COVID-19 Resources for Employers and Business Owners - Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce

COVID-19: Resources for Employers and Business Owners

Businesses of all sizes and industries are working to recover from COVID-19. We’ve gathered some helpful resources to ensure you have the information and resources you need to navigate the economy as it reopens.

Rebuilding

As businesses reopen and employees return to work, you need the best and latest information to protect your workplace and the health and safety of your employees and your customers.

Workplace Design:

ASHRAE’s COVID-19 Preparedness Resources for HVAC systems
CDPHE Environmental Cleaning Guidance for COVID-19
Kroger’s Blueprint for Businesses: Read about best practices to help your business develop protocols and procedures to reopen safely and continue to flatten the curve.
Emergency Rental Assistance

Health and Safety:

Chamber Members Providing COVID Testing
CCIG: Fraudulent Workers’ Compensation Claims Expected to Rise Amid COVID-19
CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers: This resource includes information about how to manage essential business workplaces and resume operations, including HR best practices specific to COVID-19.
CDC Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
COVID-19 CDPHE Worker and Customer Protection Guidelines for Non-Health Care Industries
Kaiser Permanente’s COVID-19 Return to Work Playbook
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Reopening Business Digital Resource Center: Provides the latest state guidelines, sector-specific guidance, small business advice and other tools and resources to help employers and employees return to work safely and successfully.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce customizable flyer to inform your employees and customers of the steps you are taking to protect against the spread of COVID-19.
Employee Health Screening:
Polsinelli’s Reopening the Economy and Getting Back to Business:

Small Business Assistance

We know many small businesses have been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources are dedicated to helping small businesses determine options and find assistance to move forward.

The Denver Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Free one-on-one consulting and a variety of web resources are available through our SBDC. Consultants are available to assist you with securing funding and changing your business model. You can request a consultation at www.denversbdc.org/consulting or reach out for information at info@denversbdc.org.
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade: Access a variety of resources including information about loans and other sources of funding, reopening and unemployment. The office also has a small business navigation hotline available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 303-860-5881 or oedit_sbanavigator@state.co.us.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s small business toolkit: Learn about COVID-19-related legislation, SBA lending information and reopening strategies.
The SBA small business guidance and loan resources: Outlines federal funding opportunities and resources.
The City and County of Denver’s COVId-19 resources page: Learn more about Denver’s small business emergency relief funding, microloans, grants and waived late fees. You can also fill out the City’s web form to notify city officials about how your business has been impacted and start a conversation about how to move forward with assistance.
Energize Colorado Gap Fund: Assistance for Small Businesses
Colorado COVID Small Business Legal Program: Small businesses get matched with legal advice regarding COVID-19 related issues with volunteer lawyers.

General Guidance and Tips

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment: Find resources for employees and employers related to unemployment insurance, paid sick leave, regulations and more.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Communications resources, policy updates and more for employers.
The U.S. Department of Labor: Find information on what type of leave you are required to provide as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
B:CIVIC: Corporate social responsibility best practices and tools related to coronavirus.

Lending, Financial Assistance and Business Relief

Federal Lending and Grants: The U.S. Chamber provides a helpful overview of all federal small business stimulus and aid programs and a guide for independent contractors and those who are self-employed.
- U.S. Paycheck Protection Program is an emergency and forgivable loan to cover monthly payroll and mortgage interest.
  - PPP Application Form
    - Form 3508S (Instructions) – simplified application for borrowers with loans of $50,000 or less
    - Form 3508EZ (Instructions)
    - Form 3508 (Instructions)
  - PPP Information Sheet Borrowers
  - View the Colorado Small Business Development Center’s graphic on the differences between PPP and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
  - Video: The difference between PPP & EDIL, in Spanish
  - SBA Lender List for Colorado
  - Chamber Member Banks Assisting with Funding
  - SBA Find-a-Lender Tool
  - BKD PPP Loan Interim Final Rules
- SBA low-interest disaster loans of up to $2 million are available to small businesses and nonprofits without alternative credit available. They can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and additional bills that can’t be paid because of COVID-19’s impact.
- Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVO) includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million.
- 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.
Colorado Lending Source’s Resources for Lending: An overview of local, state and federal funding options available to small businesses during COVID-19
- Kiva Loans: CLS has partnered with Kiva to provide loans of up to $15,000 at 0% interest without fees for small businesses.
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade COVID-19 Small Business Alternative Funding: This list is designed as a resource for Colorado’s small businesses to find access to alternative funding sources beyond federal loans and programs.
Coronavirus Tax Relief: The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.
- Grant Thornton’s FAQ on clarifying the payroll tax deferral
COVID-19 Finance Assistance Network: Lew’s List, High Plains Advisors and Foundry Group have assembled a group of CFOs, controllers and other senior finance professionals to help provide pro bono financial assistance.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Main Street Lending Program: As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Federal Reserve has created the Main Street Lending Program to provide a total of $600 billion in financing for small and medium-sized businesses.
Local resources: Check with your local government to find out if they are offering microloans or grants. Many banks are also extending loans, so check with your existing lenders as well.
- Brighton COVID-19 Relief Fund
- City and County of Denver Small Business Emergency Relief Program: This fund will provide grants or microloans up to $7,500 for eligible small businesses in Denver impacted by COVID-19.

Worker Resources

Connect with resources for your current or former employees.

Business-to-Business Offers and Resources

Together, Chamber members are helping one another by sharing their own resources with other members in need. Please email jennifer.kostkabeck@denverchamber.org if you have expertise, equipment or discounts to share. View member resources.

Industry-Specific Resources