Resources Aim to Help Businesses During Coronavirus Outbreak
The City of Centennial continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and take the appropriate precautions recommended by Tri-County Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the entities coordinating the response to this rapidly evolving situation.
We know these are uncertain and challenging times for our business community, so we want to keep you up-to-date on the resources that are available to help businesses weather the storm. Below are a few agencies and programs that could provide much-needed assistance during economic hardships. As always, we will use this e-newsletter and the City website to communicate important information as it becomes available. If you would like to sign up for our other e-newsletters, go to centennialco.gov/notifications.
Small Business Resources
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is making available targeted, low-interest disaster recovery loans to small businesses that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus Crisis. The State of Colorado is currently working with the SBA and the state’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network to secure access for Colorado businesses and we will share details as soon as they are made available. You can learn more about the SBA’s Coronavirus Disaster Relief Lending here.
COVID-19 Resources - General Information and Assistance
There are a number of resources online that may be helpful to you and your colleagues.
• Colorado SBDC COVID-19 Resources
• CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses
• Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses from the SBA
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
• Colorado Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Health and Safety
• Tri-County Health Department - Serving Arapahoe County
• OSHA - COVID-19 Safety and Health Standards, Control, and Prevention
• US Chamber of Commerce - Guidance for Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus
• US Chamber of Commerce - Understanding the Coronavirus Webinar for Business
HR/Employment
• Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Information
• US Department of Labor - Fair Labor Standards FAQs
• US Department of Labor - FMLA FAQs
Emergency Sick Leave
Governor Jared Polis has declared a state of emergency for Colorado and triggered emergency rule making by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
CDLE published the Colorado Health Emergency Leave with Pay Rules on March 11. The rules require that employers provide up to four days of paid sick for employees being tested for COVID-19 in select industries: leisure and hospitality; food services; child care; education, including transportation, food service and related work at educational establishments; home health, if working with elderly, disabled, ill, or otherwise high-risk individuals; and nursing homes and community living facilities.
The requirement is not on top of sick leave an employer already provides and does not cover wage replacement should an employee test positive and require quarantine resulting in lost work time and wages. Other wage replacement options are still under review by CDLE and we will keep you up to date as we learn more. We want to make sure you are aware of all resources available, as we realize this mandate may be difficult for many employers.
How is Your Business Coping With the Effects of the Coronavirus Outbreak? Do You Know About Businesses Working Together During This Difficult Time? Share Your Story With Us. Send an e-mail to Economic Development Director Neil Marciniak at nmarciniak@centennialco.gov
General Business Resources
Aurora - South Metro Small Business Development Center | Business Licensing & Registration | Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! | Arapahoe Libraries Business Support Services
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Contact Centennial's Economic Development Division
Neil Marciniak, Economic Development Director | 303-754-3351 | nmarciniak@centennialco.gov
Stewart Meek, Economic Development Specialist | 303-754-3410 | smeek@centennialco.gov
City of Centennial, 13133 E. Arapahoe Road, Centennial, CO 80112 | 303-325-8000