Fort Collins Small Business Recovery Grants

As part of pandemic recovery efforts, the City of Fort Collins is launching the Small Business Grants program to help our local small business community address impacts of the COVID-19 health crisis.  

Eligible small businesses include those with less than 50 employees, revenue is less than $500K along with solopreneurs, artists and musicians.  

Two rounds of funding will be made available to businesses. Round 1 will be open to businesses on August 1 and closes August 30. Round 2 will be open to businesses on October 3 and closes October 31. 

Small Business Grants will be made in increments of up to $2,500 for Workforce & Talent Retention, up to $5,000 for Technical Assistance, and up to $7,500 for Stabilization. For a maximum total of $10,000 per business applicant. 

Read more here. 

Delivery Fees? Share this on your Socials!

Do your customers know that when they order takeout, not all third-party delivery services support local businesses equally?

We put together some tips in this video so you can share with your own customers the best ways to support your business.

Sales Tax Relief for Bars, Restaurants, Caterers, and Mobile Food Retailers

House Bill 22-1406 allows qualifying retailers to claim a limited special deduction from state taxable sales under certain conditions and to retain and spend the resulting state sales tax. The deduction is available for sales made in July 2022, August 2022, and September 2022. This means the returns you will file in August 2022, September 2022, and October 2022. 

 

Eligible retailers are still required to collect all applicable state and state-administered local sales taxes, file returns on time, and pay all local sales taxes (in addition to state sales taxes in excess of the amount related to the special deduction).  The special deduction does not apply to any taxes imposed by any state-administered city, county, or special district. 

Things to Know & Upcoming Events

• Colorado Climber Loan Fund now providing eligible small businesses with working capital loans between $30,000 - $500,000.   
• WorkLife Partnership’s Small Dollar Loans Program is an efficient, cost-effective, low-risk alternative to payroll advances and employee loan programs. 
• Skill Advance Colorado Job Training Grant helps businesses and nonprofits create customized job training for employees through industry customized job training reimbursement grants. 
• OEDIT Business Foundations Technical Assistance Grant Program provides technical assistance and small grants to Colorado small businesses to help businesses legally establish themselves.
• COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Payments were automatically deferred for 30 months from the date of the Note. SBA began approving COVID EIDL applications in Spring 2020. This means we are rapidly approaching the end of the deferment period for those early loans. Business Owners should start preparing to make payments. 
• Hire A Veteran - Hiring candidates who fit your job needs can be difficult, but have you ever considered targeting your search to veterans? Veteran job seekers are frequently overlooked and underrepresented, but are often the strongest of candidates already highly specialized in many areas. Receive a Tax Credit: The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is available when hiring qualified veterans and can reduce employer federal tax liability by as much as $2,400 to $9,600 per new hire. 

Upcoming Events: 

- Essential Steps to Starting Your Business 

Taking the first step to starting your business can be difficult! There are many questions that must be answered as a business owner when opening a new business and you want to be sure you are following ALL rules and regulations. 

August 3, 2022  

More information 

 

3 Steps to Make Your Homepage a Success 

In this 2-hour workshop, we’ll go through a 3-step process to help you create an engaging homepage message that stands out, attracts the right people, and powers your marketing. 

August 10, 2022 

More information 

 
Bare Minimum Digital Marketing 

Contrary to popular opinion, your business does not HAVE to be on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, have an email list AND a YouTube channel. Digital marketing can easily get overwhelming – let’s tackle what it means for your business and formulate an actionable plan! 

August 17. 2022 

More Information 

 

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