COVID-19 Business Resources for Eagle County and Colorado

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March 16, 2020

by Vail Valley Partnership

EAGLE COUNTY COVID-19 INFORMATION

Eagle County Public Health, Colorado state government and other trusted sources have shared information for Vail Valley Partnership to put together a resource page to help you learn more about precautions you and your family can take, what to do if you get sick, and what you can do if you are an employer.

We want to remind everyone that Vail Valley Partnership is not a health official or government organization. Our goal is to share business relief and county health information that is accurate and unbiased in a timely manner.

PLEASE rely on the official, trusted sources for information and not secondhand knowledge. Rumors and bad information spread faster than any disease out there, which only causes distress.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Please click to review below:

 

Business Updates, Tools & Resources

Limiting the transmission of COVID-19 is a top priority. Our success has been due to the community’s commitment to social distancing and the use of face coverings. Now we are asking for your help, too, in respecting those ongoing efforts. We are asking all businesses and visitors to join our residents in adhering to the…

Five Commitments of Containment

  • I will maintain 6 feet of physical distance.
  • I will cover my face in public.
  • I will wash my hands often.
  • I will stay home when I am sick.
  • I will get tested immediately if I have symptoms.⁠

 

COVID-19 Updates, Resources & Info: Eagle County & Colorado

Line set up specific to COVID-19 Response: 303-860-5881 (bilingual options) or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov | oedit_sbnavigator@state.co.us

The Small Business Navigator contact information above is the first point of contact for new and existing business owners with questions around information for business support during the COVID-19 pandemic at the federal, state and local level. The navigator also provides referrals to a variety of state and federal assistance programs and local small business training. In addition, the navigator maintains a comprehensive database of federal, state and local regulatory and permitting requirements. (OPEN MONDAY- FRIDAY 8AM-5PM)

Open for Business and Jobs

Supporting local businesses in Eagle County: WhatBusinessesAreOpenInEagleCounty.com 

The Vail Daily and Vail Valley Partnership are joining together in a program aptly named Open for Business. Open for Business seeks to accomplish four goals:

  • Communicate to the community what businesses are open and their current offerings
  • Reinforce the message to shop local to support local business
  • Support the local business community to facilitate recovery
  • Keep all appropriate health safety measure top of mind

On-Line Community Billboard/Vail Daily In-Paper Listings – Fill out the form

The Open for Business Community Billboard will be housed on vaildaily.com, VailValleyPartnership.com and other local chambers in Eagle County. The Community Bulletin Board will be heavily promoted across many channels. This database will also be used to populate a rotating list of local businesses and their offerings in the Vail Daily print edition each day.

Open for Business – Business Profiles with KZYR & Vail Daily

97.7 KZYR & 104.7 KKVM invite all local businesses on a first come first serve basis to come on air for a 2-5 minute interview on the current status of your business. Tell the community what changes you have made due to the COVID 19 crisis. Steve Leigh and Tony Mauro will conduct interviews that will air on both radio stations to help you get the word out regarding the current status of your business. We feel it is important to help get the message out for local businesses and keep our local economy moving forward. Please contact Gary Schwedt at Garys@KZYR.com or call 970.688.0903.

Let’s all work together to assure that businesses and our customers adhere to all health recommendations while we work on a measured approach to rebuilding our economy.

Post Open Positions– Current Hiring Needs- Northwest Colorado

During the current COVID-19 outbreak, the Northwest Colorado Workforce Area is working to identify organizations that have immediate needs for temporary or permanent work as well as identify openings that are not impacted by the current state of emergency. This effort will work to align job seekers with current opportunities in the community. The Colorado Workforce Center can provide hiring assistance such as initial screening, virtually hosted interviews, job posting assistance, and more.

 

Regulations, Protocols & Notifications

 

CARES Act Resources, Information, & Small Business Owner’s Guide

Economic Injury Disaster Loan | Payment Protection Program | Employee Retention Tax Credit

The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA. 

The Small Business Navigator is the first point of contact for new and existing business owners with questions around information for business support during the COVID-19 pandemic at the federal, state and local level. The navigator also provides referrals to a variety of state and federal assistance programs and local small business training. In addition, the navigator maintains a comprehensive database of federal, state and local regulatory and permitting requirements.   (OPEN MONDAY- FRIDAY 8AM-5PM)

Line set up specific to COVID-19 Response: 303-860-5881 (bilingual options)

 

 

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) – CARES Act

Take the steps to business recovery using the SBDC guide to track financial loss and apply for SBA’s economic injury disaster loan program.

The SBA will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

Payment Protection Program (PPP) – CARES Act

The Treasury Department issued details related to the Paycheck Protection Program, which was enacted under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L.116-136). The program allocates nearly $350 billion for companies to cover payroll expenses so they can retain workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lenders will start accepting Paycheck Protection Loan (PPP) applications April 3rd, for small businesses and sole proprietors. Independent contractors and self-employers can begin submitting applications on April 10th. This program provides potentially forgivable loans in amounts to cover 2.5 months of payroll or $10 million (whichever is less).

To apply for a PPP:
  • Review the application and gather the necessary materials such as payroll tax filings, proof of lease payments, proof of mortgage payments, and proof of utility payments
  • Get in contact with your accountant and/or bank that pays out your business’s payroll.
  • Contact your bank to confirm whether if it is authorized to process your Paycheck Protection Program loan. Review their loan processing requirements.
  • If you are not connected to an authorized lender, you can search for an eligible lender here. Please note: only headquarter locations are shown currently. Many local banks are participating in the program, which is why we recommend contacting your current bank as a first step.
  • If you are unable to find an eligible lender, we are also working on a list of local eligible lenders to share and post in the near future.

More information on PPP:

  • View webinar on “Guide to applying for PPP” here.
  • Borrowers can find more information here.
  • Borrowers can find the application here.

*Borrower applicants must apply with a lender. Please check with your local bank to find out if they are participating in the Paycheck Protection Program to be your local lender. To learn more about PPP loans, visit uschamber.com/sbloans.

Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit – CARES Act

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19.

Who is ELIGIBLE?

Private employers, including non-profits, carrying on a trade or business in 2020 that:

  • Have operations partially or fully suspended as a result of orders from a governmental authority due to COVID-19, or
  • Experience a decline in gross receipts by more than 50% in a quarter compared to the same quarter in 2019 (eligibility ends when gross receipts in a quarter exceed 80% compared to the same 2019 quarter)

With respect to tax-exempt organizations under 501(c) of the tax code, the requirement to be partially or fully suspended applies to all operations of the organization.

Employers who receive a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan are not eligible for a tax credit. 

Family & Medical Leave Act: Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act created new temporary paid sick leave and paid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) programs that are 100% reimbursable by the federal government. The effective date of both programs is April 1 and they expire on December 31, 2020.

The key numbers to remember with these paid leave programs are 500 and 50.

  • If you have fewer than 500 employees, your business is required to provide paid leave under both programs
  • If you have under 50 employees, though, you may be exempted from the requirement to provide leave under both programs (see below)

View program information for the Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs & Employers Guide. The Department of Labor has issued clarifying guidance (available at www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic) and will continue to publish more information.

Small Business Recovery Resources, Guidance & Consulting

Northwest Colorado SBDC Resources & Consulting

Colorado Mountain College: Consulting & Tuition

Complimentary Business Consulting
Colorado Mountain College is offering no-cost business coaching and consulting services to local businesses in this time of need. Get help and support, from general business principles to website design.

In partnership with local chambers and business incubators, our team is organizing to aid the hundreds of small businesses courageously seeking to reopen or rebuild.  Sign Up For Business Consulting & Support

Go to College Now – We’re Waiving Summer Tuition, Fees and Books
For the summer 2020 semester, the college is waiving tuition, books and fees for new or returning students who qualify as in-district, in-state students who took credit courses in spring 2020, and displaced workers due to COVID-19 public health orders who live in the CMC district.

ESL and GED courses are included, as well as classes for local high school students hoping to earn college credits after a disruptive spring semester. Learn More: Summer Tuition Eligibility & Details

 

University fo Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business: Business Consulting

Our mission is to help entrepreneurs and small businesses through the COVID-19 crisis. We’re creating ways to support businesses through mentors, insights from our faculty, and eventually through student support on projects. Armed with quality guidance and education, entrepreneurs can move their business forward, and come out the other side stronger as both individuals and members of our collective community. We are here to support you – get started by clicking on the link below. Lear More: COventure Forward

 

Business Resources & Best Practices

Unemployment Resources

For those who are self-employed, independent contractors, nonprofit employees, and gig-economy workers, or are requesting an extension of benefits, please check back with this page for the latest information. We will update this site and notify news outlets when we are ready to accept claims.

For those who were previously eligible for regular unemployment and have already filed a claim, please continue to request payment every two weeks, even if you ran out of benefits already.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Because of the high volume of claims, we are asking that you help us help you and our greater community.

If you need to file an unemployment claim and your last name begins with the letter A – M, file a claim on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or after 12 noon on Saturday.

If you need to file an unemployment claim and your last name begins with the letter N – Z, file a claim on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or before 12 noon on Saturday.

Other tips:

  • While filing the claim, click the Save & Finish Later button often, and click File a Claim to return to the last page you saved.
  • File during non-peak hours (evenings after 8 p.m., late nights, early mornings). It may improve your experience.
  • You must provide information about the reason you are no longer working for all employers from the last 18 months. If you have a lot of information to include, it is best if you type up this information before you start, then copy/paste at the appropriate time.
  • Once finished, click Submit one time. When the claim is successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation page and number.

We are working to improve the experience and appreciate your patience. The application to file a claim will be unavailable daily from 6 to 8 p.m. for maintenance.

Unemployment Insurance – During layoffs, all employees are encouraged to apply for unemployment insurance. Those who are job-attached (meaning workers will be expected to return after a separation of up to 16 weeks) should file as “job-attached.” Before filing, please look over the following document: HELPFUL FACTS ABOUT UI 2019

Work-Share Program may allow certain employees who have had reduced hours to claim partial unemployment benefits and is an alternative to laying people off.

Layoff/Separations –
Businesses considering layoffs should encourage employees to contact the Division of Unemployment Insurance at 1-800-388-5515, in Espańol 1-866-422-0402. Because of the anticipated backlog, it could take up to six weeks for claims to get approved. Employers who are concerned about employee well-being might consider reducing hours immediately to let folks become eligible for UI while not losing all income entirely. Those who work fewer than 32 hours a week and earn less than the weekly amount of unemployment benefits (approximately 55% of the employees average wage) are eligible for unemployment benefits.

  • Job Attached Unemployment: click here.
  • Basic guide to unemployment: click here.
  • File for unemployment: click here.
  • Colorado online application for food stamps and other various sources of assistance programs such as help with child care, cash assistance, and access to health care coverage: click here.

Public Health: Prevention Guides, Plans & Info

Limit the Spread of Germs and Prevent Infection

    1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    2. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
    3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
    4. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
    5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
    6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

 

Notice Regarding COVID-19 Testing in Eagle County

What should I do if I show symptoms?

With community-level transmission of COVID-19 now confirmed in Eagle County, testing is not necessary for all patients and is being reserved for the most critical cases. Please be aware that the Vail Hospital Emergency Department is available for life-threatening emergencies only.

Test or self report symptoms

  • Individuals classified as high-risk (over 60 or with underlying medical conditions) that are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough or shortness of breath.
  • Those who are experiencing symptoms but are not getting tested are asked to self report symptoms.

For official COVID-19 Eagle County resources, please visit: ecemergency.org or call the Colorado Health Emergency Line (CO-Help) at 1-877-462-2911. Language interpretation is available.

COVID-19 VIDEO EN ESPANOL