This week we recognize four Fort Collins firms recently named as winners of Colorado Companies to Watch, which is a statewide awards program for second-stage companies. 

The four Fort Collins winners this year are: 

Noco Nosh - A food delivery and pickup service owned by local independent restaurants. 
Aerosol Devices - A company that develops, manufactures, and supplies products that help customers study air particles.  
The Dough Bar - A high-protein doughnut company. 
Pit Liquor - Sells alcohol-based deodorant products.  

Congratulations to our winners! Check out all 2021 winners here. 
 
Also named as a finalist was Fort Collins-based Semantic Arts Inc. - a corporation that helps mid-to-large organizations renovate their software systems.  

The Fort Collins Connexion team is excited to announce the launch of our new billing system in mid-November!

The system will replace the current one and will include a brand-new customer account portal with improved features to help Connexion customers manage their account, pay bills, set up credit card auto pay and more! 

Current Connexion customers should expect to see a series of email communications with updates on the new system, including a walkthrough of how to set up your new online account quickly and easily. 

Unsure if Connexion is available for your home or business?  You can use Connexion’s handy address lookup tool anytime at fcconnexion.com.

The U.S. Small Business Administration will celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of our veteran small business owners during National Veterans Small Business Week, Nov. 1-5, 2021.

The U.S. SBA celebrates, connects, and empowers service members (including National Guard and Reserve), veteran, and military spouse entrepreneurs and business owners – past, present, and future – during National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW). Now in its eighth year, NVSBW raises awareness of veteran small business ownership and encourages communities to support their veteran- and military-owned businesses. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov/nvsbw.

75% of eligible Larimer County residents ages 16+ and 74% of eligible residents 12+ have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine! 

Every person who gets the vaccine helps stop COVID-19 from spreading, helping our community stay healthy and our businesses to thrive.

Do your part and get vaccinated today at any of the dozens of locations available throughout Northern Colorado. 

The order will continue until Larimer County has met all four required metrics (below) that constitute a “medium” risk score level per our Larimer County COVID-19 Dashboard for 21 consecutive days, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Larimer County Public Health Director.

· < 65 COVID patients in the Larimer County hospitals;

· Intensive Care Unit utilization at less than 90% of usual and customary levels;

· A Larimer County 7-Day Case Rate per 100k of < 300;

· A Larimer County 7-Day Test Positivity Rate of < 10%.

This order does not add capacity, social distancing or contact tracing requirements for businesses in Larimer County. The order does require businesses to take two actions….

1. Post a “Mask Required” sign at each entrance.

2. Ask and remind staff and customers to wear a mask.

Watch de-escalation training videos.

Read the full Public Health Order.

• 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 1-hour session on Thursday, November 18 at  2 p.m. via Zoom. To help make this session as informative and helpful as possible, please submit your questions in advance.

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.