Small Business Season with La Monarca Western Wear

La Monarca Western Wear recently opened in late summer and is located at 1681 S. College Ave. The western wear shop sells high-quality specialty boots, hats, clothing, and other accessories, but the name celebrates something a bit less rugged: Monarca is Spanish for Monarch, and a Monarch butterfly is featured on their logo.

La Monarca sources their products from some of the finest Mexican makers of western wear. La Monarca specializes in Mexican-style western wear while offering a variety of styles and designs for every customer.

Click here to read more about La Monarca Western Wear!

Calling all Nonprofits - Competitive Funding Process Now Open

Applications for the FY22 Competitive Funding Process to support human service and affordable housing programs will open on January 6. Intent to apply submissions must be submitted online no later than January 26 and the full application is due no later than February 14.

Business Survey - How's Your Business Doing?

2021 had its ups and downs. Throughout the year, we and our partners across Northern Colorado have been learning about business challenges and informing local and regional decision makers to help guide the development and implementation of assistance programs, policy changes and advocacy actions that help businesses survive, pivot and recover from the pandemic. As we start 2022 we hope you will take 10 minutes to tell us how your business is doing, what the near future holds, and what help you need to keep your business going strong. Please tell us how you are doing and how we can help! All survey responses are confidential, and aggregate public reports from previous surveys are online. 

What Omicron Means for Your Business

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 becomes the dominant strain in our community, Larimer County Department of Health and Environment expects cases to drastically increase over the next several weeks. This surge is likely to be short-lived, however our community will experience disruptions due to the sheer number of cases. LCDHE wants to be clear that they do not plan to place any capacity restrictions on businesses in the coming weeks. 

Order Masks for your Business 
Larimer County Health and Environment wants to ensure that essential services are maintained and that businesses continue to thrive during this surge. In an effort to keep local workers safer, limited high grade surgical masks may be available to businesses that can not offer remote work options. Please submit this form to request these masks. 

Take advantage of classes at the Larimer Small Business Development Center

Essential Steps to Starting Your Business

• January 12, 2022
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Develop a Business Plan with Purpose and Durability – 2-part session

• January 13, 2022
• January 20, 2022
• 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

3 Ways Financial Information Can Make Your Business Thrive

• January 18, 2022
• 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

TAXES - Get Informed and Organized Now!

• January 27, 2022
• 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Reduced Fees for Restaurants & Customers using Nosh NoCo

The City of Fort Collins recently partnered with Nosh NoCo to support the local restaurant community by partially subsidizing fees for both the restaurant and customer.

The City will cover 10% of the commission costs placed on restaurants, meaning that a restaurant using the Nosh NoCo platform will pay reduced fees of 5% for delivery and 2.5% for takeout orders. 

The City will also be covering the processing fee ($1.99) normally charged to Fort Collins residents placing orders on the Nosh NoCo platform during the same period.

Fort Collins restaurants can also sign up with Nosh NoCo at no cost now until Feb. 27, 2022.

Things to Know & Upcoming Events

• 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, January 27 at  2 p.m via Zoom. To help make this session as informative and helpful as possible, please submit your questions in advance.
• Larimer Small Business Development Center Classes -
  • Essential Steps to Starting Your Business - January 12, 2022 
  • Develop a Business Plan with Purpose and Durability – January 13 and January 20 2022 (2-part session) 9:00 PM - 12:00 PM

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.

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Economic Health Office

222 Laporte Ave.

Fort Collins, CO 80521