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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Visit https://www.fcgov.com/eps/coronavirus for current updates

Business

 Contact Information

Business & Nonprofit Financial, Insurance, Legal Considerations during COVID-19

Business & Nonprofit Guidance

Local assistance:

  • Qualified businesses can defer sales tax payments due on April 20 and/or May 20 to June 22, 2020; interest and penalties will also be waived for approved businesses.
    • Qualified businesses:
      • Average monthly sales tax remittance in 2019 was $2,000 or less OR
      • Current tax filings for April and May are $2,000 or less
      • Must apply to the Sales Tax Department and receive a positive confirmation to be accepted
    • The Fort Collins Sales Tax Department has set up a dedicated email address at c2FsZXN0YXhAZmNnb3YuY29t, and is also offering online chat from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Friday at fcgov.com/salestax, and a hotline at (970) 221-6780 to assist businesses with related questions.
  • Larimer County Treasurer's Office updated the temporary property tax interest waiver for the first-half payments which may now be made by April 30, 2020.
    • The second-half payment deadline remains June 15, 2020.
    • The full payment deadline remains on April 30, 2020.
    • Treasurer Josey encourages those who are able to pay their property taxes timely please do so. 
    • More information can be found here.
  • Larimer County Assessor's Office extends the deadline to file 2020 Business Personal Property Declarations from April 15th to June 15th 2020. More information can be found here.
  • The State of Colorado announced that businesses that are required to file a sales tax return and remit sales tax on April 20, 2020 may extend their filing and remittance deadline to May 20, 2020.
    • This includes local sales taxes for 272 state-collected local taxing jurisdictions.
    • The Department will waive penalties and interest that may accrue if the business files and remits the full amount of state and state-administered sales tax on or before May 20, 2020.
    • Businesses do not need to do anything to apply for this automatic extension.
    • See Executive Order D2020 023
  • The Larimer Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can provide free, trusted 1x1 phone or video consultations, low-cost educational webinars, and can provide free assistance on the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
  • The Institute for Entrepreneurship at CSU is hosting free, online programming for any community member
  • Poudre River Public Library Business Center & Nonprofit Center can provide free assistance, access to classes & workshops with a dedicated Spanish-speaking Business Librarian - anJhbW9zQHBvdWRyZWxpYnJhcmllcy5vcmc=
  • Fort Collins Business Resource Guide 
  • Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade - COVID-19 Business Resource Center

Things your business can do:

  • Fort Collins Businesses are Open for Business - Sign your business up to be included on the Support Fort Collins Business map, a tool that maps out businesses offering gift cards, delivery, take-out, and other specials.
    • Businesses also have the option to create a 'business registry,' where they can share 1-3 wishes or requests that community members and other businesses can help provide their business right now. Examples could range from: please rate and like us on social media, send a loved one an online gift card from our online store, connect with a peer/mentor in similar industry, etc. If businesses choose to create a 'registry' we're asking them to provide their email so community members or other businesses can reach out to the business directly to fulfill their registry item. The intention of this map is for community members to help fulfill business' specific requests. The City discourages the solicitation of products or services on this platform - please be respectful of the businesses that choose to participate.
    • If your business is interesting in participating, please fill out the following survey. For additional questions please email b3BlbmZvcmJ1c2luZXNzQGZjZ292LmNvbQ==.
    • Other Support Business sites to reach out to:
  • Participate in the Northern Colorado COVID-19 Business Survey. The Fort Collins Area and Loveland Chambers of Commerce, the Cities of Fort Collins and Loveland, Estes Park EDC, Town of Berthoud, Town of Wellington, Town of Windsor and Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development want to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on your business. 
    • All responses will be kept confidential among the Partnership members, and results will only be reported in aggregate without identifying details of any specific business.
  • Getting Your Business Started in E-Commerce free educational video
  • Promote the purchase of gift cards to be used at a later time or send as a gift.
  • Join the Downtown Business Association's Support & Save Old Town Fort Collins Campaign

Things to know:

Restaurant & Service Industry Resources during COVID-19 Closure

Restaurant & Service Industry Resources during COVID-19 Closure

Governor orders the temporary suspension of dine-in service at restaurants, bars, theaters, gymnasiums, salons, and other non-essential personal services facilities in Colorado through April 30. 

How to Manage your Restaurant during Coronavirus includes tips on: 

  • How to Create an Online Ordering Menu with Food that Travels Well
  • How to increase Off-Premise Sales for Your Restaurant
  • How to Find Room in the Budget for Employee Benefits
  • How to Help Your Staff Learn New Restaurant Skills
  • 5 Ways to Convert Restaurant Searches into New Business
  • Restaurant Marketing & Social Media Plan
  • And much more

Other Restaurant Resources:

  • Fort Collins Businesses are Open for Business - Sign your business up to be included on the Support Fort Collins Business map, a tool that maps out businesses offering gift cards, delivery, take-out, and other specials.
    • Businesses also have the option to create a 'business registry,' where they can share 1-3 wishes or requests that community members and other businesses can help provide their business right now. Examples could range from: please rate and like us on social media, send a loved one an online gift card from our online store, connect with a peer/mentor in similar industry, etc. If businesses choose to create a 'registry' we're asking them to provide their email so community members or other businesses can reach out to the business directly to fulfill their registry item. The intention of this map is for community members to help fulfill business' specific requests. The City discourages the solicitation of products or services on this platform - please be respectful of the businesses that choose to participate.
    • If your business is interesting in participating, please fill out the following survey. For additional questions please email b3BlbmZvcmJ1c2luZXNzQGZjZ292LmNvbQ==.
    • Other Support Business sites to reach out to:
  • Promote delivery and carry-out services and encourage customers to order directly from the restaurant, instead of a third-party delivery service. If you do not have capacity to add delivery services on your own, consider NOCO Nosh as a local option.
  • Promote the purchase of gift cards to be used at a later time or send as a gift.
    • Learn how to set up online gift cards for your business:
    • Join the Rally for Restaurants movement, register your restaurant or bar and challenge your customers to buy a gift card
  • National Restaurant Association – Coronavirus Information and Resources
  • The Colorado Restaurant Association Policies and Protocols 
  • Restaurant/Bar Industry Impacted Employees
  • Renew your Food Safety & Sanitation (ServSafe) certification – The Cooking Studio staff are trained and available to recertify local restaurant and food service managers.

Contact the Larimer Small Business Development Center to chat with their restaurant, retail, and marketing consultants for free.

Loans & Grants - COVID-19

Loans & Grants

Several entities are starting grant programs to specifically assist businesses being affected by COVID-19.

Colorado State Executive Orders in Response to COVID-19

Executive Orders

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), which requires that all individuals in Colorado must stay at home whenever possible, identifies Necessary Activities for which individuals may leave their residences and travel, and sets out “social distancing requirements”. The CDPHE Order went into effect at 6:00 am on March 26, 2020 and is effective through April 26, 2020. That Order expressly provides that more restrictive provisions of orders issued by local authorities also apply. The Larimer County Public Health Director has issued a Stay-at-Home order for the County, which took effect at 5:00 pm on March 26, 2020, and continues until April 26, 2020. These orders may be amended, extended or discontinued at any time, so ongoing attention to the status of these restrictions and requirements is advised. 

Each order allows exemptions for “essential” or “critical” businesses that can continue operating with social distancing practices in place. For assistance with the interpretation of these exemptions, please reach out to the following:

  • The Larimer County EOC is answering questions and providing guidance on the orders. Businesses can reach them at 970-498-5500, text 970-999-1770 or submit a question here.
  • Larimer County has an FAQ for the order is in effect from March 26, 2020 to April 17, 2020.  Information is being updated regularly with answers specific to certain industries.
  • State of Colorado FAQs for the order is in effect from March 26, 2020 to April 11, 2020. More information on the State of Colorado Stay at Home order can be found here.

Colorado Employers to Reduce In-Person Workforce by 50% for Non-Critical Workplaces Due to COVID-19 - D 2020-013

  • For details about industry exemptions and other information, click here.
  • The order takes effect on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 and is set to last through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2020

Service Industry Employers/Businesses Required to Provide Four Days Hourly Paid Sick Leave - Colorado Department of Labor & Employment

  • Provide four days of paid sick leave for those with flu-like symptoms who are being tested for coronavirus
  • Only apply to workers in the service industries, including: Leisure & hospitality, Food services, childcare, education (including transportation, food service, and related work at educational establishments), home health (if working with elderly, disabled, ill or otherwise high-risk individuals), nursing homes, and community living facilities. 
  • Watch a free Webinar: COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Requirements

Temporary Suspension of Dine-In Service at Restaurants, Bars, Theaters, Gymnasiums, Salons, and Nonessential Personal Services in Colorado - Public Health Order 20-22

Extension of Income Tax Payment Deadlines Due to COVID-19 - D 2020-010

  • Extending the income tax payment deadlines to July 15 for all filers
  • Extension on estimated taxes due July 15 without penalty

Temporarily Suspension of Certain Regulatory Statutes Due to COVID-19 - D 2020-011 

  • Allows retailers & breweries licensed for on-premises alcohol consumption to sell, deliver, or provide for takeout of sealed alcohol
  • Allows retail marijuana store online sales of retail marijuana and retail marijuana products to facilitate pick up by customers
  • Suspends appropriate personal physical examination for the issuance of medical marijuana cards
  • Suspends vehicle gross weight of vehicles weighing 80,001-84,999 pounds to ensure delivery of emergency goods & services

Limiting Evictions, Foreclosures, & Public Utility Disconnections and Expediting Unemployment Claim Processing to Provide Relief to Coloradans Affected by COVID-19 - D 2020-012

Workforce Resources during COVID-19

Workforce/Employee Resources

How You Can Support Fort Collins Business

How You Can Support Fort Collins Business

  • Give the Gift (Card) of Business - If you usually frequent a business, buy a gift card that covers your usual patronage. Then spread out the use of those gift cards over time while you continue to support them as normal. You can always give them away as gifts. 
    • Join the Rally for Restaurants movement, submit your favorite restaurant or bar and encourage friends and family to buy a gift card
  • Fort Collins Businesses are Open for Business - Support your favorite Fort Collins businesses today by visiting Support Fort Collins Business, a tool that maps out businesses offering gift cards, delivery, take-out, and other specials.
    • Businesses also have the option to create a 'business registry,' where they can share 1-3 wishes or requests that community members and other businesses can help provide their business right now. Examples could range from: please rate and like us on social media, send a loved one an online gift card from our online store, connect with a peer/mentor in similar industry, etc. If businesses choose to create a 'registry' we're asking them to provide their email so community members or other businesses can reach out to the business directly to fulfill their registry item. The intention of this map is for community members to help fulfill business' specific requests. The City discourages the solicitation of products or services on this platform - please be respectful of the businesses that choose to participate.
    • If your business is interesting in participating, please fill out the following survey. For additional questions please email b3BlbmZvcmJ1c2luZXNzQGZjZ292LmNvbQ==.
    • Other Support Business sites to reach out to:
  • Keep your Subscription - If you have a subscription or membership to a gym, exercise class, painting class, music lessons, dance, etc. keep it going. With your continued support, you can help many small businesses keep their doors open and pay their bills.
  • Buy Now, Pickup Later - If you planned on buying a manufactured product like a guitar, piece of clothing, etc. give that business a call. Pay for it now and have them set it aside for you to pick up later.
  • Reach out to your Favorite Local Business - Call frequently visited local businesses and ask how you can help. They might have ideas for you to help that are specific to their business.
  • Donate to your favorite Downtown business -  receive a 'Support & Save Voucher' of a greater value through the Downtown Business Association's Support & Save Old Town Fort Collins Campaign

Direct them to fcgov.com/business for more business, nonprofit, and employee resources.

Utilities Information during COVID-19

Utilities Information during COVID-19

Fort Collins Utilities 

  • Fort Collins electricity, water, stormwater and sewer service for most of Fort Collins won’t disconnect services for nonpayment until further notice. Customers having trouble paying their bills can contact Utilities for financial assistance or to make a payment arrangement. For more information, please visit Fort Collins Utilities COVID-19 Updates.
  • Time-of-day electricity rates remain in effect, so keep in mind that electricity will be more expensive during the winter peak hours of 5-9 p.m. weekdays. Electricity will cost about one-third of the peak rate outside of peak hours. The peak hours are set to shift to 2-7 p.m. on May 1.

Phone & Internet

  • Connexion won't disconnect service for nonpayment until further notice. Home internet installations will continue for the time being, and the city is working with contractor OnTrac to ensure all employees are frequently washing and cleaning their hands and using disposable gloves. Customers concerned about coronavirus risk can reschedule their installations at no cost or penalty.
  • Comcast (Xfinity) won't disconnect service or charge late fees through at least May 12 for people who contact customer service and indicate they can't pay their bill. Comcast is also offering two free months of Internet Essentials service for qualifying customers. The contract-free program is available to lower-income residents who qualify for public assistance programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. After the 60-day free period, service is $9.95 a month.
  • Century Link won't disconnect service or charge late fees for the next 60 days for residents and small businesses.
  • Verizon, AT&T and Sprint are waiving late fees and service terminations for residents and small businesses through at least May 12 for customers who are struggling to pay their bills because of coronavirus. You’ll need to call customer service to talk about your financial situation and payment options.

Xcel Energy 

  • Xcel, which provides gas power and some electricity to parts of the Fort Collins area, won’t disconnect service for nonpayment until further notice.
Artist & Creative Industry Resources - COVID-19

Artist & Creative Industry Support during COVID-19

Local

State

National

Manufacturing Resources & Updates during COVID-19

Manufacturing Updates & Resources

The White House is coordinating through our partner Manufacturer’s Edge and all MEP Centers to build a list of manufacturers that currently have capacity and capability to produce (or can produce with changes in your production facilities) personal protective equipment and/or supplies. Please take the quick survey to build this database. Forward to manufacturers in your network.

These websites are compiling COVID-19 updates and resources for manufacturers:

General Information for Businesses, Nonprofits, & Employees during COVID-19

Useful Resources for Businesses, Nonprofits, & Employees

Commercial, home based business and related information

Doing Business in Fort Collins

Commercial and home based business

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Economic Health Office

Development, industry, funding and information about EHO

About Us

Redevelopment

The Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority is a tool for redevelopment.

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Smart City, City as a Platform, Climate Economy and Target industries

Innovation and Climate Economy

Smart City, City as a Platform, Climate Economy and Target industries

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Fort Collins Main Street Loan Program

A $1 Million Loan Pool Available to Fort Collins Based Businesses

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Information and resources about metro districts in fort collins

Metro Districts

Information and resources about metro districts in Fort Collins

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Downtown General Improvement District

A tax district for funding parking, pedestrian, and street beautification improvements.

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