Help is there for you.

• Gov. Polis has launched a web portal Help Colorado Now, which includes opportunities to request funding for organizations in need of support
• SCFD has a small list of resources for food and other assistance
• CBCA has an extensive list of resources to support working artists and organizations
• The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has resources to support both newly unemployed individuals as well as businesses. The new federal stimulus package includes opportunities for self-employed individuals to apply for unemployment.
• The Office of Economic Development and International Trade has resources for small businesses and non-profits. You can also join regional webinars to support you in learning more about resources available to help.

Energize Colorado Gap Fund opportunity for grants and loans

The Colorado State Legislature approved Senate Bill 222 which will provide $25 million in federal CARES Act funding for grants and loans to Colorado small businesses. Of this total amount, $5 million is dedicated to businesses in the tourism industry including hotels, restaurants, private travel attractions, casinos, outdoor recreation, ski, tourism-related transportation, destination marketing, cultural events, and facility groups. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade is administering this new program known as the Energize Colorado Gap Fund. Businesses may apply for a grant up to $15,000 and a loan up to $20,000 for total assistance up to $35,000.  Learn more here.

As our arts and culture organizations necessarily go dark, your well-being is critical. In these difficult times, there are resources to help.

• Foundations are stepping up to help working artists and organizations during the shutdown. Here are just a few options: The Denver Actors Fund, The Actors Fund, Musicians Foundation and The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation.
• Hunger Free Colorado has information to connect you with food resources if you need them including school meal sites, food pantries and other forms of assistance.
• The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has assistance for workers and employers during temporary closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance includes information for employees filing for unemployment insurance claims, as well as information on programs available for employers state workshare program that pays half the cost of an employee’s wages.
• Individuals laid off during the pandemic may also be eligible for unemployment. You can learn more and apply

COVID-19 Related Resources – County Based