Resources for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
In this together
GJEP is committed to helping our local business community navigate the unique short- and long-term challenges you may be facing as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Our economic development partners, local and state organizations are working together to provide resources that will mitigate the impacts of the coronavirus. We have compiled a list of business resources below, which we will continue to update with new information.
The GJEP offices at 122 N. 6th Street are operating at a limited capacity at this time to follow safety guidelines from the health department. Masks are required to enter the building and appointments are recommended to ensure someone is available to meet with you. Give us a call at 970.245.4332!
Latest news
Mesa County Moves to Level Red: Severe Risk
Effective Friday, November 20, Mesa County will move to Level Red on the COVID-19 Status Dial. This decision comes...
New Grants for Grand Junction City Businesses
On November 4, 2020, the City of Grand Junction established the Grand Junction Business Stabilization and Recovery...
Health Care Updates and General Information
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Mesa County Health Department
View local data on the spread of the virus, as well as important safety guidelines for individuals and businesses
State of Colorado’s Official COVID-19 Website
This is the state’s primary resource for information related to COVID-19 and will feature statewide coordinated response information
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Financial support
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Energize Colorado Gap Fund
The Energize Colorado Gap Fund offers more than $25M in small business loans and grants to boost small business enterprisesthroughout the state. Sole proprietors, businesses and nonprofits with less than 25 full-time employees can apply for up to a $15,000 grant and a $20,000 loan for a possible combined total of $35,000 in financial assistance. The application is competitive and businesses that are minority-, veteran or women-owned are given proprity.
Grand Junction Business Stabilization and Recovery Fund
The Grand Junction Business Stabilization and Recovery Fund has entered Phase II. As of November 4, 2020, the City of Grand Junction has authorized the Business Incubator Center to distribute up to $300,000 of grant funding to eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Grant funding of up to $7,500 will be awarded to eligible businesses in the city limits of Grand Junction that can demonstrate losses related to COVID-19 that have not been covered by other funding. The funding may be used for fixed and operational expenses. Businesses that have applied for the city funds under a previous program (GJ Business Stabilization and Recovery Fund) are eligible to re-apply for the difference between their original award and $7,500.
U.S. Small Business Administration Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
The SBA administers federal loan programs such as the Economic Injury Disaster Loans to provide small business relief from the impact of the coronavirus. Visit the SBA site for updates and changes to loan opportunities.
Funding Sources for Colorado Businesses via the Office of Economic Development and International Trade
This list is divided by industries and counties, and is continuously updated by OEDIT.
Colorado Lending Source Small Business Emergency Loans
Specifically targeting small businesses in rural parts of Colorado (per USDA definition), Colorado Lending Source has made loan funds available for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Financing is available at a fixed interest rate over twenty-four months (two years) with no payments of principal and interest due during the first six months of the loan.
Emergency Rental Assistance
The Department of Housing has two programs to offer emergency rental assistance when renters have difficulty affording rent due to COVID-19. The Property Owner Preservation program (POP) is an opportunity for rental property owners to have their rents covered, while the Emergency Rental Assistance program (EHAP) allows renters to seek assistance directly. Both programs can be accessed through the DOH website.
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Save Small Business Fund
The Save Small Business Fund administered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is no longer accepting applications. However, grants are still being administered to those who have already submitted an application.
Kiva Microloans
Colorado Lending Source has partnered with Kiva to become their newest hub and offer an innovative microloan product. Partnering with Kiva means CLS is able to extend 0% interest small business loans, up to $15,000. In response to COVID-19, Kiva loans will also have access to expanded eligibility terms and grace periods up to 6 months for greater financing flexibility during this difficult time. Contact Rachael Sall for more details.
Wefunder Coronavirus Crisis Loan Program
Wefunder, an equity crowdfunding platform, is providing loans of $20k to $1M with payments deferred until 2021.
Colorado Enterprise Fund
Call 303-860-0242 or email info@coloradoenterprisefund.org
Colorado Enterprise fund has been providing loans and financing options for small businesses since 1976. Please see their website for their programs including their Just in time Line of credit loan ($15,000 to $100,000) and their Great Asset Partner (GAP) loan ($1,000 to $500,000)
Greenline Emergency Microloan Program
This emergency microloan program is specifically designed to support minority-, women- and veteran-owned small businesses throughout Colorado. Up to $25,000 with no interest for the first six months, followed by a 2% interest rate. The loans can be coupled with PPP and other SBA loan programs.
COVID-19 Finance Assistance Network
Receive pro bono financial advice from a group of experienced CFOs, controllers and other finance professionals volunteering their time to help small businesses navigate through the crisis.
Winter Outdoor Grant Program
Colorado restaurants may appy for assistance to create and winterize additional outdoor seating during the colder months ahead. Funds can be used toward design, construction, applicable fees and supplies (ex: permit fees, tents, heaters). Round 2 of grant applications opens on November 30 – apply here.
Human Resources
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Mesa County Workforce Center – all job seeker and employer services
- General questions about MCWC programs: 970.248.0871
- Layoff assistance for businesses
- Unemployment Insurance and resources
- To set up a phone interview with an Employment Specialist: 970.248.7560
- Daily job listings: 970.248.7575
- Childcare services (at-home and daycare): 970.683.2300
A Guide to Furloughs and Layoffs
A Guide to Furloughs and Layoffs from GJEP, Johnston Financial Services, Lighthouse HR Support and the Mesa County Workforce Center
Guidelines for State and Federal Compliance to COVID-19 related employment legislation,
Guidelines for State and Federal Compliance to COVID-19 related employment legislation, including emergency sick leave.
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CO Dept of Labor and Employment
CO Dept of Labor and Employment
- Apply for unemployment benefits under the CARES Act, including self-employed, gig workers, 1099, and sole proprietors.
- Emergency Paid Leave Rule – This rule is meant to limit the spread of highly contagious disease and enables workers in at-risk occupations to access testing.
- Unemployment Insurance – During layoffs, all employees are encouraged to apply for unemployment insurance. Those who are job-attached (meaning workers will be expected to return after a separation of up to 16 weeks) should file as “job-attached.”
- Work-Share Program – The Work-Share Program gives employers an alternative to laying off employees. It allows employers to let employees keep working, but with fewer hours. While they are working fewer hours, CDLE pays them part of their regular unemployment benefits.
- Layoff/Separations
Free Pre-Employment Background Checks via TransUnion
ShareAble for Hires, a recently launched division of TransUnion that provides a simple, safe way for small business owners to conduct background checks and credit checks on prospective employees, is currently offering free pre-employment background checks. Visit the site for details.
B2b peer support and education
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Energize Colorado
A nonprofit bringing Colorado’s diverse professional community together to provide relief to local small businesses, supporting them in recovering from the economic impact of COVID-19. The site is a frequently updated one-stop-shop for COVID-19 small business response.
SBDC Support
Businesses seeking technical assistance or consulting regarding how to prepare and/or recover during an economic disruption should contact Erin McCuskey, and/or register for SBDC consulting here. Further assistance can be found in The Disaster Recovery and Continuity Guide for Colorado Businesses. Download the guide here
Free Legal Advice
Small businesses in Colorado can receive free legal advice on COVID-19 related issues from volunteer lawyers. Visit coloradocovidrelief.org
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Grand Valley Business Resources Facebook Group
Colorado Mesa University and Western Colorado Community College Scholarships for Displaced Workers
Colorado Mesa University and Western Colorado Community College Scholarships for Displaced Workers
community
Community Updates and Ways to Help
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Mesa County Variance Protection Program
GJEP encourages eligible businesses to take part in the Mesa County Variance Protection Program, which helps ensure that businesses can remain open when statewide restrictions are in place. A 5-Star rating shows customers that your establishment is following proper guidance related to COVID-19. Apply here.
Shop Local
Small businesses across the state are suffering the economic impact of the current crisis. Help sustain our small business community by shopping local. The Grand Junction Chamber has a convenient “Take Out Tool Kit” where you can find local food services, and Who’s Open in Colorado lists all types of small businesses throughout the state that are staying open through the pandemic.
Colorado COVID Relief Fund
The goal of the fund is to raise and distribute funds to support unmet needs of the communities and agencies impacted by COVID-19 in response and recovery — separate and apart from government relief efforts. Government efforts will be expansive, but there will be unmet needs in this community. Dollars donated from this community will only be deployed here — not in other areas of the state.
Donate Blood
Blood banks are reporting a sharp drop in donations, attributed to fears about contracting COVID-19. Donating blood is a safe process and people should not be concerned about giving or receiving blood during this challenging time. Visit the site for information on blood drives and donation centers.