COVID-19 Response: Helping Businesses

Updated March 30, 2020

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. Read more on the City’s response.

City Economic Development physical offices are currently closed to the public, but all staff members are equipped to assist you with your business needs virtually. Thank you for your understanding as we work to keep the public and our staff safe and healthy, and ensuring you have access to the City of Colorado Springs Economic Development services and support. You can reach our team at economic.developmentmain@coloradosprings.gov or 719-385-5955.

City’s Business Relief Package

The City of Colorado Springs is committed to working with community partners including state, federal and county governments, local economic development organizations, non-profits and foundations on local programs in support of Colorado Springs business owners and their employees impacted by COVID-19.

Read more about the City’s Business Relief Package

Resources for helping businesses respond to COVID-19

Economic-Related COVID-19 Announcements

• Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - guide for small businesses
• State of Emergency for Colorado Springs – Mayor Suthers declared a state of emergency on March16, 2020 to address COVID-19 and provide the City access to federal funding.
• Paid Sick Leave – The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment published emergency rules which temporarily require employers in certain industries to provide a small amount of paid sick leave to employees with flu-like symptoms while awaiting COVID-19 testing.
• Bars, Restaurants, Gyms, Theaters and Casinos Closed - The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a public health order to close bars, restaurants, gyms, theaters, and casinos to slow the speed of COVID-19 virus, effective at 8:00am on March 17 for the duration of 30 days.
• Hair and Nail Salons, Spas, and Tattoo Parlors Closed - On March 19, the Governor added the following businesses to the public health order to close nonessential personal services.
• Temporary Suspension of Enforcement on On-Premise Retailed Licensees and Breweries to Sell, Deliver or Provide Alcohol for Takeout - On March 20, Governor Polis issued an executive order which temporarily allows retailers licensed to sell alcohol to sell, deliver, or provide for takeout sealed alcohol beverages for customers over the age of 21. City of Colorado Springs and restaurant industry representatives urged the Governor to consider this concept and were advocates in support of this executive order.
• Reduce Non-Critical In-Person Workforce by 50% - On March 22, the Governor signed an executive order directing all of Colorado’s non-critical employers to reduce their in-person workforce by 50%. A full list of critical workplaces is included in the above link. If employers can demonstrate that employees and customers can maintain a distance of six feet from one another during work hours, employers can fill out a Social Distancing Self-Certification for Businesses Form that allows the business to continue operating at more than 50%.
• Stay at Home Order – On March 25, Governor Polis announced a statewide stay-at-home order beginning on Thursday, March 26 at 6:00am and will last until April 11, 2020. The attached press release provides additional information including an FAQ on what is included under the “critical” businesses and activities list.
• In response to requests for a document to carry to show that you are a critical business staff the State has a Critical Business Self-Certification form. The use of the document is voluntary and is not required.
• Extension of Certain State Licenses – includes liquor licenses, bed-and breakfast permits, hotels and restaurants, taverns, retail gaming establishments, brewpubs, and more.

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.

• Survive & Thrive COS Small Business Relief Fund - The City is working in partnership with Exponential Impact and Pikes Peak Community Foundation to provide mentorship, resources, and relief loans of up to $25,000 for small businesses with 2-25 employees in El Paso County.
• 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.
• Help Colorado Now COVID Relief Fund – Applications are now open for eligible community-based organizations across Colorado to apply for general operating grants of up to $25,000 for efforts on prevention, impact (including economic impact), and recovery related to COVID-19. Information on eligibility and Fund priorities provided in link.
• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Small Businesses – All Colorado small businesses throughout all 64 counties (including El Paso County) may seek loans up to $2 million from the Small Business Administration (SBA). For additional assistance, please reach out to the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center.  
  • Deferment of Existing SBA Loans – The SBA announced changes to help borrowers still paying back SBA loans from previous disasters. By making this change, deferments through December 31, 2020 will be automatic.
  • SBA Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program – Allows small businesses that currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork and faster timeline. More information on the pilot program and how to find an Express Bridge Loan Lender at the link provided.

Resources

• Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center – Business Preparedness & Continuity
• Colorado Department of Labor and Employment – Resources for Employers and Employees
• Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade – Business Resource Center
• Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC - Event Plans and Business Resources
• Manufacturers Edge COVID-19 Resources and Updates for Manufacturers
• Better Business Bureau – Avoiding and Reporting Scams
• El Paso County Public Health
• State of Colorado COVID-19 Website

How you can support local businesses

Please follow the guidance from local health officials so we can slow the spread of this disease. During this challenging time for our community consider ways to help a neighbor, volunteer with a community organization, and support local businesses like buying online or ordering takeout from local restaurants. For more tips on supporting local businesses, visit Downtown Partnership.

Support the Springs offers creative opportunities to support our local businesses in this trying time. Learn about small businesses offering alternative ways to shop, resources for up-to-date COVID-19 information, and ways to stay connected through volunteering and donating to emergency relief efforts. Visit SupportTheSprings.com for more information and add your business to the list.