Prepare for the CARES Act
Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act
U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship

T he programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain nonprofits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA

Program Overviews Available:

Struggling to get started? The following questions might help point you in the right direction. Do you need:




  • Just some quality, free counseling to help you navigate this uncertain economic time? The resource partners might be your best bet.

Read the Full Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act - U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship


*PLEASE NOTE: The Payroll Protection Program (PPP) application that is circulating is a sample form; the actual application will come directly from the participating lender. The list of banks who are participating in the PPP program is not yet available, as some banks who have not previously participated in 7a lending are applying to participate in the PPP program. The list of participating lenders will be made available by the end of the week, and communication will go out when the list or lender match tool is available.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) asks that business owners wait for more information in order to allow SBA resource partners and lenders time to focus on necessary training and putting processes into place. Many lenders are planning to go live on Monday, but will have application details available on Friday, April 3 . This timeline is subject to change. The SBDC will release recommendations for business owners on how to prepare prior to Friday.

Please   SIGN UP   for the SBDC mailing list to receive COVID-19 business communications. Colorado SBDC Website

Additional Resources:
Helpful Links &
Roaring Fork Valley Business Impacts Survey
COVID-19 Roaring Fork Valley Impacts Survey

The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association has partnered with the other Roaring Fork Valley Chambers to conduct a survey to best understand the impacts that COVID-19 has on your business. Please complete the quick survey below so that we can begin to measure the impacts to our local business community throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. We will be using the information collected in the survey to adjust our strategy and to share with local and regional entities to secure stimulus funding to assist with recovery efforts. 
Business & Employee Resources
Recap of State and Federal Coronavirus Recovery Programs
Source: Colorado Workforce Center

CARES
The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) passed March 27 and was signed into law and includes:

  • Direct payments to individuals
  • Keeping Americans Paid and Employed
  • Payroll tax credits
  • Protections against foreclosures and evictions
  • Charitable contributions credit
  • Consumer protections
  • Student loan payments suspended


FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS ACT
The Families First Coronavirus Act was signed into law March 18, the second of several acts meant to mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19. Highlights include:

  • Adds $600 a week to the amount received through unemployment
  • Expands unemployment benefits to those who are self-employed, independent contractors, those who have exhausted their benefits, those unable and unavailable for work due to COVID-19 impacts and those who don't meet standard unemployment income requirements.
  • Requires employers to provide paid sick leave in specific instances
  • Expands the Family Medical Leave Act to become a paid benefit and include reasons related to COVID-19


NOTE: The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment asks that those eligible for expanded unemployment benefits to be patient. They are waiting for federal guidance and have to update their systems to reflect the changes.
COVID-19 Relief Fund Accepting Grant Applications

Last week, Governor Jared Polis announced the launch of joint efforts to raise  relief funds   and volunteer efforts to address this public health crisis.

Help Colorado Now  has raised $7.7 million dollars from nearly 4,000 individuals, foundations and companies since the fund launched. More than 9,000 volunteers including 2,000 health care volunteers have signed up to date.

The grant process has now begun and will be on a rolling basis. Those interested in applying for relief funds up to $25K can apply   here .

City of Glenwood Springs Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)

The City of Glenwood Springs offers a new financing opportunity through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This revolving loan fund (RLF) will provide low-interest financing options to business owners operating within city limits.

Facebook Small Business Grants

Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where they operate.

Resources for Retail Businesses

The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association, Post Independent and other partners are working on providing resources and solutions for retail businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak.

As such, we'll be posting a page on the Post Independent website where retail businesses can sell gift cards and or more.

Upcoming Webinars

Always Mountain Time | NWCCOG | Regional Chambers of Commerce
Bolstering & Building: Discussion on COVID19 Strategies and Business Help

The webinar participants will discuss how to leverage these confusing times & grow market share, plus we'll look at specific information available to help businesses navigate these ever changing days. This webinar will include a 30 minute Q&A Session – come with questions! 

Participants – Northwest Colorado Council of Governments (NWCCOG), Steamboat Chamber, Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Associaiton, Summit Chamber, Vail Valley Partnership 

Via GoToMeeting: 
Bolstering and Building  
Fri, Apr 3, 2020 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (MDT) 

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. 

You can also dial in using your phone. 
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122 | Access Code: 961-677-597 

New to GoToMeeting? 
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: 
Upcoming Small Business Development Seminars
The Colorado Small Business Development Center Network consists of 15 regional centers across Colorado. They are hosting a number of webinars to consider attending. These will give you an opportunity to ask questions.


How to Support Local Businesses
#RFVStrong
Open for Business

Local businesses need our support now more than ever. The open for businesses page on our website has been created for the community to know what businesses are open during this time, and for businesses to be able to share their status during the COVID-19 outbreak.

#RFVStrong

We are giving thanks for the incredible show of support and compassion from our community during this challenging time.

Let’s share inspiring and empowering stories and photos on social media with   #RFVStrong ! Share about:

  • Locals helping locals.
  • Locals helping small businesses.
  • Small businesses helping locals.
  • Show and practice habits to keep yourself and our community safe, such as practicing proper hygiene and social distancing, working from home, avoiding crowds, and not hoarding toilet paper and other supplies at the supermarket.
  • It takes a Valley! Let’s inspire each other!