The Pikes Peak SBDC and Colorado SBDC Network is here to help businesses who have been affected by recent disasters in Colorado including response to the current health crisis. Our consultants and partners including the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) provide services to assist with disaster loan applications, long term planning, insurance navigation, physical and economic loss estimations, business preparedness and more.
COVID-19 RESOURCES
Pikes Peak Region
Since August of 1980, Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado has helped consumers find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust serving 25 counties throughout Southern Colorado. COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, is affecting people, businesses and communities around the world. Better Business Bureau reminds everyone to remain vigilant to avoid scams related to the virus, use necessary, common sense precautions when traveling, and find reliable sources to stay informed about what to do as the virus spreads.
The BBB recently published its 2020 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, focused on the rise of online scams during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The El Paso County Public Health department is keeping the public up to date on the latest via their website. Stay informed as small business owner and help stop the spread of rumors to reduce anxiety!
A list of businesses, that are open, closed, by appointment and open for delivery or pickup.
The Emergency Relief Fund for Non-Profits in El Paso and Teller County has been activated. Visit this site for more information.
The Pikes Peak Workforce Center is keeping tabs on any local, state, and federal resources to assist small businesses and their employees if they see themselves out of a job or without pay due to business economic loss or a quarantine. It’s a good time to utilize the workforce center for any upskilling of your current employees to other job duties as necessary. Contact the Business Relations Group at 719.667.3814 or BRG@elpasoco.com
The Pikes Peak SBDC provides a team of experts to provide free business consulting in financials, business continuity plans, marketing, legal, HR and numerous areas of support for your emergency plans.
General
Colorado Small Business Navigator & COVID-19 Small Business Hotline
The Small Business Navigator is the first point of contact for new and existing business owners with questions about federal, state and local licensing requirements. The navigator also provides referrals to a variety of state and federal assistance programs and local small business training. In addition, the navigator maintains a comprehensive database of federal, state and local regulatory and permitting requirements. SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 DISASTER RESPONSE HOTLINE: 303-860-5881 ((OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-5PM))
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE)
Visit this website for the latest information for employers and workers. Website links include information on paid sick leave for COVID-19, workplace preparedness, information from the Division of Federal Employees Compensation (DFEC) and more.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is a great resource to keep up on the latest throughout the state of Colorado.
Colorado Proud
Now is the moment for us to come together to support our state and buy local food, groceries and goods. Colorado Proud has put together the following list of Colorado farmers, ranchers, retailers, chefs, restaurants, and food and beverage manufacturers providing food, products and services direct to consumers.
Colorado Covid Legal Relief
Apply for free legal help and advice.
USDA COVID-19 Response Resources
USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available.
US Department of the Treasury
If you receive calls, emails, or other communications claiming to be from the Treasury Department and offering COVID-19 related grants or stimulus payments in exchange for personal financial information, or an advance fee, tax, or charge of any kind, including the purchase of gift cards, please do not respond.
U.S. Customs and Border Protections Trade Updates
U.S. CBP has created this webpage for updates, information and impacts on trade due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Export Import Bank of the United States Resources
EXIM is committed to fully supporting the U.S. exporting community during this crisis. This page will be updated with any information about EXIM’s response activities.
Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents
On March 27, 2020, the president signed the CARES Act into law, which, among other things, provides broad relief for federal student loan borrowers.
USDA Federal Rural Resource Guide
USDA and its Federal partners have programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
U.S. Department of Labor – Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers
Click here for the latest on the Families First Act Q&A.
U.S. Treasury – Personal Finance Resources
9 Options If Your Small Business Can’t Pay Its Bill Due to Coronavirus
10 Business Tips for Responding to COVID-19
Checklist for Managing in Times of Financial Difficulty
Intuit Small Business Resources
Create Your New Financial Survival Scenario Now
Business interruption insurance normally covers the replacement of lost income when operations are halted during a natural disaster such as a fire. It covers operating expenses, a move to a temporary location, payroll, taxes and loan payments. The Coronavirus pandemic is uncharted territory and until we know more about what insurances companies should cover, here are some steps to advocate for yourself:
- Ask your agent to file a claim with the carrier even if they tell you that your business is not covered.
- When you receive the declination document, write a letter to the carrier and tell them why you are disputing the declination (be specific)
- If declined again, connect with an independent insurance specialist and see if the next step should be to file a request for help with the Colorado Division of Insurance.
Resiliency Guide & Materials
America’s SBDC, Grow with Google and the Washington SBDC Network teamed together to bring small businesses across the country a Small Business Resiliency Guide. The materials cover identifying your critical resources, planning to use alternative resources, responding with your plan, bringing your business back to normal and more. Discover Google tools that can help you work and manage your business during this time of uncertainty and get insights on more online and timely resources for small businesses.
