We are here for our businesses
The Basalt Chamber is a resource for our members and the business community in the Roaring Fork Valley. The health our community – physical, mental and economic – is of the utmost importance. This is a central page for businesses with information on federal, state and local resources.
The Chamber works in conjunction with our fellow chambers, including the Vail Valley Partnership (Eagle County), Aspen Chamber Resort Association (Pitkin County), as well as Carbondale, Glenwood Springs and the Western Garfield County Chamber of Commerce (Garfield County). See our Public Health Information page for links to local, state and federal public health resources.
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State business resources
Business toolkits and information Updated May 28, 2021
Workforce and labor resources
Business financial resources
State Business Resources
Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT)
The Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT)’s COVID-19 Business Resources website is the central hub for all state-related information related to businesses during this crisis. It serves to support small businesses, nonprofits, freelancers, and independent contractors.
COVID-19 Business Hotline: (303) 860-5881
Email: oedit_sbnavigator@state.co.us
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE)
The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE)’s COVID-19 Guidance for businesses & communities is the central hub for all state-related public health information related to businesses. There is also a section with guidance by sector/industry. NOTE: When CDPHE or Gov. Polis make changes at the state level, there may be a delay in the information being updated on this site.
Northwest Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The Northwest Small Business Development Center (NWSBDC) exists to serve dedicated entrepreneurs and business owners who want to strengthen their path to success by utilizing the powerful partnerships of the Colorado Small Business Development Center Network.
We believe that every entrepreneur should have access to expertise, relationships and an understanding of the business community at large. The Northwest Colorado Small Business Development Center offers business consulting and training. Our goal is to help emerging and existing entrepreneurs gain control of their business operations. We provide free local guidance and consulting in all aspects of funding and developing small business. The Northwest SBDC serves Eagle, Garfield, Pitkin, Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Gilpin, Clear Creek, and Summit counties.
Phone: (970) 471-4752
Email: info@northwestsbdc.org
NWSBDC COVID-19 Small Business Resources
FREE 1:1 Business Consulting
Northwest Colorado Workforce Center (CDLE)
The Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium strives to make sure that every Colorado business has access to a skilled workforce and every Coloradan has access to meaningful employment, resulting in statewide economic vitality. This is a resources for both job seekers and employers.
Carolyn Tucker, Regional Business Services Coordinator
Phone: (970) 880-4172
Email: Carolyn.Tucker@state.co.us
Colorado Resiliency Office (CRO)
The Colorado Resiliency Office (CRO), a part of the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, is working closely with State and federal partners to develop and share resources for long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is designed to help local governments, businesses, and individuals in Colorado stay up to date on long-term recovery resources and information, including guidance and funding opportunities. As this is an emerging, rapidly-evolving situation, the CRO and its partners will update resources as they become available.
Visit the Colorado Resiliency Office’s COVID-19 page for information on recovery resources, case studies, the community adaptation hub and more.
Colorado Tourism Office (CTO)
The Colorado Tourism Office (which is part of OEDIT) is responsible for the promotion of the state, and assists smaller destination marketing organizations (DMOs) with resources to promote local areas. CTO has been providing talking points and messaging on a regular basis for businesses and organizations to use when engaging with visitors to the state or a specific region.
Energize Colorado
Energize Colorado, a project of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center, is a group of spirited innovators connecting Colorado’s diverse business community, nonprofit leaders, and contingent workforce with the best of our state’s resources, programs, and people to address current challenges and spur transformative economic growth.
We’re Coloradans helping Coloradans—reflecting our state’s unique history of independence, generosity, and innovation. By leveraging our strengths and operating with a sense of urgency, Energize Colorado will build an inclusive movement that restores Colorado to the number one economy in the nation.
Business Toolkits and Information
The majority of public health decisions are made at the local level – meaning municipalities and county rulings impact local businesses. Below is a list of resources to get the most current information. Visit the Public Health Information page for county-specific public health information.
Select area: Pitkin County | Eagle County | Garfield County | Colorado | Federal
County maps:
- Pitkin County – Aspen, Snowmass, Basalt
- Eagle County – Basalt, El Jebel and the Eagle River Valley (Vail)
- Garfield County – Carbondale, Glenwood Springs
- Town of Basalt map with county lines (Eagle and Pitkin)
Eagle County
Eagle County is deferring to CDPHE’s standards.
Pitkin County
- Pitkin County Business Resources – includes resources to help businesses navigate a successful summer
- Communications Resources – includes signage for businesses
- NEW! Business Playbook for Summer 2021 – provides guidance for employers to support a safe, clean environment for workers and customers
Garfield County
Colorado
The state’s COVID-19 economic recovery and resiliency efforts are led by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Governor’s office. OEDIT COVID-19 Business Resource Center
Federal
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a significant resource page for businesses and workplaces, providing guidelines on all aspects from industry recommendations, to testing and providing a safe work environment.
Workforce and Labor Resources
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several state and federal laws have been passes that impact businesses and their employees. Below are details about the latest changes.
FFCRA Emergency Paid Sick & Family Leave Act (Federal)
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) provides emergency paid sick and family leave for most workers impacted by COVID-19. Employers receive tax credits for qualified FFCRA leave taken between April 1 and December 31, 2020. FFCRA also provides comparable credits for certain self-employed individuals. Take time to review the requirements to ensure you’re compliant and contact your account manager if you are claiming FFCRA tax credits. More information and resources can be found on ASAP Accounting & Payroll’s website.
BLOG: If You Are a Colorado Employer Covered by FFCRA – You May Owe to Your Employees Who Took Time Off | Employers Council – July 17, 2020
Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA)
On July 14, 2020, Gov. Polis signed into law the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act. The requires employers to provide paid sick leave to employees under various circumstances. From the effective date of the act through December 31, 2020, employers are required to provide each of their employees paid sick leave for employees to take for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the amounts and for the purposes specified in the federal “Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act” in the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” (FFCRA, see above)
Additionally, beginning January 1, 2021, the act requires all employers in Colorado to provide paid sick leave to their employees, accrued at one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 48 hours.
Full details about the new law can be found here.
- Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA) requirements through December 31, 2020 [PDF]
- Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA) requirements as of January 1, 2021 [PDF]
- Colorado Workplace Public Health Rights Poster: English | Spanish [PDF]
BLOG: The Healthy Families and Workplaces Act of Colorado | Employers Council – July 15, 2020
Other HR/staffing items
Most workforce and employment related items in the state are handled by the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment (CDLE).
Additionally, Chamber member ASAP Accounting & Payroll has made several COVID-19 resources available – including a recording of an Unemployment Insurance webinar, unemployments FAQs, and other resources.
Business Financial Resources
A full list of current funding opportunities can be found on the Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) COVID-19 Business Resources website.
Small Business Administration (SBA) resources
The SBA has a clearinghouse of information including resources on guidance for businesses and employers, access to capital, workforce capacity, inventory and supply chain shortfalls, export assistance.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL)
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program provides small businesses and non-profits with low-interest loans that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing due to COVID-19.
SBA Payroll Protection Program (PPP)
The SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll. Borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.