COVID-19 Response: Helping Businesses

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Updated May 26, 2021

The City of Colorado Springs is working hand-in-hand with county and state officials in obtaining the most accurate and up-to-date information about COVID-19. 

City Economic Development physical offices will open to the public June 1, 2021.  You can reach our team at economic.developmentmain@coloradosprings.gov or 719-385-5955 for more information on new developments.

COVID Small Business Relief Options

City and County Announce Sales Tax Relief Program to Help Local Restaurants 

The City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County are excited to announce a joint Sales Tax Relief plan for restaurants that have experienced sales declines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is limited to the General Fund portion of taxes for each organization (2% for the City and 1% for the County). To apply for the rebate, complete the application (see link below).  A W-9 and copy of your most recent State of Colorado sales tax remittance will be requested. Questions?  Contact SalesTaxRebate@elpasoco.com  or call (719) 520-6475.

  1. View Press Release
  2.  Application to Apply  

Liquor Enforcement Division's Waiver of Liquor License fees 

The State Liquor Enforcement Division is waiving liquor application, renewal, late renewal and COVID-19 Temporary Modifications fees for on-premise  liquor consumption establishments pursuant to the recently enacted Senate Bill 20B-001. 

  1. Link to Liquor Enforcement

Business Reopening Guidance and Resources

Business Support

Cleaning and Safety

Funding Resources Available for Businesses

City of Colorado Springs does not accept applications for the following funding resources. Please apply directly through each organization at the links provided.

Local

  • Artist Recovery Fund – Pikes Peak Community Foundation and Bee Vradenburg Foundation have partnered to provide emergency support for individual artists and creative professionals in El Paso and Teller Counties.
  • DDA Loans for Street-level Businesses - The Colorado Springs Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has established a $300,000 low-interest loan fund to assist Downtown street-level businesses during the slower winter months.
    • Loans will be provided to approved applicants at a fixed rate of 2 percent for a period of 21 months. Loans can be paid off in quarterly installments, with the first payments due by September 30, 2021 and the final payments due by September 30, 2022. Loans may also be paid off early.
    • Approved applicants will receive three monthly payments each equal to 50 percent of their typical monthly rent or mortgage payment through the first quarter of 2021 (January, February, and March).
    • Interested businesses can view eligibility criteria and download an application here.

State

  • Colorado Winter Outdoor Grants Application – The Colorado Restaurant Foundation has established an emergency assistance program to assist Colorado restaurants affected by COVID-19 to purchase items needed to maintain outdoor dining spaces during colder weather.
  • Alternative Sources of Funding in Colorado – The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade has created a Google sheet that helps Colorado’s small businesses find alternative funding sources beyond federal loans and programs. The sheet is being updated on a regular basis.

Federal

  • Main Street Lending Program – helps credit flow to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 crisis but now need loans to maintain their operations until they have recovered from, or adapted to, the impacts of the pandemic. The program offers 5-year loans that range from $100,000 to $300 million.
  • SBA Coronavirus Funding Options – In addition to traditional SBA funding programs, the federal CARES Act established several new, temporary programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak including:
  • SBA Express Bridge Loans – enables small businesses that currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly to bridge the gap while waiting for other financial relief. This program is available now – talk with your SBA Express Lender.
  • SBA Debt Relief – SBA is providing financial reprieve to small businesses during the pandemic. This relief is automatic and application is not required.
  • Small Business Administration Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program 

For additional assistance on SBA information, please reach out to the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center.

Resources