Free faculty-led workshops through CSU’s College of Business aim to prevent local business closures
Small businesses play a key role in supporting our local economies, employing 1.1 million workers in Colorado, nearly 50% of the workforce. But with COVID-19 stretching companies thin, their survival is increasingly on the line. Research indicates that three-quarters of businesses don’t have enough cash on hand to cover two months of expenses, a reserve that’s being put to the test as many small businesses revenue has cratered during the pandemic. No-cost workshops and additional resources...
Larimer County to Move to Safer at Home Level 2 (Yellow)
Larimer County, CO - The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has ordered Larimer County to move from Safer at Home Level 1 (Blue) to Level 2 (Yellow) on Colorado’s Dial. The move is a result of rising COVID-19 case counts and positivity rates within Larimer County over the past several weeks. The Larimer County Health Department monitors case counts and positivity rates, along with hospitalization trends, to determine whether the spread of COVID-19 is rising. As of...
City of Fort Collins Launches Next Round of Assistance Program for Food and Beverage Industry
The City of Fort Collins is inviting restaurants, bars, brewers, and other food & beverage businesses to apply for the Small Business Assistance Program Phase 3. The Small Business Assistance Program is a $1.8M financial assistance program through Coronavirus Relief Federal funds to provide relief to businesses and nonprofits that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The next phase of the program, which is specific to food & beverage businesses, will launch Wednesday, November...
Colorado Winter Outdoor Grants Application
The Colorado Restaurant Foundation (“Foundation”) has established an emergency assistance program within the Foundation to assist Colorado restaurants affected by the Covid -19 crisis. This fund will be known as the Colorado Outdoor Winter Dining Grant Program (“the Program”). The Program is designated for Colorado restaurants that have demonstrated financial need as defined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors in time of declared Covid-19 disaster. These guidelines generally outline the...
Rising COVID-19 numbers jeopardize Larimer County’s Safer at Home Level 1 status
Larimer County Health Department issues an Emergency Public Health Order to help suppress the virus In response to recent increases in COVID-19 case rates, test positivity and hospitalizations, the Larimer County Health Department is implementing critical measures designed to slow the spread of the virus in Larimer County. The Emergency Public Health Order, which goes into effect at 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, requires the following changes for Larimer County residents and businesses:...
Northern Colorado Regional Economic Development Partners Release COVID-19 Response and Recovery Map
The Northern Colorado Regional Economic Development Initiative (NoCo REDI) has released a roadmap outlining the central intersections of the public and private sectors and their partnerships to share the way the region is working together to reignite our economy. The map serves as a visual representation highlighting the alignment of resources and mitigation work implemented in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19. “The established relationships that existed prior to COVID-19 gave us...
Free, Anonymous and Confidential COVID-19 Support Line Available to Larimer County Residents (970) 221-5551
SummitStone Health Partners recently received a grant from FEMA to expand mental health resources in Larimer County due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The counseling and resource support line is available free of charge to anyone who may be impacted by COVID-19. Services provided by the grant, which is called Colorado Spirit, can now be accessed 24/7 through the Health District of Northern Larimer County‘s long-standing Connections line at (970) 221-5551. “This support line provides a safe,...
Application Process Now Open for Loveland Business Rent and Mortgage Relief Program
An estimated 100 Loveland businesses could benefit from a $550,000 rent relief fund established by the City of Loveland Economic Development Department to provide pandemic-related rent and mortgage aid. The City’s local economic recovery efforts, developed through careful consultation with local businesses to cope with COVID-19 economic impact, now include the Loveland Business Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (LBRMP). The program will provide rent payments directly to a landlord or, in the...
Free De-escalation Training for Businesses Operating During COVID-19 – Capacitación Gratuita Sobre Reducción De La Tensión Para Negocios
A moderated panel on Wednesday, September 16 at 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. will feature several local business owners that will be covering topics including: Real-life scenarios of customer compliance and general conflict due to new public health orders, such as the face covering mandate Best practices of excellent customer communications and conflict management Participants are encouraged to ask questions. The discussion will be recorded. Register here: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/CcB3S8 Spanish...
The City of Fort Collins Small Business Assistance Program coming Tuesday, September 8th!
The City is launching a financial assistance program with CARES Act funds to distribute a total of $1.5 million to businesses by end of year. This assistance of up to $7,500 per business will not have to be repaid. The application will be available Tuesday, September 8 through Wednesday, September 23. ¡Próximamente! Solicite El Programa De Asistencia Para Pequeños Negocios La ciudad de Fort Collins está lanzando un programa de asistencia financiera a través de los fondos de CARES Act para...
Testing for COVID-19
UCHealth provides two types of COVID-19 tests: a nasal swab (PCR) test, which detects the presence of the COVID-19 virus in the nasal passages, and a blood test which looks for COVID-19 antibodies. The nasal swab test is recommended only for those currently experiencing symptoms. Your medical provider may order a test for you, then you can visit any testing location without an appointment. Or, you can use My Health Connection (free patient portal) to schedule an appointment at any location....
Early Childhood Council of Larimer County (ECCLC) Launches Local Child Care Referral System
Do your employees need child care? More than 65% of Larimer County children have both parents in the workforce. This makes access to affordable child care more essential than ever, especially as employers work to recruit and retain a qualified workforce. The Early Childhood Council of Larimer County is proud to announce the release of a new, free tool for families to find and access child care in our community. Larimer Child Care Connect portal allows parents to search for care options near...
Gap Fund Application Goes Live August 31st!
Energize Colorado, alongside the State of Colorado and the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, announce that applications for grants and loans through the Energize Colorado Gap Fund will open on Monday, August 31, 2020. Small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time employees can apply for support through a mixture of grants and loans, up to a maximum of $15,000 in grants and $20,000 in loans for a possible combined total of $35,000 in financial assistance. Learn More About the Application...
Larimer Recovery Collaborative: Pandemic Resident Impact Survey
The Larimer Recovery Collaborative is looking to get more detailed information from community members about the key impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please tell us how you and your family have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. What are your needs? Click or tap here to take the survey. Your feedback is valuable.
This Week: Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development Promoting Virtual Hiring Events
The Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development is promoting Virtual Hiring Events this week. You can learn more about each position by using the job order number and looking it up in Connecting Colorado. To learn more about each of these events and to register for one or all click here Here is what the schedule looks like: Tuesday, August 18th from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM: Goodwill Industries Goodwill is hiring Donation Site Attendants (Job Order #8466081 ) And Sales Associates (Job...
Looking for School-Age Childcare Options?
The Early Childhood Council of Larimer County (ECCLC) has created a list of childcare providers to help connect families to a variety of out-of-school care options. Please note that this list was created as a courtesy, and the ECCLC has not verified the information provided by any of these programs/individuals. Families are responsible for verifying the quality, licensing status, or other needed information when choosing care for their children. If you have existing lists that you'd like added...
PSD Update Regarding Remote Education Start of School
With PSD’s shift to remote education through at least Oct. 16, staff are finalizing plans for the start of the year. Our priorities are building strong connections with students, creating the conditions for learning and growth in any environment, and supporting students’ social and emotional needs as they return to remote learning. We will continue to share information with you over the coming weeks and thank you for your patience as we all prepare to start a school year unlike any other...
Front Range Community College Fall 2020 Course Offerings
We understand that making the choice to continue your education can be difficult given the flexibility you need in order to adapt to the ongoing effects of COVID-19. With your safety and success in mind, we have developed course delivery types to enable you to pursue your educational goals this fall. Now, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, we’re ready to share detailed meeting time and location information for every course section that is available this fall. We have...
CSU President Joyce McConnell Issues Statement about Mitigating Risk of Transmission of COVID-19 during Fall Semester
Dear Friends in the Fort Collins Community, As the President of Colorado State University, I take seriously my responsibility to CSU faculty, staff, students and their families, and the Fort Collins community. That’s why I am sharing the University’s plans for fall semester with you. Each year, I look forward to August and the start of the fall semester, but this year the annual return of students to Fort Collins and Colorado State University will look much different and will reflect our “new...
Larimer County Provides Variance Update
Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) has been notified by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment that Larimer County’s variance will remain in place. Cases of COVID-19 have stabilized over the past two weeks, and the goal is to reduce the rate of cases. Monitoring the case count and other indicators will continue for the next few weeks to determine if the positive case rate remains stable. It is always LCDHE’s intent to keep businesses open. A spike in...
Congressman Joe Neguse Launches Virtual Job and Resource Fair to Help Coloradans Amidst COVID-19
Washington D.C.—Today, Congressman Joe Neguse announced the launch of his first-ever virtual job and resource fair to assist Coloradans navigating new unemployment and the job search process amidst COVID-19. More than 30 million Americans across the country have applied for unemployment since the onset of the virus, many experiencing shocking and unexpected unemployment due to the economic impacts of the virus. As workers navigate the new economic moment, Congressman Neguse’s office is hoping...
#KeepNoCoOpen
The Fort Collins business community is filled with an amazing cross-section of small, medium and large businesses providing products and services that all citizens need and desire. And citizens, alongside business, have a major stake in the ongoing success of our business community. We are inviting every business and citizen to help Keep NOCO Open. Unless a sudden spike in local pandemic case numbers can be stemmed or reversed, Larimer County businesses could lose the benefits of a variance...
Area Chambers Launch Call to Action on July 22 at 12:30 p.m.
The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce and Loveland Chamber of Commerce present a Call to Action to Keep NoCo Open. The entire business community is invited to join the call to action on Wednesday, July 22 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. by dialing 970-236-7768. Larimer County is at risk of losing its variance to COVID-19 health orders if we are unable to slow the spread of COVID-19. Business simply can not afford to see a roll-back or closure. Join this call to learn about the variance...
Larimer County Cases Rise, Variance Could Be Revoked
Larimer County, CO --- Larimer County Public Health has been notified in writing by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment that the uptick in daily case counts in Larimer County has put the variance at risk. Many of these cases are connected to fourth of July gatherings. Larimer County is required to create a mitigation plan to show how the county will decrease and stabilize case counts. This plan must be completed by Monday and requires strong community enforcement and...
Governor Polis Announces Statewide Mask Order
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020 DENVER - Governor Jared Polis today announced a Statewide mask order, directing Coloradans to wear a face covering while indoors. This Executive Order goes into effect at midnight tonight. The Governor also provided an update on the State’s response to COVID-19. “Wearing a mask is an easy and highly effective way to significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19. The more we wear masks, the safer we will be and the stronger our economy will grow,” said Governor Jared...
Deadline for PPP Loan Applications is Tuesday
The deadline to apply for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) is this upcoming Tuesday, June 30, 2020. The program still has funds available. The online Lender Match can help businesses locate a lender who can process your PPP loan. The SBA also has a PPP tool to review application requirements. More Information
Larimer County Treasurer Irene Josey extends waiver of delinquent interest
The Colorado Legislature recently passed a bill that grants county treasurers the authority to waive delinquent interest between June 15, 2020, and October 1, 2020, for 2019 taxes payable in 2020. This is similar to two previous executive orders signed by Governor Jared Polis that waived interest through April 30, 2020. Based on this new legislation, Larimer County Treasurer Irene Josey will waive delinquent interest for any taxpayer who still owes current year property taxes beginning on June...
Larimer County Hosts Next Call on Public Gatherings, Events and Weddings June 18
Save the Date: Thursday, June 18 Questions about Gatherings, Events or Weddings under Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors? Larimer County’s state-approved variance includes opportunities for some types of gatherings. “Gatherings” includes activities like concerts, weddings, arts and culture, conferences and various others. The Health Department is working with businesses to safely reopen, and this includes hosting industry specific question and answer sessions. The next 1-hour...
Restaurant and Recreation Q and A Call with Larimer County Public Health on June 4
Restaurant and Recreation Q and A - Larimer County Public Health Larimer County Public Health submitted a variance request which was approved by the State of Colorado. This does not lift restrictions completely but allows our businesses to reopen with guidance from Public Health. The Larimer County Health Department is now working with businesses included in the variance to safely reopen. As a part of the process the Department is hosting industry specific question and answer sessions....
Estes Valley accommodations orders expire May 31
As statewide Safer at Home restrictions are relaxed, the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment and the Town of Estes Park will allow local public health orders limiting the operations of Estes Valley lodging facilities to expire May 31. Beginning June 1, lodging facilities may operate following the required guidance and restrictions set forth by Larimer County and the State of Colorado. A checklist for lodging properties is available at www.larimer.org/variance under “short term...
Fort Collins extends and updates face covering rule; codifies outdoor dining in public right-of-way
Honore Depew, Policy and Project Manager, , hdepew@fcgov.com Downloads Outdoor Dining Rule (PDF 266.82KB) Face Covering Requirement Update (PDF 590.25KB) Outdoor Dining FAQ (PDF 234.29KB) The City of Fort Collins has updated its mandatory face covering requirement and extended the rule indefinitely under an emergency order signed Thursday evening. The order applies to most buildings open to the public and has been in effect since May 4. The original order was set to expire May 30. The order is...
Larimer County Receives State Approval to Re-open Some Businesses Ahead of State Orders
Larimer County Public Health has received partial approval of the submitted variance request seeking state approval to slowly reopen businesses ahead of the statewide safer at home restrictions. This re-opening is done thoughtfully with the safety of the community as the priority. Businesses allowed to re-open or expand have additional protocols and requirements to meet in order to continue the re-opening process. If at any time it is determined that Larimer County hospitals are experiencing...
Fort Collins outlines process for expansion of outdoor dining and retail areas
The City of Fort Collins will allow some businesses to operate temporary outdoor dining and retail areas in the public right-of-way once dine-in service resumes. The change will allow businesses to expand service options while maintaining physical distancing. Restaurants, bars, breweries, retail, and other similar establishments may apply to the City to open an outdoor seating or retail area on a sidewalk or in public parking spaces in accordance with state guidelines. If approved, the City...
City of Fort Collins Requests Temporary Modification Information for Outdoor Expansion
In an effort to allow restaurants and dining establishments to transfer a portion of their capacity outdoors and meet anticipated social distancing guidelines, the City of Fort Collins is developing a program that will allow for expanded outdoor patio seating adjacent to businesses through a Temporary Modification of Premise approval process. Although restaurant reopening guidelines and dates have not been released by the State and County, the City would like to begin processing Temporary...
UCHealth Presents COVID-19 Webinar on May 22
You are invited to a Zoom webinar. When: May 22, 2020 11:00 AM Mountain Time Topic: Covid-19 UCHealth Webinar Content will include: Overview of current state of COVID-19, UCHealth’s response and lessons learned. The evolution of COVID-19, an epidemiologic point of view. Strategies and tactics for addressing COVID-19. National and local regulatory guidance and requirements. The potential role of testing, pros and cons. UCHealth’s COVID-19 employer solutions program. Presenters: Richard Zane, MD...
Larimer County Public Health Amends Face Covering Order
Larimer County Public Health has amended the public health order requiring face coverings for employees and customers to enter businesses in Larimer County. Larimer County continues to work with local businesses to develop creative mechanisms to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus as part of the overall goal of keeping County businesses and residents safe and as operational as possible. Businesses will have to continue to require face coverings for customers and employees, or businesses...
Larimer County Submits Variance Seeking to Safely Reopen Businesses Ahead of State Orders
Larimer County Public Health has submitted a variance request seeking state approval to slowly reopen businesses ahead of the statewide safer at home restrictions. Larimer County residents have done a great job flattening the curve. Face coverings, social distancing, handwashing and frequent cleaning all help slow the spread of the virus in the community. Those precautions must continue in order to allow Larimer County to move forward with reopening businesses as safer at home restrictions are...
NoCoSafetySupply.com provides a local business resource exchange for PPE & safety supplies
A resource to bridge northern Colorado businesses with much-needed PPE, safety, and cleaning supplies has been launched as an accessible way to source and provide items in order to help reopen and operate safely. NoCoSafetySupply.com connects suppliers and those businesses in need in response to the increased demand for these types of supplies from the COVID-19 impacts. The site was created in collaboration with Nick Armstrong of WTF Marketing, the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, and...
DreamSpring offering PPP funds to local CO businesses | DreamSpring está ofreciendo fondos del PPP a los negocios locales de Colorado
DreamSpring offering PPP funds to local CO businesses DreamSpring (formerly Accion) has secured additional funding for SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and has been able to reserve PPP funds for 7 businesses in Fort Collins totaling $392,202, representing 78 jobs. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and funding is expected to go quickly. To ensure we can evaluate your loan request in a timely manner, we encourage you to apply for funding immediately....
Larimer County Recovery Loan Fund to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 economic slowdown – Now Accepting Applications
A new $5 million Larimer County Small Business Recovery Loan Fund is now accepting applications. Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) will manage the fund, which includes $2 million in lending capital with initial lending capital provided by Bohemian Foundation. Additional funds will become available with the remaining $3 million in lending capital to be raised through regional collaboration with local foundations, banks, municipalities, private businesses and individuals. “The partnership with...
Gov. Polis Issues Executive Order on Safer at Home
Gov. Polis today issued Executive Orders on Safer at Home, the New Normal Advisory Board, and Voluntary or Elective Surgeries and Procedures. “Together, Coloradans have been effective in leveling and flattening the curve, but life will remain much more dangerous than usual these next few months and we should all wear masks when in public. Safer at Home is by no means a free-for-all. My administration has acted boldly in the face of this pandemic and is focused on ensuring our state can endure...
Larimer County Recovery Loan Fund to Support Small Businesses Impacted by the COVID-19 Economic Slowdown
A new $5 million Larimer County Small Business Recovery Loan Fund will soon be available for impacted small businesses. Round 1 will include $2 million in lending capital seeded through a partnership made possible by Bohemian Foundation, the City of Fort Collins and Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. Round 2 will follow shortly with the remaining $3 million in lending capital to be raised through regional collaboration with local foundations, banks, municipalities, private businesses and...
Personal Property Tax Payment Plan an Option for Business Owners
Larimer County Treasurer Irene Josey encourages business owners who may be finding it difficult to pay both their real estate and personal property taxes to reach out to the Treasurer's Office to see if a personal property tax payment plan would be a good fit for them. Continue reading for more information.
Reunión Pública de COVID-19 | COVID-19 Spanish Town Hall
Jueves, 23 de abril de 2020 - 4:00-5:30 PM acompáñenos por medio de ZOOM haciendo clic en el siguiente enlace: https://zoom.us/j/97416264896 Presentadora: Johanna Ulloa, Gerente del Departamento de Servicios Comunitarios Presentadores adicionales: Darin Atteberry, Gerente de la Ciudad de Fort Collins; John Kefalas, Comisario del condado Larimer & Tom Gonzales, Director de Salud Pública; Jeff Swoboda, Jefe de Policia; John McKay, Director de Lengua, Cultura y Equidad *Si tiene algun...
1099, Gig, Sole Proprietors, Musicians, etc. Can Now File for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
On April 20, 2020, the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment (CDLE) will begin taking unemployment benefit applications under the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act), paying the additional $600 per week in unemployment benefits and launch other new points of access for unemployed workers to obtain information. Self-employed and gig workers: you will need to provide either a 2018 or 2019 tax return as part of your application. Claimants do not need to take...
Treasurer Irene Josey enacts temporary waiver of interest and collection of multiple payments
Governor Jared Polis signed an Executive Order on April 6, 2020, granting County Treasurers the authority to waive delinquent interest through April 30, 2020, as well as collect multiple payments from taxpayers to equal the amount due by the statutory deadlines. Based on this Executive Order, Treasurer Irene Josey and the Larimer County Treasurer’s Office will be accepting payments as follows: First-half payments may now be made until April 30. The full payment deadline remains on April...
Assessor extends filing deadline
Business personal property declarations deadline extended 60 days The Larimer County Assessor’s Office today is extending the deadline to file 2020 Business Personal Property Declarations from April 15th to June 15, 2020. The extension follows Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ Executive Order on April 3, 2020 extending the filing deadline 60 days for all business personal property, and oil and gas natural resources properties. Also, business owners who own less than $7,700 in total actual...
Utility Assistance Program & Online Payments
Residential and Business Assistance Programs Resident Late Fee Deferral The Town of Berthoud will defer late fees and water shut offs for utility charges accrued during the months of March and April 2020 (those charges appear on the bills you receive in April and May, respectively). The utility bills you receive in April and May (again, those bills reflect your usage for March and April) will show the amount you will owe for April and May. All unpaid charges will appear on the bill as “past...
City Allows Qualified Businesses to Defer Sales Tax Payments for 60 Days
FORT COLLINS, CO – To assist businesses affected by the economic impact of COVID-19, the City of Fort Collins has announced that qualified business taxpayers can defer tax payments for 60 days. Tax payments that are currently due on April 20th or May 20th will be extended to June 22nd, interest and penalties will also be waived for approved businesses. The 60-day deferral applies only to sales tax payments associated with filing dates during the months of March and April. Please note that...
Fort Collins suspends permitting for some temporary signs
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - The City of Fort Collins has suspended permitting for some temporary signs placed by essential businesses during the coronavirus outbreak. City Manager Darin Atteberry signed the order suspending permitting on April 4. The order is meant to make it easier for essential businesses to communicate with customers. Essential businesses are those which are defined as such by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in relation to the state of Colorado’s...