Support for Small Businesses

October 23, 2020

Increased concern over the status of COVID-19 in our county is causing officials to reiterate the importance of safe practices. Gov. Polis has launched a campaign to increase mask usage. Additionally, the governor debuted a new grant targeted towards the agricultural sector. The Women's Summit of the Rockies is scheduled for November. The topics and information shared at the summit are intended to be relevant to female professionals in the workforce today.

COVID-19 Update: Important message for the Jeffco community from Jefferson County Public Health

Due to a continued increase in COVID-19 cases, Jefferson County is at risk of tighter restrictions, including being moved to Level 3 of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) Dial Framework. Jefferson County Public Health is calling on Jeffco residents to stay strong and focused on preventing the spread of this virus, so we can move forward together as a community and keep our businesses open.

For more information about the possible tighter restrictions and how you can help keep our community open, read the full news release here.

“It’s normal to feel exhausted by COVID-19 and the things we have to do to prevent the spread of the virus. Many of us are feeling ‘COVID-19 fatigue,’” said Christine Billings, head of Jefferson County Public Health’s Office of Pandemic Response. “We have been carrying the weight of this pandemic for much longer than we expected. But the virus is still circulating, and we can’t give up now. We must dig deep and work together as a community to slow the spread.”

Gov. Polis announces additional COVD-19 relief grants for the agricultural sector

Gov. Jared Polis and Colorado Agricultural Commissioner Kate Greenberg announced $1 million in COVID-19 relief grants to agricultural sector during a news briefing Tuesday.

Agricultural producers can receive up to $12,500 in grants using funds from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and have until Nov. 9 to apply.

“This critical support from the governor will assist producers and processors in adjusting to the impacts of COVID-19,” Greenberg said. “These funds will also help fill important gaps left out by federal aid, reaching producers of different scales and investing in local and regional processing and food distribution networks, which is much needed.

Polis also warned Coloradans that COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise.
“We need to do a better job wearing masks around others, staying apart from others, reducing our social interactions,” he said. “I know we’re all tired of the virus. Fatigue is setting in. That’s why we’re seeing this increase in numbers,” Polis said, noting that Colorado’s 1,208 new daily cases Tuesday were a record and that its 417 hospitalizations are at the highest statewide level since the spring. “But the virus is not tired of us.”

2020 Women's Summit of the Rockies

Women’s Summit of the Rockies was formed to inspire, encourage and empower HER. Join them for an engaging keynote speaker, informative breakout session, vendors and a charity check presentation. All topics and tools will be exciting, relative and important to female professionals in the workforce today.

“How We Summit Against All Odds”

The VIP in-person tickets are extremely limited. Register today for your best chance to attend in-person at the Sheraton Denver West. Once sold out, there will be a waiting list in case health guidelines are expanded.

Buy Tickets

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

Updates on the Colorado Wildfires: Latest on the CalWood, Lefthand Canyon, Cameron Peak and Ice Fires

With current Red Flag warnings still in place throughout much of the state, here’s a roundup of the latest information on Colorado’s wildfires.

CalWood and Lefthand Canyon Fires

The CalWood fire is now burning over 15 square miles through Boulder County affecting approximately 9,915 acres. The fire is currently 21% contained and fire crews plan to work on the southeastern side of the flames.
The Lefthand Canyon Fire in Boulder County is now fully contained, firefighters said Thursday night.

Cameron Peak Fire

With 52% containment, the Cameron Peak fire in Larimer County is now burning 206,009 acres, nearly 322 square miles. With strong winds, officials are expecting a good deal of smoke will be sent into the air.

East Troublesome Fire

Close to Hot Sulphur Springs, the East Troublesome Fire grew exponentially to 19,086 acres and covers nearly 30 square miles. With 10% containment, crews expect another active fire day with dense smoke possible.

Ice Fire

Sparking on October 20, the Ice Fire has spread to approximately 508 acres west of Silverton in San Juan County and is 15% contained.

Missed one of our business panels?
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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.