Support for Founders and Small Business Owners

As we experience disruptions in our daily lives to confront the COVID-19 epidemic, startup teams and small businesses are struggling with lost income, stress, and myriad other challenges. The words “uncertainty” and “unprecedented” likely appear in your inbox daily, and it is easy to feel lost in these difficult times. While measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and care for those affected may hurt businesses, resources exist to support those who need it.

Resources from El Paso County Health

General Business Guidance

Work Do’s and Do Not’s During COVID-19 (Poster available for download and print, to be posted within business as appropriate)
Best Practices for All Businesses
COVID-19 Cleaning Recommendations
Use of Face Coverings and PPE for Businesses

Industry-Specific Guidance

Guidance for Residents

Informational Sites

Inc.’s Essential Business Survival Guide for the Covid-19 Crisis

Expert advice on handling panicked customers, interrupted supply chains, webinars, Zoom meetings, hyper kids, and a work environment that changes by the hour.

Business Resource Center

Updated daily, with real-world funding, resources, and support for small business owners adapting to the impacts of coronavirus. Tools included are financial strategies, online strategies, best practices, up-to-date information, and community and mental health support.

Colorado Resource Center

Resources available to support small businesses, nonprofits, freelancers, and independent contractors.

Financial Resources

Economic Injury Disaster Advance Loan (EIDLS) – U.S. Small Business Administration

Eligible small businesses may apply for an advance of up to $10,000 which provides economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenues. Funds are made available within three days of successful application and will not have to be repaid.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program

Facebook is providing $100 million in cash grants and ad credits to help small businesses. While applications are currently forthcoming, Facebook for Business also has created a resource hub to help businesses.

Unemployment (for employees)

Note: If you are an independent contractor, 1099 worker, or self employed, you may not be eligible to file a claim.

If you are not working or are working fewer hours as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may file an unemployment claim. If your last name begins with the letter A – M, file a claim on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or after 12 noon on Saturday. If your last name begins with the letter N – Z, file a claim on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or before 12 noon on Saturday.

Freelancers Relief Fund (for freelancers)

This fund may provide emergency assistance up to $1,000 per household for independent workers in the U.S. who have primarily earned income through freelance work for at least one year. For freelance artists, see a list of resources here.

Work-Share Program (for employers with 2 or more employees)

The Work-Share Program provides an alternative to laying off employees by allowing them to work fewer hours while still being eligible for partial unemployment benefits.

CERF+ Artists Safety Net (for “craft”-related startups)

If your startup works in a craft discipline (creation of original objects through the skillful manipulation of materials) and meets some eligibility criteria, you may receive a grant from CERF+. You must have a demonstrated history in craft for at least three years.

Resources for Nonprofits

See this great compiled list from the Bridgespan Group of resources for nonprofits and philanthropy-related businesses.

Startup Resources

Active Investors

Airtable has a list of investors still making investments during COVID-19.

Coronavirus Information and Resources for VCs and Startups

This webpage provides important information and resources to venture-backed companies about the federal response to COVID-19, including tax credits, loan opportunities, and sick leave.

Survive & Thrive COS

Resources