COVID-19 Resources
The uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, is having a negative economic impact at a surprising rate, while reaching a global scale. Berthoud’s Business Development Department, in cooperation with our other NoCO economic development partners, are keeping abreast of the rapid changes in an effort to keep our community up to date with the most recent and relevant data. Check back regularly as content will be updated as it becomes available.
Your One Stop Shop for Recovery Information in Northern Colorado
The economic development professionals of Northern Colorado understand that businesses are being inundated with COIVD information. To address this issue, we have joined forces to develop the NOCO Recovers web site.
The intent of www.NOCOrecovers.com is to provide a single source of up-to-date information on funding sources available to support the business community in Northern Colorado. More specifically, the site provides businesses streamlined access to available resources so that the business can decide how to best respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
LARIMER COUNTY RECOVERY LOAN FUND
Loan details are as follows:
- Loans amounts between $2,500-$50,000 at a fixed rate of 3.50% and no origination fee; and
- Loans are intended to support the stabilization and recovery of businesses.
Eligible Business will (in addition to other requirements):
- Be located within Larimer County, Colorado (primary address) and employ 20 or fewer workers; and
- Has through normal operations held sufficient human, intellectual, and financial capital to be deemed economically viable prior to March 15, 2020.
Find more information and apply at coloradoenterprisefund.org.
Town of Berthoud - Local Business Relief Program
The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant and unforeseen impacts to the lives of so many people. It has especially impacted local and small businesses because of the stay-at-home orders and other public health restrictions that have severely limited normal economic activity. Local businesses are vital to the economy and the success of the Town of Berthoud. They create jobs, provide needed goods and services, and collect sales taxes that help to fund essential and desired government services.
In order to provide financial assistance to local businesses that collect sales taxes, the Town has created a Local Business Relief Fund. This fund will deliver money directly to businesses via a partial rebate of sales taxes that were remitted to the Town of Berthoud for taxes collected in December 2019, January 2020, and February 2020.
Northern Colorado Business and "Safer-at-Home" Challenges during the COVID-19 Emergency Impact Survey
The COVID-19 Virus Health Emergency changed rapidly from something that was happening on the other side of the globe to something that was directly impacting members of our community in a matter of a few months. The economic situation due to COVID-19 in Colorado has rapidly changed over the past 8 weeks. Right now during this rapidly changing situation, the best information about the health, resilience and challenges to our business community can only come from our businesses.
A number of economic development and chamber of commerce organizations in NoCo issued surveys for businesses at the end of March. Together, we were able to aggregate responses from more than 800 businesses in the region to inform our elected leaders, mobilize community support and take some initial actions. These responses helped to coordinate financial assistance to local businesses in the Town of Berthoud’s Local Business Relief Fund, which will deliver money directly to businesses via a partial rebate of sales taxes remitted December 2019 – February 2020.
As we enter into the Safer-at-Home phase of the COVID-19 Health Emergency response, the questions, immediate needs and emerging concerns for businesses have changed from 30 days ago. Please take a few minutes to respond to our Safer-at-Home Phase Survey so that we can continue to help catalyze resources and support tools for our unique business community.
Stay-At-Home - State of Colorado Public Health Order
Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued an executive order, further documented and detailed in an order by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) (updated March 26,2020) (Spanish Version), a mandatory statewide Stay-at-Home order through April 11th. Critical businesses (listed here) are exempt from the order, but must take all steps possible to comply with social distancing requirements and must also comply with the guidance and directives for maintaining a clean and safe work environment issued by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment and any applicable local health department.
Larimer County has issued a mandatory Stay at Home order through April 17th. Essential businesses (listed here) are exempt. Essential business must “comply to Social Distancing Requirements to the greatest extent feasible”. The Colorado Department of Health and Environment provides guidance and directives for maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
DISASTER RECOVERY INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Small Business Development Network (SBDC)
Is taking the lead on small business resources and recovery. They provide free, consultations, low-cost educational webinars, and can provide free assistance on the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance in Response to COVID-19
>> Larimer County SBDC (Ft. Collins)
>> Loveland Business Development Center (Loveland)
>> East Colorado SBDC (Greeley)
>> Boulder County SBDC (Boulder)
Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT)
Is providing information for state and federal COVID-19 announcements, programs and information relevant to Colorado businesses.
Colorado Enterprise Fund
Is a small business lending, coaching, and resources firm dedicated to the success of our small businesses. They are continually updating a full library of tool & guides for Small Businesses impacted by COVID-19.
>> March 2020 Webinar “Small Business Continuity During COVID-19“
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance in Response to COVID-19
The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses recover from declared disasters. Currently, all small business owners in the U.S. states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to COVID-19
>> Learn how to Apply
>> SBDC Small Business Response Resource Guide
There’s been a change in the process for an EIDL application. Previously the applicant had to complete 5-6 SBA forms in preparation for completing the EIDL application. To streamline this process, SBA changed this application in order to handle the Advance part of the EIDL program. They are no longer asking for the SBA forms on the application. It is still a good idea to gather this information as it may be needed down the road.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides forgivable loans of up to $10 million for costs incurred from February 15, 2020 to June 30, 2020. Loans can be used for payroll, business rent, business mortgage interest, or business-related utilities.
Who is Eligible: small businesses, non-profits, veterans organizations, tribal businesses, ESOP’s and cooperatives with less than 500 employees, sole proprietorship’s, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors
How to Apply: Applications for small business businesses and sole proprietors open April 3. Applications for independent contractors and self-employed open April 10. You will apply through your locally authorized bank and non-bank lenders. This will typically be your existing banking partner.
Next Steps: While waiting for the application to open, we recommend the following steps:
- Verify your business’s eligibility
- Review the Prepare, Apply, Comply Guide
- Review the application and gather the necessary materials such as payroll tax filings, proof of lease payments, proof of mortgage payments, and proof of utility payments
- Get in contact with your accountant and/or bank that pays out your business’s payroll. Ask your lender if it is authorized to process your Paycheck Protection Program loan. If you are not connected to an authorized lender, find an eligible lender here
Connecting Colorado | Calling all Job Seekers and Employers!
This is the state’s premier hiring platform. If you are an employer needing to hire, please post your job openings here so we can connect the talent you need to succeed!
Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy recognizes that COVID-19 is affecting our commercial and industrial customers. If those customers are having trouble paying their bills, they can contact Xcel at 800-895-4999. They will review each situation on a case by case basis, and some late payment fees may be removed.
Federal IRS Guidelines and CO Dpt of Revenue COVID-19 Updates and tax extension deadlines
NOCO Manufacturing Partnership
Join the NOCO Mfg Partnership for a daily podcast-style update on news and developments in response to the COVID-19 crisis and how it is impacting the manufacturing community of Colorado. Tom Bugnitz, CEO of Manufacturer’s Edge, and Heidi Hostetter, CEO of H2 Manufacturing Solutions and VP of Faustson Tool, will host the daily update.
>> Dial-in Information: 1.301.715.8592 | Meeting ID: 711 856 763
Manufacturer’s EDGE COVID-19 Updates and Resources for Manufacturer’s
A thorough list of contacts, press releases, announcements, tools and resources geared to help our manufacturing community.
>> CRITICAL NEEDS: If you have items that you currently have and have the capability to produce or can produce with changes in your production facilities, Manufacturer’s EDGE is looking for you!
CARES ACT (Federal Stimulus Package)
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act
This bill addresses economic impacts of, and otherwise responds to, the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.
>> The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
>> CARES Act Flow Char
HelpCONow.com
The state is looking for volunteers and donations to help at-risk individuals across our state get through the COVID-19 crises.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance in Response to COVID-19
The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses recover from declared disasters. Currently, all small business owners in the U.S. states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to COVID-19
>> Learn how to Apply
>> SBDC Small Business Response Resource Guide
USDA
USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19
American Farmland Trust is offering grants for small- and mid-size direct market producers
Council of Development Finance Agencies
Updates regarding the allocation of federal funding to address critical community lending needs. Programs include the USDA Intermediary Re-lending Program, CDFI Fund Financial Awards, EDA Revolving Loan Fund, and the U.S. Treasury State Small Business Credit Initiative.
Colorado COVID-19 Relief Fund Grants
The Colorado COVID Relief Fund’s purpose is to raise and coordinate allocation of funds based on prevention, impact and recovery needs of community-based organizations in Colorado. This Fund is organized to ensure that the most acute community needs across the state are being addressed and that community voice is reflected in all funding decisions made over time.
Facebook Small Business Grants Program
Facebook announced a $100 million program to help small businesses as governments throughout the country urge gyms and restaurants to close their doors to slow the coronavirus pandemic.
El Pomar Assistance Fund
El Pomar Foundation announced the establishment of the Colorado Assistance Fund (CAF). CAF is a $1 million fund offering immediate aid to nonprofit organizations supporting Colorado communities, organizations and individuals affected by the recent outbreak of COVID-19.
Kiva Loans
The nonprofit organization Kiva provides 0% interest loans to small businesses worldwide. They are expanding eligibility and the amount of loans provided during this crisis.
QuickBooks and GoFundMe
Join QuickBooks and GoFundMe as they combine forces to support small businesses across the country. Intuit QuickBooks is seeding this initiative with up to $1 million through a fund and employee-directed contributions.
Connecting Colorado | Calling all Job Seekers and Employers! This is the state’s premier hiring platform. If you are an employer needing to hire, please post your job openings here so we can connect the talent you need to succeed!
Colorado Dept of Labor & Employment | Resources for employees and employers
>> Employees: unemployment insurance benefits, paid sick leave, wage claims, or looking for work
>> Employers: rapid response to layoff and separations, Notice to Employers, unemployment insurance, and other guidance
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) temporarily provides for paid sick time, protected paid family leave, and insurance coverage for private employers with fewer than 500 employees and provides private businesses with payroll tax credits to offset the additional expenses incurred. It is complicated legislation with extensive guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor, but the Employers Council breaks it down into plain language and NoCo’s Simply HR has recorded a detailed webinar on the requirements to get employers more familiar with the requirements.
Local Workforce Center’s are here to help assist, for free, employers and job seekers through job listings, computer/internet access, career counseling & training, recruitment/pre-screening/referral services, and tax credits & training reimbursement for employers.
>> Larimer County Workforce Center
>> Weld County Workforce Center
>> Boulder County Workforce Center
HIRING!
Creative Foam Is Hiring: If your organization is facing the need to lay off employees during these uncertain times, Creative Foam is currently hiring for all three shifts. Please contact Amy Lauridsen, HR Manager, at alauridsen@creativefoam.com or 970-344-4732 for more information that you can share with your departing employees in hopes to assist them with their transition.
Federal OSHA Guidance on preparing for COVID-19 in the workplace
The CDC’s Resources for Managing Stress and Anxiety
Interim Guidance from the CDC for Businesses & Employers
Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) Business Resource Center
OEDIT COVID-19 DISASTER RESPONSE HOTLINE: 303-860-5881 (OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-5PM)
Manufacturer’s EDGE: Critical Supply List and other Resources
HelpCONow.com: The state is looking for volunteers and donations to help at-risk individuals across our state get through the COVID-19 crises.
Colorado COVID Relief Fund: is hosted by the State of Colorado and Mile High United Way. The fund will be overseen by a committee of community leaders from across Colorado and will be providing aid to support Colorado communities and organizations affected by the recent outbreak of COVID-19. Funds will provide flexible resources to organizations in our state working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by the outbreak.
Town of Berthoud – Local Business Relief Program: In order to provide financial assistance to local businesses that collect sales taxes, the Town has created a Local Business Relief Fund. This fund will deliver money directly to businesses via a partial rebate of sales taxes that were remitted to the Town of Berthoud for taxes collected in December 2019, January 2020, and February 2020.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION | To Apply
A Letter for Challenging Times: To the Town Residents and Businesses From the Board of Trustees | CLICK HERE
Town Hall is Closed to the Public: In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the Town of Berthoud’s leadership team has implemented the following measures | CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Business Utility Payment Deferment
Businesses within the Town of Berthoud can opt-in to our Utility Assistance Program which allows qualified businesses to defer utility usage charges accrued during the months of March, April, and May. These are utility bills that would be received in April, May, and June.
To apply for the Town of Berthoud Business Utility Deferment Program:
- You must have a current Town of Berthoud sales tax license.
- Complete and submit an application. All applications must be submitted to billing@berthoud.org by April 25, 2020. Applicants will be notified of approval within 6 days of application submission.
Program Details:
- ALL deferred balances are due and payable by December 31, 2020.
- The deferred charges do not accrue interest or late fees and do not subject the property to shut-off actions prior to December 31, 2020. Any deferred balances not paid by December 31, 2020 become subject to late fees and shut-off actions, as appropriate.
- Any charges for utility usage beginning June 1st do NOT become part of the program. These charges would be due and payable according to the due date on each bill. Charges accrued beginning June 1st may be charged late fees and can subject the property to shut-off actions if they are not paid by the due date.
- If your utility account is set up with Xpress Bill, it is your responsibility to modify your set-up with Xpress Bill Pay. If you are set up with auto pay, it is your responsibility to disable this feature if applicable. The Town of Berthoud is not responsible for any Xpress Bill Pay actions.
For more information or questions, please call us at 970-532-2643 or email billing@Berthoud.org.
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Town Hall is closed to the public — we are still here to serve you!
The Town is now operating with 50% of staff in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to serve our community. All Town offices are closed to the public until at least April 17, 2020.
Town business will continue via online and phone services until offices are reopened.
Members of the public are being encouraged to utilize electronic resources for bill payment, permitting, and other Town services:
Pay Utility Bills
- Drop your payment in the box near the front door of Town Hall
- Pay online via XpressBillPay.com
- Pay by phone by calling 970-532-2643
Building Permits
- To apply, pay for, and process permits and certificates of occupancy, please visit our Building Department page.
- For additional assistance, call 970-532-2643
City Star Brewing:
Berthoud’s City Star Brewing pivots to cans, catering to curbside service
Learn how one local brewery transitioned to canning, a business model forced by COVID-19, catering to their growing curbside service.
READ MORE on City Star Brewing’s website
READ Feature Story in BizWest
We are here to help!
Walter J. Elish
Business Development Manager, Town of Berthoud
welish@berthoud.org | 970-344-5806