Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Corporation launch fund to support businesses affected by Club Q shooting, in partnership with Exponential Impact
Colorado Springs, Colo. – Dec. 5, 2022 – Today, the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Corporation (Chamber & EDC) announced a $40,000 fund to support the affected by the November 19, 2022, Club Q shooting. Businesses affected may have experienced lost revenue, forced closure, reduced employee staff hours, or have had to hire increased security. This fund is created in partnership with the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) and will be overseen and distributed in partnership with Exponential Impact (XI). 100% of the funds will go to the businesses affected by this tragedy.
“Our community is strong and resilient and we hope that these funds will help ease the strain for the surrounding businesses during the healing process. We remember the lives lost and the lives forever changed and we will work together to build a better future for all Coloradans,” said Governor Jared Polis.
“After such a devastating act, this fund is one step we can take in partnership with our Colorado Springs colleagues to support the Colorado Springs and Club Q community. These businesses have faced undue hardships. May these funds provide some relief as we mourn together and begin the recovery process,” said OEDIT Executive Director Patrick Meyers.
“The generosity and support our community has expressed to the victims and families from the tragedy that occurred at Club Q, and all members of the LGBTQ+ community has been overwhelming. Our mission at the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC is to support businesses and to help them thrive, this fund is one way we can continue to express our solidarity with businesses and individuals that were affected by this act of violence,” said Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, president & CEO, Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC.
“The team at Exponential Impact is grateful to partner with the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC and OEDIT to support businesses affected by the Club Q shooting. Through our Survive and Thrive program, XI serves as an early responder to address immediate needs of businesses. Along with funding to aid with financial challenges, this initiative will encourage community connections across the business and create space to come together in a time of grief,” said Vance Brown, Executive Director, Exponential Impact.
The fund is currently $40,750 and is provided by OEDIT, El Pomar Foundation, Vance and Betsy Brown, Gazette Charities Foundation, the Colorado Springs Black Chamber of Commerce, Firma IT Solutions, the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region, the Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC, and the Pikes Peak Community Foundation, joined by the following supporters: Tad Goodenbour, Katie Gonzalez, Tiemens Foundation, Harvski Fund, Jan Martin Fund, Claar Fund, Fuller Family Fund, and Maison Dindon Fund.
It will be administered by the Chamber & EDC in partnership with XI. Those interested in applying for these grant dollars should visit www.cscedc.com/BusinessesAffectedByClubQTragedy. An independent group of volunteer business leaders will review applications and award grants to support businesses that experienced lost revenue, forced closure, employee staff hours reductions, or added security. Grants will be awarded in $5,000 increments and are available until the funds are depleted.
For more information or for those interested in donating to this fund, please contact the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC at 719-471-8183.