The Arvada Resiliency Taskforce has compiled a list of COVID-19 funding opportunities that may be available to you and your business on this page. Please explore your options carefully. We will keep this list updated as new programs are announced.

The State of Colorado established a Small Business Navigator Hotline and Email for businesses seeking general guidance, information on access to capital programs, workforce development concerns, and other areas small businesses are affected by. The Small Business Navigator hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MT, or, they can be reached via email. Hotline: (303) 860-5881. Email: oedit_sbnavigator@state.co.us.

Look up SBA lenders by state on the SBA website here.

We have confirmed Community Banks of Colorado [call (303) 345-2500] and Lendio have PPP availability and can help.

On April 10, the City of Arvada announced next steps in its proactive approach to helping the local business community survive the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health crisis. The City is launching the Arvada Emergency Business Recovery Initiative, which includes the creation of an Emergency Small Business Loan Fund, a $2.5 million fund available for interest-free “bridge loans” of up to $10,000 for local, for-profit businesses with fewer than 50 employees. These loans are intended to help small businesses stay afloat until the Federal funds flow into the community.

Small businesses may begin applying for the Emergency Small Business Loan Fund on Monday, April 13, at 8 a.m. Arvada businesses interested in learning more about the Arvada Emergency Business Recovery Initiative and eligibility requirements to apply for the Emergency Small Business Loan Fund may visit arvada.org/BusinessRecovery or contact a member of the AEDA staff at 720-898-7010 or bizinfo@arvada.org.

It is correct that home based businesses are not eligible for the City of Arvada ESBLF.  At this point, the program is targeted to businesses that have been forced to temporarily close or dramatically limit operations due to Public Health Orders related to COVID-19. Home based businesses such as child care can qualify for the CEF Loan Progam, and CARES ACT/PPP, SBA EIDL loans, cash advance and express bridge loans. 

Regarding Arvada’s Emergency Small Business Loan Fund (ESBLF), repayment begins Jan 1, 2021. If 75% of the loan is repaid by Dec 31, 2021, the remaining 25% of the loan (up to $2500) will be forgiven.

That is a good assumption, as well as potentially the market rate interest that is not being applied to the loan. We recommend working with your CPA and/or tax accountant to best understand your tax liability.

First, review your lease agreement. Many contracts contain “force majeure” clauses that may permit businesses to excuse or defer performance under a contract based on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about these caluses here.

The Colorado Enterprise Fund Guide to Lease Payment Negotiations During COVID-19 provides strategies to help you lead a positive discussion with your landlord.

Unfortunately there is not a “general rule” for whether to provide your landlord financials. The reason you landlord (or maybe the landlord’s lender) is asking for the personal info is because they are underwriting the strength of the personal guaranty. They might be considering that if your business suffers and you can’t pay rent for a prolonged timeframe, will your personal finances be sufficient to pay for your rent obligations. Please review your lease and whether to provide it is going to be fact specific to your case.

Generally, in your contract for business interruption insurance to trigger, there needs to be physical loss or damage. But there are microbial exclusions. We do recommend reviewing closely your contract as many basic contracts have these exclusions and there’s potential for coverage.

Because legislation may change, expanded business interruption claims could get covered down the road. Make sure you are carefully documenting your monthly revenues and what has changed in this event.

The existing rules for wages will still apply for this type of event and payroll should be included in the premium calculation.Wages or salaries paid to employees while they aren’t working because of the suspension of the employer’s operations due to COVID-19 could be included in payroll. Make sure you’re documenting who on your payroll is actually working for future audits.

The State’s Work-Share Program provides an alternative to laying off employees by allowing them to keep working, but with fewer hours. While an employee is working fewer hours, he or she may be eligible to collect part of his or her regular unemployment benefits. Learn more about the benefits and requirements of this program here.

Employee Retention Tax Credit is a recently created program in the CARES Act is the Employee Retention Tax Credit available to all businesses and tax-exempt organizations. Allows a 50% refundable tax credit on up to $10,000 in wages per employee, per quarter. The CARES Act also created an advance option for this credit, which can be applied for via this form (7200).

Yes. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed some of the requirements of Colorado Unemployement Insurance and some additional assistance will soon become available.

Currently, unemployment insurance benefits can be calimed by employees:

• That, for any reason, has had reduced hours or wages (including hourly
  and tipped employees) OR have been furloughed and will be returning to your job;
• That has been laid off permanently with no intention of returning to your job; or
• Unable to go to work because the place of employment is closed as a result of an Executive Order or other shelter-in-place order.

Collect income-related materials and apply online here.

Unemployment benefits can be claimed by any employees that, for any reason, has had reduced hours or wages (including hourly and tipped employees) OR have been furloughed and will be returning to your job. Determine if you are eligible here.