Artesanias y Mas is a local, family-owned business, selling Mexican handmade crafts, ice cream and treats, while offering check cashing, money transfers, tax services, and much more.

Tax season is coming! Artesanias y Mas is offering $20 off to whoever mentions that they saw their business through this interview with ForFortCollins or on the City’s social media. 

Click here to read the full interview!

Interested in how our community is doing as we recover socially, physically, and economically from the pandemic? Checkout our recovery tracker which gives you data regarding Employment, Local Business, Retail & Hospitality, and Real Estate & Construction.

Here is the kind of information you can find:

• Unemployment continues to decline and has reached the level of what is considered full employment (4 to 5%). It has not yet returned to the super low levels of 2019.
• The civilian labor force is larger than it was, on average, in 2019 in both Larimer and Weld Counties.
• Larimer County has continued to have very strong growth in the average hourly earnings while Weld County has continued on a downward trajectory.
• Retail sales are 20+% above 2019 levels - this is reflective of changes in prices, volumes, as well as the mix of goods and services purchased.

Made in Loveland is a FREE, month-long celebration that takes place annually in February and consists of a series of talks, workshops, and great information for entrepreneurs. Whether you're already in business or exploring options, there’s bound to be something for you! All speakers will be located in The Cleveland Room at desk chair. 

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.

• 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, February 24 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.