connection Account, you are already on the list to be contacted when it is your turn to receive the vaccine. UCHealth's website and hotline can be accessed in Spanish as well as almost 100 other languages through interpreter services. Currently, you must have an appointment as UCHealth is not able to accomodate walk-ins.

 

  • Visit: UCHealth.org/covidvaccine
  • Call: 720-462-2255
  • Hours of operation: Monday through Friday – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

UCHealth has administered more than 72,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to nearly 55,000 people. Almost 18,000 have received both their first and second doses of the vaccine. They have vaccinated more than 23,000 people 70 and older, including thousands of people who have never been UCHealth patients. UCHealth also brought on almost 40 additional new full-time employees (FTEs) to help staff the phone line, and they plan to hire between 80 and 100 new FTEs to staff their vaccine clinics in the long-term.

 

Banner Health: Banner Health is receiving a high number of requests for appointments and advises patients to schedule appointments online. Use the links below for the facility in your area and take the online survey to determine your eligibility to receive the vaccine:

 

 

Kaiser Permanente: After signing up, Kaiser Permanente will reach out to set up an appointment by phone, email, or text based on phase eligibilty and availability of vaccine supply.

 

  • Visit: KP.org/CovidVaccine/Colorado if you are a Kaiser Permanente member or non-member to sign up for the vaccine waitlist.
  • Call: 1-855-550-0951
  • Kaiser Permanente members with an active Health Record number can also call 1-844-951-1932.

 

Boulder Community Health: The best way to schedule an appointment is through their patient portal.

 

  • Visit: BCH.org for more information.
  • If you’re not already a patient you can sign up at BCH.org/Vaccine.
  • Call: 303-415-7777
  • The line is operational Monday through Friday, 8 am-5 pm. Interpreters are available to assist callers.

 

Vail Health: Eagle County residents can sign up to receive the vaccine when they are eligible at the sign-up form link listed below, or use Vail Health’s phone number.

 

 

SCL Health: SCL Health continues to vaccinate current patients and non-patients of SCL Health, who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine under state guidelines. If you are a current SCL Health patient, you will be notified when you become eligible for the vaccine and provided options for how to schedule vaccination. Outreach to eligible individuals is randomized and equitable without discrimination based on background or ability to pay.

 

  • Visit: SCLHealth.org/COVIDVaccine
  • If you are not an SCL Health patient, you can still enter your information using the link above. You will be placed on a waiting list and will be notified when you are eligible for the vaccine and when an appointment is available.
  • Call: 1-833-762-0141

 

HealthOne

 

  • Visit: HealthOneCares.com/Vaccine to sign up for their waitlist.
  • Call: 303-453-2477, if you do not have access to email or need additional assistance.
  • You will be instructed to leave a message with your full name, date of birth, and phone number. You will receive a call back within 5 business days. English and Spanish options are available.

 

Salud Family Health Centers

 

  • Visit: SaludClinic.org for more information on vaccines and registration.

 

Safeway: Safeway will soon begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine in select stores. You can subscribe to Safeway's email list to receive a notification when vaccine appointments become available at your local store.

 

 

The Governor strongly encourages everyone who has access to a computer and other devices with an internet connection to sign up online, and to please leave the phone lines open for those who do not have internet access.

 

View Colorado's COVID-19 Vaccine Providers map at this link.

COVID-19 Updated Information - November 17, 2020


A Message From Governor Polis

 

Step Up, Colorado 

It is painfully apparent that Coloradans have become complacent over the last few weeks. Factors like lapses in following guidelines, more time indoors due to approaching colder weather, holiday season travel, and flu season, means that we must renew our commitment to taking life-saving precautions. 

 

As part of Colorado’s “Step Up” campaign, Governor Polis shared three key steps that Coloradans need to take during the month of November in order to slow the spread of this virus:

 

  1. Interact with only those in your household: This means we all need to do our best to avoid any social interactions with friends and family outside of our homes throughout the month of November. Of course, Coloradans will continue essential activities like going to work. 
  2. Keep your distance: Just because you’re wearing a mask does mean that you are not at-risk while interacting with others in close proximity. We need to do a better job of staying six or more feet away from others. 
  3. Wear a mask: The numbers are clear. If you wear a mask, you have a much lower risk of getting or transmitting the virus. 

 

Cancel Your Social Plans

Governor Polis has a difficult message for Coloradans: Cancel your social plans. The Governor is tired of this virus too. There will be a day when we can all gather together again without our masks, but we are not there yet. 

 

The Governor encourages Coloradans to postpone social plans for the next few weeks -- or even a month. This may sound like a daunting task, but if done together and immediately, we have the opportunity to change the trajectory of these trends for the end of the year.

 

It all comes down to the power of choice. Think twice before deciding to host a dinner party with a group of friends or choosing not to wear a mask when you’re around people from outside of your household. These decisions ultimately put yourself and others at risk, jeopardize efforts to reopen our economy and make it that much harder for local businesses to remain open. 

 

This is a wake up call. Let’s show the grit we need to bear down, cancel our social plans, avoid interactions with others, and get through this together. 

COVID-19 Updated Information - October 23, 2020


“Step Up, Colorado” Campaign


 

Now more than ever, Coloradans need to do their part to fight this virus. Today, the Governor re-emphasized the importance of taking personal responsibility in limiting viral spread.

 

Colorado is doing better than other states thanks to all of you at home, but the state has to do better. 

 

That’s why the Governor was excited to announce a new partnership with CDPHE to launch a statewide media campaign called “Step Up, Colorado” in English, and “Echale Ganas, Colorado” in Spanish. This campaign emphasizes the importance of Coloradans wearing their masks and keeping their distance whenever they are around others. 

 

Every Coloradan can be doing more to protect each other and slow the spread of this virus. For example, one of the most common reasons Coloradans reported for not keeping at least six feet between themselves and others was not having symptoms of the virus, such as a cough or fever. However, everyone should know that it is common to spread the virus before ever developing symptoms, and asymptomatic cases are common. 

 

The campaign launches on digital and social media platforms today, and expands into television, radio, and retail settings over the next few weeks. A CARES Act-funded initiative, “Step Up, Colorado” will run statewide through December 30. 

 

This campaign would not have been made possible without the involvement of more than 60 community influencers throughout the state. The administration is tapping into stakeholders across Colorado to build an effective campaign that showcases Colorado’s diversity and strength, along with the sacrifices Coloradans have made to fight this devastating disease. 

 

The state is grateful to Idea Marketing for all their work getting this campaign off the ground. Idea is a minority owned company that specializes in hard to reach communities. Special thanks are also in order to Jill Ryan, CDPHE Executive Director, and Alison Reidmohr, CDPHE Deputy Communications Director, for dedicating an immense amount of time to this very important campaign. 

 

The administration invites all of you to “step up” today to help spread the word and encourage all Coloradans to protect each other from COVID-19. Influencers are sharing messages to promote the campaign statewide, and we know you are also an influencer in your community. Step Up’s social press kit contains templates for messages you can share to your preferred platform with the touch of a button. Why do you “step up” to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our state?

 

Additionally, CDPHE and Governor Polis will be sharing campaign messages directly on social media. Everyone is encouraged to like and share campaign messages from both accounts.   

COVID-19 Updated Information - October 14, 2020


In an effort to boost testing capacity in neighborhoods, the state has begun closing some larger testing sites across the state. We believe this more targeted approach to testing will help us manage resources more efficiently, and ensure an abundance of testing is available in communities with dense populations at highest risk of testing positive for COVID-19. Please find the latest metro areas testing site updates below: 

 

  • Denver is planning to establish a testing site at the Montbello Recreation Center and Paco Sanchez this week. 
  • In Adams County, Water World will remain open daily from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and STRIDE is offering testing at seven additional locations. 
  • A new Aurora testing site will be open at the Restoration Christian Fellowship parking lot.
  • CDPHE is working with their local public health and healthcare partners to build a new, real time map of testing locations. It should be available later this week!

 

To find a testing location near you, visit covid19.colorado.gov/testing.

 

The Governor applauded the incredible work that Colorado’s Testing Team and the State Lab are doing. On September 30, the state hit it’s highest single day of tests, reported at 19,761! The State Lab also set a record for the week, processing 35,727 tests. Over the last week of September, the State Lab averaged nearly 17,000 tests per day (16,954) with more than 90% of all results returned in three days or less 9 (3.5% average positivity rate). This performance is exceptional and a testament to the value of public-private partnerships in times of crisis. 

COVID-19 Updated Information - October 14, 2020


COVID-19 Updated Information - June 2, 2020


COVID-19 Response Update From the Governor's Office

 

ALCOHOL SALES LAST CALL

 

Governor Polis announced today that for the next 30 days, the state is suspending all alcohol sales from licensed facilities past 10 p.m. instead of the previous cap at 2 a.m.

 

This measure, coupled with last week’s order that closed bars statewide, is part of a large-scale effort to reduce risk in an inevitably high-risk environment. As cases continue to rise, it is more important than ever to continue modifying our behavior and understand what is and what isn’t risky and irresponsible behavior. 

 

People inviting large groups to socialize from outside of their household and not keeping a safe distance of 6 feet or more is a textbook example of risky behavior. We have to double down on social distancing and strengthen our public health response, not hinder it.

 

The nature of the virus alone does a great job setting us back. That’s why we can’t give it the opportunity to do what it does best: spread. Our health, our loved ones’ health, and our state economy’s health depend on it.

 

BACK TO BASICS

 

Across the nation and in our state, COVID cases are trending upwards, and the biggest driver of this increase is young people aged 20 to 29, who are not taking proper precautions when socializing. Many young people in our state are doing their part to wear masks, but without following recommended social distancing guidelines, we all risk accelerating transmissions of the virus and failing to contain its spread.

 

Ultimately, we need to get back to basics. Practically speaking, this means:

 

  • Teleworking if you can and continuing to work from home.
  • If you go camping, go with just your household -- or if you socialize with friends, stay 6 feet apart and keep your mask on.
  • Limiting groups to under 10 people, and staying outside to socialize.
  •  Taking fewer trips to the grocery store or ordering your groceries online, especially if you are in a high risk category.
  •  And it means calling your local public health agency, if you work in an essential business and your employer has not implemented proper social distancing measures in the workplace.

 

The actions that all Coloradans take in the coming days and weeks will have a significant impact on plans for the fall. We are in a precarious moment and personal responsibility is key. Only by acting in moderation and continuing to practice social distancing will we see less tests coming back positive and create more opportunities to get our economy back on track.

 

Furthermore, the State of Colorado remains committed to supporting local agencies across the state. Smaller course corrections now reduce the need for sweeping course corrections later on. That’s why the state is working hard to help local public health agencies develop unique and community mitigation plans instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. And ensuring that these local agencies receive the support and technical assistance they need helps establish a first line of defense statewide.

 

With all of us working together, we can achieve the outcome we all desire: a way to live with this virus with minimal disruptions to our Colorado way of life.


COVID-19 Updated Information - June 2, 2020
Pepsi Center Testing Facility

Yesterday, Governor Polis joined Denver Mayor Hancock to announce the opening of a new COVID testing facility at the Pepsi Center.
 
This site will be running 7 days a week, doing 500 tests a day, which will get us closer to our statewide goal of 8,500 tests per day.
 
All of the testing is being done free of charge for all symptomatic individuals and asymptomatic individuals who are health care workers, senior care facility workers, or frontline workers who interact with the public. Coloradans are not required to have a doctor’s note or insurance to get tested.
 
If you are experiencing symptoms and would like to be tested you can go to the Pepsi Center or you can also find a community-based testing site in your area using this map on our COVID-19 homepage

COVID-19 Resources- 

This page contains information about loans available from the Small Business Administration (SBA):

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) FUNDS FLOW TO BANKS AT 8:30AM THIS MORNING - FAQ + CALCULATOR + Call the Small Business Hotline for Bank Referrals 

ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN / LOAN ADVANCE (EIDL) ARE NOT AVAILABLE YET - If applied for EIDL and have a confirmation number (application number) – stay in the queue for review. 

Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program - If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement 
on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

SBA Debt Relief - SBA will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period 
of six months.

General Tips for Business Owners

Ask for help:
  • Your acquaintances and go to resources that can help:
  • SBDC Local Office - Weekly Webinars
  • Local Chambers of Commerce,
  • Industry Business Association, etc.
Contact - request a grace period for your financial obligations. Try several times 
  • Your bank (s),
  • Suppliers,
  • Lender (s) and
Contact current clients, especially those who are still operating - partially or totally. 

Offer options to increase your products or services with them. The important thing here is that you already have an established relationship with them and they know you, they know how you operate and the capacity that you and your
business have to provide services / products.
COVID-19 Small Business Navigator Hotline

SMALL BUSINESS NAVIGATOR HOTLINE

The Small Business Navigator can direct you to resources and answer questions about COVID-19 specific funding. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Hotline: (303) 860-5881 Email: oedit_sbnavigator@state.co.us

ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF FUNDING LIST

www.choosecolorado.com also contains valuable information about:

  1. Unemployment and Layoff Assistance,
  2. Eviction and Rental Assistance
  3. Student Loans - grace periods,
  4. Trade & Travel Advisories
  5.  Specific Resources for Industries
COVID-19 Updated Information - May 6, 2020

Visitors, Passengers and Employees 
Required to Wear Face Masks at DEN

Updated Information for changes at DEN:
 
In accordance with Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock’s recent public health order requiring everyone to wear a face covering when out in public, Denver International Airport (DEN) will require all visitors and passengers to wear face coverings while at the airport beginning May 6, 2020 and lasting until further notice. Currently, all employees at DEN are also required to do the same.
 
“The health and safety of our passengers and employees is our number one priority, and it is going to take all of us to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said airport CEO Kim Day. “As we slowly enter the recovery phase of the pandemic, it is important that we each take personal responsibility to keep ourselves and our community safe.”
 
In addition to asking everyone working, visiting or traveling through the airport to wear a mask or face covering, DEN has implemented a number of measures to help keep passengers safe:

  • Installed over 100 hand sanitizing stations in high-traffic areas
  • Installed disinfecting wipe dispensers at each gate so passengers can wipe down their seat and tray upon boarding
  • Regularly cleaning high-touch areas including restrooms, the train to the gates and gate holdrooms
  • Disabled air hand dryers in the restrooms to reduce the spread of germs. Passengers may utilize compostable paper towels
  • Installed floor tape to indicate a safe distance to stand at customer service booths and other areas of public interaction
  • Reconfigured TSA security lines to provide more space between passengers and added signage to encourage passengers to social distance while in line
  • TSA is installing plexiglass shields at screening podiums to allow for distance between officers and passengers and the same will be installed at other areas where there is public interaction
  • Many restaurants are focusing on carry out options and others have spread out seating to accommodate for social distance
  • Closed food court seating on all three concourses
“We have implemented numerous measures to encourage social distancing and good hygiene practices throughout the airport,” added Day. “But this situation remains fluid. As we prepare for people to return to travel, we continue to focus on the health and safety of our passengers and will implement additional safety measures as necessary.”
 
Passengers should wear their face coverings throughout the airport including during the TSA screening process. However, TSA recommends travelers be prepared to adjust their mask so that officers can visually confirm their identity during the checkpoint screening process.
 
Some of DEN’s airline partners are also beginning to make changes. Several airlines are now requiring passengers to wear face coverings and others are likely to implement similar requirements. It is highly recommended that passengers review airlines requirements and safety measures before flying.
 
For more information about DEN’s response to COVID-19 and operational impacts, visit www.flydenver.com/traveler_services/covid-19 
COVID 19 Disadvantaged Minority and Women 
Owned Business Relief Grant Fund
APPLY TODAY
 
The Foundation for Sustainable Urban Communities (The Foundation), NETC and Be Well Health & Wellness seeks to support disadvantaged women and minority owned businesses along with public charities (including churches) in the Northeast Park Hill, Greater Park Hill, East Montclair, Montbello, Stapleton and Northwest Aurora neighborhoods.

Thanks to our generous grantors and sponsors, The Foundation has established the COVID 19 Disadvantaged Minority and Women Owned Business Relief Grant Fund. Disadvantaged minority and women owned businesses can apply to the fund for grants up to $1,000. 

Grants will be made available until the funds have been expended. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be processed within 14 business days. Grants are available on a first come first serve basis until all funds have been expended.

If your business is women-owned or minority-owned, you can now apply for these relief funds! Click here for the application: 

Tips on Maintaining Your Credit During COVID-19:
 
  • Request a copy of your credit report 
  • Review your credit report for accuracy
  • Report any discrepancies to the credit bureaus
  • Pay your bills on time
  • Pay any items in collections
***Reserve a spot on my next workshop and learn more about how to protect your credit during the COVID-19 financial crisis. For reservations click here 
 
Tips on Minimizing Financial Stress:
 
  •  Start a Budget: Now is a great time to start a budget and know exactly where you are spending your money. Some apps that might be helpful include Fitfin, Fudget, EveryDollar Budgeting, Clarity Money, Buddy. Your financial institution may also have a budgeting system you can use.
  • Contact your Creditors: If it is not possible for you to pay your bills because of the current crisis, contact your creditors about your situation. Creditors may be able to help you make payment arrangements and delay payments. Pay the minimum if possible. Not taking action will damage your credit score.
  • Create a List of Financial Priorities: Focus on one task at a time and record your accomplishments to share with your creditors for future conversations.
  • Beware of Scams: Scammers will try to sell you a product and ask for a payment. They will intimidate you to pay immediately. Hang up and call the main phone of your credit card, financial institution, etc, to verify everything prior to making a payment.
  • Use Community Resources: If you are looking for resources, including food assistance or rental assistance, please contact the FACE Center at (720) 424-2970 for support. If you are interested in home ownership programs for foreclosure prevention or mortgage assistance, please contact me directly. 
 
Operation HOPE is here to help you 
and answer your financial questions!

Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone (303-809-9207) or email (Laura.villalpando@operationhope.org) for support with reviewing your credit or with questions about these financial tips. As a reminder, all services are provided free of charge.  
The Black Construction Group has put together a great list for 
COVID-19 Loan Programs Below:

 
The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds, in the form of a forgivable loan guaranteed by the SBA, to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs. Up to 25% of the funds may also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. This is the program that has been in the news lately. This loan could be re-funded soon. LaSheita Sayer, CEO, ZoZo Group went through this process and is able to answer your questions. She can be reached at (720)507-0120. Her tips follow:
 
1) Set up an account (a business checking account) at a local small bank now. I'm happy to make an introduction, direct message me if you want some ideas of local banks in Denver.
 
2) Ask for the contact info for their SBA lender. Contact the SBA loan person to ask for a list of supporting documents you'll need to gather to go along with the application.
 
3) For the PPP loan - contact your payroll process company, ADP, Quickbooks... Let them know you are preparing documents for the small business loans. There are 3 reports you can get from your payroll process company.
 
4) Gather the other documents needed by the small bank.
 
5) Submit your documents!
 
Yes, it will take a few hours to pull the documents together. APPLY for the Small Business relief! Keep your business alive. It's worth it.
 
The following is more information regarding the loan programs available

7(a) program: This program offers loans up to $5,000,000 as an all-inclusive loan for eligible businesses. The funds can be used for working capital, expansion/renovation, new construction, land purchase or building purchase, equipment purchase, fixtures, lease-hold improvements, debt refinancing for compelling reasons, seasonal lines of credit, inventory, or to start a business. 
 
Express loans: These can provide up to $350,000 for up to seven years with an option to revolve. Turnaround time is about 36 hours to know if you are approved or denied. 
 
SBA Express Bridge Loans: These provide up to $25,000 to small businesses who have a relationship with an SBA Express Lender. These were meant to help bridge the gap between the EIDL. 
 
SBA Debt Relief: The SBA will pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for six months, plus for the same that were issued before September 27, 2020. The SBA is also providing automatic deferment for disaster loans that were in a “regular servicing” status on March 1, 2020. 
 
Community advantage: This loan pilot program is for mission-based lenders to help small businesses in underserved markets. The maximum loan is $250,000. 
 
504 loan: This loan is limited for the acquisition of refinancing of fixed assets. It’s to help with job creation and retention. 
 
Microloans: Nonprofit lending organizations may offer microloans to underserved markets. These can be up to $50,000 maximum and must be used for working capital, supplies, machinery, equipment, or fixtures but not real estate. 
 
Export loans: The SBA offers a number of export loans for small businesses as they respond to ?COVID-19 challenges. These include the Export Express loan, Export Working Capital program, and International Trade loan program. 
 
There’s also the 8(a) Business Development program for small businesses owned by economically or socially disadvantages entities or individuals. 
 
The Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Long Program provides up to $2 million to cover operating costs due to the loss of an employee called to active duty in the Reserves or National Guard.
 
SCORE offers remote mentoring to help you answer your questions about adjusting a small business to the changes from COVID-19. They’ll also be updating new national programs you can apply for that may offer funding here. 
 
The Save Small Business Fund is a grant offered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. To qualify you must employ 3 to 20 people, be in an economically vulnerable community, and have been harmed financially by COVID-19. The application will go live on April 20. 
 
Facebook is offering a Small Business Grants Program and giving grants and ad credits to businesses. Up to 30,000 small businesses will be eligible. They must be for-profit, have 2 to 50 employees, been in business for more than a year, be near a Facebook operating location, and be facing challenges from COVID-19. You can apply April 18 if you’re in New York City or Seattle, April 20 in the San Francisco Bay Area, and April 22 in all other eligible U.S. cities. 
 
Nav’s Small Business Grant is offering $10,000 and accepting entries between February 24 and May 30. This won’t be awarded until June 2020. One business will get $10,000, one will get $2,000, and one will get $1,000. 
 
Kiva is offering loans of up to $15,000 for some U.S. small businesses. These are 0% interest loans. You must be based in the U.S., be 18 or older, use the loan for business purposes, can’t be in foreclosure or bankruptcy, and must demonstrate social capital by having a “small number of friends and family make a loan to you.” More details here
 
Mainvest has some 0% interest $2,000 loans for existing brick-and-mortar businesses negatively affected by COVID-19, if they launch a capital raise on Mainvest. See more here
 
A BIG THANK YOU TO 
JOCELYN ROBINSON
BCG FACILITATOR
How to Prepare for Future Stimulus
\

As Colorado awaits the anticipated second round of federal funding to reopen applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), we recommend you continue preparing to submit an application. Consider these steps: 
 
  • If your PPP loan was already in the queue at a bank, check in with your lender to ensure all paperwork is correct and in place.
  • If your EIDL application was already submitted, check the status of your application by contacting SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
  • If you have not started working with a bank yet, research available lenders to identify your potential provider. Find an eligible lender
  • Self-employed, sole proprietors, independent contractors should confirm that their bank is working with their business structure.
  • Set up a business bank account if you do not have one. This will be necessary to receive relief funds.
  • Prepare your paperwork, including average monthly payroll calculation (inclusive of eligible health care and retirement contributions).
  • Create a plan for the use of funds over the 8-week period.
  • Ensure that the 8-week disbursement plan complies with approved program expenditures to maximize your loan forgiveness. 
  • Reach out to your accountant for guidance and support to resolve any lingering questions that could delay your loan application when the lending windows open with additional Congressional appropriations.
Understand COVID-19 Impact to the Black community:
 
Employment:
  • Individuals working low or minimum wage jobs, or service jobs will be affected the most by the shutdown in states across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Black people work minimum wage jobs more than any other race or ethnicity in the workforce. Due to the coronavirus, more Black folks will see their jobs temporarily suspended, eliminated, or compromised.
Economic impact: 
  • We should expect an increase in the wealth and household income gap for Black families compared to their counterparts. This is caused by a number of factors: 
  • Reduced employment/wages (mentioned above) 
  • Impact of the stock market on 401K and retirement funds 
  • Lack of access to capital, credit, and collateral – many families do not have the reserves to pay bills and support their families for the weeks, and possibly months, as our economy shuts down due to COVID-19. Legislative remedies are necessary to ensure families keep their homes, feed their families, and make it through this crisis. 
Education: 
  • Closing schools and moving to an online curriculum is necessary but may not be beneficial for Black students. 
  • Our students are already at a disadvantage. School closures and the removal of resources that schools provide can increase the achievement gap between Black students and their counterparts. In addition to learning, schools provide meals, extracurricular activities, counseling, social outlets, and an environment conducive to learning that most students may not receive at home. The closing of schools for children who need them most, can be devastating. 
  • As Colorado school districts move to an online curriculum, they are working to provide equipment and internet services to ensure all students can participate. Despite efforts to address access to technology, a more important question for our community is, whether or not the environment at home is complimentary to online learning. According to NCC Home Learning resources, a student’s physical environment can affect their progress by 25%. The structure and psychology that support an effective physical learning environment; right furniture, freedom of movement, positivity and motivation (to name a few), are extremely important for successful learning, but not always present in the homes of many students.
College/University Students: 
  • Health care – Many college students are uninsured and may not be eligible for Medicaid or are undocumented. Campus health centers may not accept Medicaid. College campuses should ensure the campus health center accepts Medicaid or provide information on community providers.
  • Food – Many college students face food insecurity and need access to affordable food. When campus dining halls are closed, students must look elsewhere for alternative options, such as food banks, SNAP or TANF.   
  • Emergency aid – Students will likely experience a loss of wages during this time. Some students may need money to get home, while others may need money to pay their rent, others may need money to buy food. Students may have questions about Federal Work-Study positions, as well as how a change in their school or work schedules may disrupt their SNAP or TANF benefits.
Housing 
  • The Hope Center’s most recent #RealCollege survey found that 46% of students were housing insecure and experienced 17% homelessness the previous year. When campuses close, many students have no place to go. Some students may discover that where they have been staying is no longer an option, if someone in that household is sick
Politics: 
  • Voter suppression: Black communities are vulnerable to voter suppression laws and strategies. Typically, election emergencies have been catastrophic weather events. COVID-19 is a unique situation and brings different challenges. For 2020, we need to ensure our community is able to register to vote and the 2020 election process is safe, secure, and accessible for all participating voters. Emergency laws should be implemented to ensure Black voters are not disenfranchised. Recommendations include: keeping polling places open and healthy, alternative locations for polling places, ballots available on-demand, extend early voting periods, and implement aggressive voter education campaigns on the merits of utilizing our mail-in ballot system. 
  • Census 2020: We must ensure all “hard to count” communities are counted. An accurate census count will ensure we get funding for necessary resources and political representation over the next 10 years. The shutdown and consequent displacement caused by COVID-19 has introduced an additional obstacle affecting our ability to count our community. We must continue to educate the community on the census deadlines and methods available to submit their information. 
  • Our democracy is at stake: VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!!! The Trump administration has demonstrated the impact of electing a president that does not represent our values or demonstrate competent and ethical leadership. The consequences of COVID-19 in addition to another term of the Trump administration will have a lasting and devastating impact on the country and the Black community for generations. The actions of the current administration represents the mindset of the 1% NOT significantly affected by COVID-19. Therefore, we all have to vote on June 30, and on November 3. 
 
Tamra DeBrady
President, Colorado Black Women for Political Action
Support Colorado Restaurant Response

Dear VISIT DENVER Partners,

In an effort to continue to support our partners in any way we can, we wanted to share the following information with you.
Last week, a group of local restaurateurs launched Colorado Restaurant Response – a movement to assist restaurant and service industry workers who have lost their jobs and/or are food insecure, with funding support from Colorado Succeeds and VISIT DENVER. 

Their model is simple:
  • Re-hire and keep restaurant workers employed, preparing ready-to-eat, nutritious meals.
  • In partnership with the Denver Emergency Food Network and Bondadosa, distribute meals to unemployed service workers and other food insecure families in our community 
  • All funding goes toward food, utilities and paying hourly restaurant workers and drivers.
Their goal is to feed 5,000 Coloradans per day, with plans to grow, while supporting at least 10 local restaurant kitchens, allowing those businesses to hire back a number of their employees.

Colorado Restaurant Response is accepting donations and looking for volunteers. Click here to make a donation or find out how to get involved.  As we navigate these unprecedented times, we hope to do everything we can to help Denver’s small businesses and the restaurants, staff and community that make this city such a great place to visit and live. Please consider supporting this effort.

As with everyone, we remain hopeful for a swift resolution to this situation. In the meantime, let’s do our best to stay positive, stay healthy and support this extraordinary community.

Be well,

Richard W. Scharf
President & CEO
VISIT DENVER
Resources From the City and County of Denver
Dear Community Members,

We want to share with you Mayor Hancock’s announcement about the economic relief package the City and County of Denver is implementing in face of the COVID-19 pandemic. These economic relief resources aim to help business owners and their employees during these difficult times. Denver remains committed to help to the best of our abilities all our residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. 
 
 We invite you to visit http://denvergov.org for up-to-date COVID-19 related information, and to find all the details of the economic relief package.

The City and County of Denver is committed to identifying, developing and implementing local programs, including financial and wrap-around services, to support Denver business owners and their employees affected by the city’s public health response to COVID-19. The city is creating an initial relief fund of $4 million to support small businesses during this time. These programs are aimed at supporting businesses so they can support their employees.
  • Denver Economic Development and Opportunity (DEDO) is setting up an emergency relief program to provide cash grants up to $7,500 to qualifying small businesses. The highest priority will be the industries most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. 
  • DEDO, in partnership with CEDS Finance, will refocus an existing microloan program to support small businesses’ stabilization efforts. Current recipients of loans from DEDO will have the ability to temporarily defer loan payments, if they need to. 
  • The city will be working in partnership with Mile High United Way and Downtown Denver Partnership (DDP) to distribute the cash grants and microloan fund. 
  • Through the existing IMAGINE 2020 Artist Assistance Fund, Denver Arts & Venues (DAV) will award grants up to $1,000 to individual artists who live in Denver whose incomes are being adversely affected due to cancellation of events, classes, performances and other creative work. 
 The Artist Assistance Fund will be made available for, but is not limited to: 
  • recouping financial losses due to cancelled events;  
  • reimbursement for travel expenses related to creative work that was paid for by the artist; and  
  • offsetting loss of income for teaching artists who could not teach during this time because of cancelled classes and school closures.   
  • DAV is committed to the well-being of artists in our community and recognizes the serious financial impact the current health pandemic is having on their livelihoods. Applications from all artists living in Denver are welcomed and priority will be placed on lower income artists and artists who have no other source of income. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Funding will be determined on a first-come, first-serve basis and based on eligibility and level of need. 
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS 
  • The Denver Department of Finance (DOF) will waive the 15% penalty for late payment of February and March sales, use, and occupational privilege taxes due March 20 and April 20, 2020. 
  • For the next 30 days, the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) will suspend enforcement of the following:  
    • Parking meters (All meters will be free and without time limits.) 
    • Time-limited, non-metered parking areas (e.g., 30-minute, 1-hour, 2-hour, etc.) 
    • Residential Permit Parking areas 
    • 72-hour parking limits (Residents and visitors can park their vehicles in one spot for more than 72 hours.) 
    • Large vehicle parking (People can park trucks and other vehicles more than 22’ in length on the street.) 
    • School bus loading zones 
    • Booting 
      • Denver’s street sweeping program will begin April 1; however, the city will not enforce parking restrictions related to street sweeping for 30 days. People who can move their cars on street sweeping day are asked to do so to allow street sweepers to reach the curb line and more effectively sweep. 
 
The following enforcement activities will continue:  
  • Fire hydrant zone clear areas (10 ft. clear around hydrants) 
  • "No Stopping" or "No Parking" zones to promote safety 
  • Loading zones – Passenger, Truck, Permitted, General, Temporary, etc. 
  • RTD transit stops 
  • Special parking permitted spaces, including accessible spaces, CarShare, church zones, fire zones 
  • Blocked driveways and alleys 
  • Parking in travel lanes, including bike and transit lanes 
    • DOTI will evaluate an extension of the above enforcement changes on a month-by-month basis. 
 For more information, and how to apply for the various relief funding opportunities, please visit https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/environmental-health/news/coronavirus-info/support-services.html 
 

Share by:
CBCC - Old Website

This website has been moved. If you are not redirected within 5 seconds, click here to go to the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce homepage.