Support for Small Businesses

September 25, 2020

Dear Business and Community Partners;

Finding resources to help run a business during the pandemic can be challenging. However there are organizations in addition to the Business and Workforce Center that are here to help. Tech Talent Denver is showcasing how their partners are developing and training the technology experts your organization needs. In addition, the Small Business Resource Center is an excellent information hub for all small business needs.

COVD-19 cases increasing in Jefferson County

COVID-19 cases are accelerating across all age groups in Colorado and Jeffco. In Jeffco, we are seeing many cases related to social gatherings, workplace exposures and some cases associated with colleges. Our current two-week case count is 537 total cases (9/10-9/23). If cases continue to increase, we are at risk of losing our local variance, and we would not be able to progress in the state’s Dial Framework, which would be detrimental to both our community and economy. We have to do everything we can to curb this new spike — wear a mask, wash your hands and keep 6 ft. distance. We’ve seen cases grow before, and we’ve been able to reverse the trend — let’s do this Jeffco!

Personal Protective Equipment Program for Small and Micro Businesses and Nonprofits

Jefferson County, the Arvada Chamber, West Metro Chamber, Golden Chamber, and Evergreen Chamber are supporting small businesses of 25 employees or less and nonprofits that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by distributing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) free of charge to those that qualify.

Eligibility:

Nonprofits or businesses with 25 employees or less
Get more information at www.jeffco.us/4057

Virtual Tech Talent Denver Event - Partner showcase

Thursday, October 1, 2020
12:00pm - 1:30pm

Join Jefferson County and Tech Talent Denver for an event that will showcase some of our education and workforce partners working hard to build a diverse, skilled tech talent pipeline in Colorado!

Hear from some amazing organizations leading the way in training our Colorado tech workforce, and learn how your company can partner with them to meet your talent needs.

The partner showcase will include pitches from:

·       ActivateIT Powered by Per Scholas
·       AdvanceEDU
·       Catalyte
·       Denver Public Schools CareerConnect
·       General Assembly
·       Northglenn High School
·       PCs for People
·       Turing School of Software & Design

Maximize your time by joining us to learn from partners who can help your business grow and succeed.

Tech Talent Denver brings together a diverse group of industry and public partners throughout the year to solve some of tech’s greatest challenges. With the growing demand for technology skills, nationwide tech employers are struggling to meet their talent needs. Tech Talent Denver aims to help keep the Denver Metro Region ahead by focusing on growing our local talent pipeline and designing programs that will benefit our tech community, the Denver Metro Region, and beyond.

Tech Talent Denver is chaired by Michael Simpson, CEO & Founder of Pairin, and Chris Meyerpeter, CIO of Ardent Mills.

If you are an industry leader or talent partner who is interested in being a part of this important work, we invite you to join us to learn more!

Latest COVID-19 updates from Jefferson County Small Business Resource Center

COVID-19 is here and Jeffco BRC is working hard to support your business and keep you in the loop with all local updates and available resources. Please know that we will be sharing important updates as we receive them through our newsletter and on social media. There is a lot of false information online, especially on social media about COVID-19. Be sure you are getting your info from reputable sources.

What Jeffco BRC is doing to support our business community:

Jeffco BRC staff is working hard and doing all we can to support Jeffco businesses. We are working remotely, but here to assist you! Feel free to call – 303-996-8976 or email: [email protected], with questions or concerns.

FREE & Low-cost Business Advising, but rather than hosting in-person appointments, we are offering Business Advising by phone. As a Jeffco business owner, you are eligible for six free coaching sessions.
Jeffco Business Resource Center is offering their B.E.S.T. program online through virtual workshops!

Sign up for their newsletter HERE and stay up-to-date with the scheduled virtual workshops and updates.

COMMISSIONERS HIGHLIGHT LOCAL BUSINESSES IN VIDEO SERIES

Jefferson County Commissioners Libby Szabo, Casey Tighe and Lesley Dahlkemper are leading the initiative of the Jeffco Open for Business Spotlight during COVID-19. These commissioners visited several local business owners who have been implementing public safety protocols during COVID-19. And doing a great job at it too! Take a quick look at some of these Rockstar businesses and see what they are doing to make our community feel comfortable while safely visiting their business.
Featured Businesses:

Colorado Credit Union is located in Littleton and serves more than 18,000 members across employer groups and communities in Colorado.
Design dei Capelli is a salon located in Arvada that specializes in consultations, color, hair design, extensions, bridal, fashion events, and photo shoots.
Emilio’s Almost Famous is a neighborhood Mexican cantina located in Westminster that serves up homemade foods like green chili, tacos, empanadas and enchiladas.
Joyride Brewing Company is a small craft brewery in Edgewater, across the street from the banks of Sloan’s Lake.
Little Britches Boutique is a consignment store in Conifer that specializes in children’s clothing.
The Evergreen Gallery represents more than 90 of the most talented and recognized artists in Colorado.

watch videos

Healthier mornings while working from home

As we are all pivoting to the virtual, remote working world that is “COVID” we must take special care and attention to our mental and emotional needs. Below are 4 Habits (as described from Forbes Magazine) that contribute to a highly productive workday:

1. Wake up 15 minutes early – Meditate, walk, drink coffee on your porch, read, listen to podcasts, etc.

2. Exercise - Whether it be cardio, yoga, strength training, etc. all of which contribute to improved concentration, sharper memory and prolonged mental stamina.

3. Jot Down 2-3 Daily Priorities – Exercise your mind by developing a daily plan to reach goals both big and small.

4. Practice Gratitude – Repeat inspirational messages, send thank you notes, write down what you’re thankful for.

According to Michelle Wax, Founder of the American Happiness Project, “The most important way to start your morning is on your own terms. When we don't do it this way we give away our control first thing in the morning and allow outside factors to determine how our day will unfold. Starting our days off in “response mode” diminishes productivity as we haven’t set our own goals and priorities.”

Missed one of our business panels?
Watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTH5pW4bJZbvcvOWfLfRVUA

Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center
Business Services

Business Services offers a wide array of services and resources to help businesses of any size.

Information about layoff assistance and layoff aversion programs are available, please contact Jill Howard at [email protected] or call 303-271-4768.

If your business is currently hiring, we can assist with job postings, marketing to job seekers and virtual job fairs. Contact the Business Services team at [email protected] or call 303-271-4800.

Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center website:
https://www.jeffco.us/Business-Workforce-Center

Additional Resources

Jefferson County Business & Workforce Workshops: https://www.jeffco.us/calendar.aspx?CID=28

General Unemployment Insurance Information Related to Coronavirus
Up-to-date information for employers, employees and FAQ’s about Colorado Unemployment Insurance programs and other resources.
https://covid19.colorado.gov/

Colorado Unemployment Insurance Employer Services website
Information about layoffs, labor laws, incentives and tax credits, audits, posting jobs on Connecting Colorado and more.
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/businesses-employers

Unemployment Insurance Guide for Employers
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/Employer_Guide.pdf

Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Learn what it means for employers.
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/families_first_coronavirus_response_act.pdf

U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance for the workplace.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20200309

Jefferson County Small Business Resource Center
Non-profit organization supporting small businesses in the community including business plan development, brand and marketing material assistance, financing sources and more.
https://www.jeffcobrc.org/

Small Business Guidance & Resources
Information about Economic Injury Disaster Loan Programs, Guidance for Businesses and Employers, SBA Products and Resources, Government Contracting and Local Assistance.
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
Federal Disaster Loans for Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners and Renters.
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation
Jeffco EDC is an advocate for the county’s business community and is dedicated to building economic prosperity in the community. Current resources for businesses are included on the website.
https://jeffcoedc.org/

Clear Creek Economic Development Corporation
The CCEDC works to create and offer programs for Clear Creek County businesses. Information about emergency working capital loan program is on the website.
http://www.clearcreekedc.org/our-programs

Arvada Economic Development Association
Arvada Economic Development Association has community, government, and civic partnerships which allow AEDA to provide your business with the latest business information and resources.
https://arvadaeconomicdevelopment.org/

City of Edgewater
The City's economic development programs are designed to bolster the economic health and opportunity within Edgewater and the surrounding area for residents and businesses alike.
https://edgewaterco.com/planning

Golden Community & Economic Development Division
The City of Golden Community & Economic Development Division provides a network of resources to support existing and growing businesses including grant opportunities.
https://www.cityofgolden.net/work/economic-development/

Lakewood Economic Development Division
The Economic Development Division of the City of Lakewood provides services to businesses, including business attraction, expansion, entrepreneurialism, marketing, communications and resources.
https://www.lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Economic-Development

Littleton Economic Development Department
The Economic Development Department of the City of Littleton focuses on business development, retention and attraction by providing business resources for companies operating in or planning to locate within the city.
https://www.littletongov.org/city-services/city-departments/economic-development

Westminster Economic Development Department
The City of Westminster Economic Development Division provides resources to existing and growing businesses.
https://www.westminstereconomicdevelopment.org/

Wheat Ridge Economic Development Division
The City of Wheat Ridge Economic Development Division is dedicated to both the businesses and citizens of Wheat Ridge by providing an array of resources for the community.
https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/269/Economic-Development

Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade
OEDIT has a hotline for small business owners to call with questions at (303) 860-5881 or email [email protected]
https://choosecolorado.com/

Chambers of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce associations promote and protect the interests of the business community in a local community, and offer valuable resources and education to businesses

West Metro Chamber
https://www.westmetrochamber.org/

Arvada Chamber
https://www.arvadachamber.org/

Conifer Chamber
https://www.goconifer.com/

Evergreen Chamber
https://www.evergreenchamber.org/

Golden Chamber
https://goldenchamber.org/

Littleton Chamber
http://littletonbusinesschamber.org/

Westminster Chamber
https://www.westminsterchamber.biz/

Wheat Ridge Chamber
http://www.wheatridgechamber.org/

Wheat Ridge Business Association
https://www.wheatridgebiz.com/

Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center serving Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin counties is an equal opportunity program; auxiliary services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.