President Biden is issuing executive orders (EOs) regarding new policies to combat the COVID virus. The White House released this document summarizing the EOs, which can be found here.

The EOs include the following:

• Department of Labor Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) requiring employers with more than 100 people to require vaccination or weekly testing
• Department of Labor rule requiring employers with more than 100 people to provide paid time off for vaccination
• Require federal employees to get vaccinated within 75 days or risk termination (which would remove the option for weekly testing in lieu of vaccination)
• Extend the federal employee vaccination requirement to federal contractors
• Require Medicare and Medicaid funding recipients to fully vaccinate their staff 
• Urge schools to set up regular testing based on community spread
• Expand free COVID testing

More Information 

The Pivot Jumpstart program is designed to help Larimer County businesses manage the turbulent times they face with COVID-19 and other disruptions which may derail their business. By the end of this program, participant will better understand:

• How to adapt to a changing environment and better futureproof the business to enable long-term success.
• How to stay connected with developing and shifting needs of their customers.
• How to continue creating value for existing and new customers, and develop new revenue streams.
• How and when to pivot and change directions in the business.
• How to position the business in the present for eventual and successful exit in the future.

Upcoming Jumpstart Pivot Cohort: September 25, 2021 8am- 5pm

COVID-19 has added stress and anxiety to all our lives. Connect with mental health resources that can help you and those you care about weather the storm. 

SummitStone Health Partners - SummitStone provides more than 50 services dedicated to treating mental health and addiction disorders for people of all ages.

Colorado Spirit  - The Colorado Spirit Crisis Counseling Program supports people who have been impacted by the challenges of COVID-19. Trained crisis counselors are people from the community, just like you and they understand the challenges you’re facing. The Colorado Spirit program provides emotional support around the feelings that life during the pandemic may bring up, such as worry, sadness, hopelessness, or anger.

Disaster Distress Helpline - The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories.

Robert Holmes is the owner of Colorado Cutz, a Fort Collins barbershop that opened in 2020. He has shared his personal story of ups and downs during the pandemic – being unemployed, struggling with substance abuse, and how his life turned around and he was able to finally launch his own business. Hear this and other stories at this year's Business Appreciation Celebration.  

Registration for this free event is OPEN NOW! For more information, visit the BAC webpage. 
 
The event will be available in English and Spanish

• The Larimer County Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance (ERAP) funds can help individuals stay in their homes by paying back rent and utilities, and more. 
• WorkLife Partnership’s Small Dollar Loans Program is an efficient, cost-effective, low-risk alternative to payroll advances and employee loan programs. 
• Colorado Climber Loan Fund now providing eligible small businesses with working capital loans between $30,000 - $500,000.  
• Free De-escalation Training for Businesses During COVID-19 – Watch videos now 
• Small Business Tax Credit Programs are available 
• Skill Advance Colorado Training Reimbursement Grants available - around $1,200 – $1,400 per employee. The application period opens July 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022. 
• Request Onsite COVID Vaccine clinic - If you're interested in hosting an onsite vaccination clinic for your employees or for the general public at your business or facility, please send a request to the Larimer County Department of Health & Environment. There is no charge, and the Health Department coordinates staffing, logistics, and vaccine supplies.

Upcoming Events: 

• Business Q&A with Larimer’s Health Department - All businesses are invited to join the County on the fourth Thursday of each month. Join the September 23, 2021 session at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom. To help make this session as informative and helpful as possible, please submit your questions in advance.
• Join us for a community conversation to talk about recovery and share your ideas. Sign up here to attend our recovery session on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Virtually via Zoom 

Sign up for weekly updates from the City of Fort Collins Emergency Preparedness and Security COVID-19 newsletter at fcgov.com/eps/coronavirus

Check out ForFortCollins.com for tools and resources created to help your business reopen safely and strongly while gaining support from loyal customers and community members.