We are faced with challenging times right now. Changing times require changing strategies. The Colorado LGBTQ Chamber has compiled a list of resources that we believe will help you and your business navigate this period of economic uncertainty. 

Explore Our Resources By Category:

• Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce 
• Nationally recognized organizations  
• State of Colorado Responses/ Resources
• Community Support/ How to support our community

Read Our Full Response to COVID-19

Message from the NGLCC: Keeping the LGBTQ Community Financially Strong During COVID-19

By: NGLCC Co-Founders Justin Nelson & Chance Mitchell | The Advocate Magazine | March 14, 2020

• The LGBT community has been through joy and heartache many times in recent years, and we have always emerged stronger than ever because of our commitment to taking care of one another. We know this new coronavirus (COVID-19) is top of mind for every entrepreneur, corporate partners, and supporters our community has these days. As NGLCC we regularly quote the late Senator Paul Wellstone who said, “We all do better when we all do better.” Now, as our businesses and nonprofits push through the coronavirus pandemic and the recovery still to come, we must ensure we are all looking out for one another. Read More

COVID-19: Federal and Colorado Support for Small Businesses
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
1:00pm – 2:00pm MT

Register today for this free webinar!

• Please join the Bell Policy Center, Good Business Colorado and Small Business Majority, as well as the Asian Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce and Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce for a free webinar about state and federal policy interventions to assist small businesses with the fall out of COVID-19. Small businesses across Colorado are losing customers or being forced to temporarily close their doors to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We know that many small business owners need help to address these immediate financial concerns and access critical resources for their employees and their businesses
• Topics of discussion include:
  • Emerging federal policy updates, including the federal stimulus act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
  • An overview of Colorado state and local interventions, including the Colorado Unemployment Insurance Program, Workshare program and emergency rules enacted during this critical time.
  • An overview of non-governmental employee resources and lending considerations.
  • Q&A

Tuesday Morning Networking: We’ve Gone Virtual!
WHEN: April 14th (2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month)
7:30am – 9:00am

• While we are all working under the new social distancing rules we have moved our networking to the Net. This is a great opportunity to get to know other members of the chamber and to build the all important relationships needed to take your businesses to the next level. These FREE (for members) groups allow for more than one member from a profession to join and the structured meetings start and end on time to make the most of every member’s valuable time.

Support Resources for Colorado Businesses During COVID-19

• Paycheck Protection program

Additional Chamber Resources

• Emergency Leave Letter From the COLGBTQ
• Community support letter from the COLGBTQ

Message from the NGLCC: Keeping the LGBTQ Community Financially Strong During COVID-19

By: NGLCC Co-Founders Justin Nelson & Chance Mitchell | The Advocate Magazine | March 14, 2020

• The LGBT community has been through joy and heartache many times in recent years, and we have always emerged stronger than ever because of our commitment to taking care of one another. We know this new coronavirus (COVID-19) is top of mind for every entrepreneur, corporate partners, and supporters our community has these days. As NGLCC we regularly quote the late Senator Paul Wellstone who said, “We all do better when we all do better.” Now, as our businesses and nonprofits push through the coronavirus pandemic and the recovery still to come, we must ensure we are all looking out for one another. Read More

NGLCC Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

• Here you will find resources from the Small Business Administration, as well as NGLCC Corporate Partners, to assist small businesses with their recovery.

Support from the US Small Business Administration:

• The SBA announced it would offer disaster assistance loans for up to $2 million for small businesses affected by the coronavirus. These low-interest loans are available to businesses that have sustained “substantial economic injury” due to the spread of the coronavirus. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SBA RESOURCES

Facebook Small Business Grants Program:

• Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where we operate. We’ll share more details as they become available.
• How can the program help?
  • Keep your workforce going strong
  • Help with your rent costs
  • Connect with more customers
  • Cover operational costs

Gay & Lesbian Medical Association’s directory of LGBTQ+-friendly medical providers  

The Coronavirus (COVID-19): What trans people need to know

Prepare for COVID-19: tips and resources for LGBTQ+ elders and those living with HIV

The LGBTQ+ community may be particularly vulnerable to coronavirus pandemic

Including nonprofits in a COVID-19 relief and economic stimulus package is necessary

Eviction Assistance Webinar
August 6 at 1:00 pm

• With Colorado’s eviction moratorium lifting and uncertainty on whether federal eviction relief will be enacted, many small businesses are bracing for what comes next. To help face these concerns, the Colorado COVID Small Business Legal Program is hosting a webinar on August 6 at 1 p.m. to provide practical advice on how small business tenants can work through lease default issues and eviction-related concerns with their landlords. REGISTER HERE

Eviction Clinic
August 20 at 1:00 pm

• Following the webinar, the Colorado COVID Small Business Legal Program will host an eviction assistance clinic to match small businesses with pro bono lawyers. Attorneys and small businesses interested in participating in the clinic can register for the clinic now. REGISTER HERE

The Colorado COVID Small Business Legal Program

• On June 16, 2020, Colorado announced a partnership with volunteer lawyers across the state to create a free legal assistance program designed to connect attorneys with Colorado small businesses. To date, the group has received requests for assistance from over 70 small businesses state-wide, and has recruited over 100 lawyers across Colorado to provide pro bono legal support to the small business community.

Governors Facebook

• Gov. Jared Polis announced a statewide stay-at-home order Wednesday afternoon. Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas and Jefferson counties had announced their own orders earlier in the day, joining the City and County of Denver…. Follow for updates from our Governor on the COVID situation.

Covid19 Updates

• Statistics on the number of COVID-19 cases in Colorado, with breakdowns by county, gender, and age.

Denver Launches COVID-19 Business Relief Program 

• Denver released more details of its business relief program, including $7,500 grants, on Wednesday. The Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO), in partnership with Mile High United Way, is making available one-time grants up to $7,500 for eligible small businesses with a focus on the following industries:
  • Retail (storefront)
  • Restaurant/food industry
  • Personal care (barber shop, nail salon)
  • Health care and social assistance services (childcare & home health care providers)
  • Logistics
  • Small manufacturing

Denver’s Microloan Program

• Denver is also promoting its Microloan Program as a solution for businesses affected by COVID-19.

Filing for Unemployment

• People Filing for Unemployment Asked to Do So on Designated Days
  To support the significant number of individuals seeking to file unemployment claims online, the State of Colorado has asked people to file on certain days based on their last names.
  • If your last name begins with A through M, you may file on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday or after noon on Saturday.
  • If your last name begins with N through Z, you may file on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or before noon on Saturday.

DENVER METRO EMERGENCY FOOD NETWORK

• 10,000 meals to 700 families and senior citizens in need In the Denver Metro Area, 55,000 families have school age children, many of whom rely on free and reduced meals and will need access to food during school closure. Thousands of eldery individuals also have reduced access to food as they avoid high density areas due to the risk of COVID-19.
• To have an impact we believe we need to deliver a minimum of 10,000 meals to 700 households in the next week. We need your support in raising $50,000 to support this work. Donate below and please share this link with your friends and family. As little as $25 can get four meals to homebound community members!

COVID-19: Eligibility and Funding Priorities

• Community-based organizations that meet the following three criteria areas are eligible to apply: Organization type, populations served, and alignment with one of the Fund’s three funding priority areas of Prevention, Impact and Recovery.

Weekly Regional Webinars

• COVID-19’s impact on Colorado has been widespread and its effects on our business community have been particularly profound. There’s a lot of information coming out and that information is changing almost daily. We get it and we’re here to help.
• Starting this Friday, April 3, access the latest information and resources directly from the top, in one 60-minute call, on a consistent weekly basis. READ MORE 

Q&A With Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

• Please join Adelante, The Bell Policy Center, Colorado Black Chamber  of Commerce, Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, Center for Community  Wealth Building, Good Business Colorado, Greeley Creative District, Latino Chamber of Commerce of Pueblo, Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center, Sistah Biz Global Network, and Small Business Majority on Thursday, 4/16 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm for a virtual moderated question and answer session with the CO Department of Labor & Employment (CDLE).
• The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has a variety of resources for workers and resources for employers who are impacted by COVID-19. This Q&A session will provide an overview of the Colorado Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program, recent changes as a result of federal law, the Colorado Workshare program, and compliance with emergency rules, including paid sick days. It will be an interactive session and participants are encouraged to ask questions.

MWCC Webinar on COVID resources and Employment Law impacts

• Hosted by the Minority & Women’s Chamber Coalition.  Zoom call  recorded in Denver, CO on 4.3.2020.  Speakers include SBA, Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Minority Business office of Colorado, and attorneys from Campbell Litigation.  Attendees received detailed information about the current stimulus measures, resources, and how COVID can impact employers.

Ask a Lender & a State Agency : COVID19- Funding in Colorado

• Topics of discussion include: Paycheck Protection
• Program(PPP)Considerations when applying concurrently for various loans and programs, such as the PPP,  the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), Tax Credits, and Unemployment Insurance (UI)The PPP loan and 1099 workers,Lenders working specifically with diverse communities and resources for business owners from communities of color. The PPP loan process and criteria of loan forgiveness Q&A

Solopreneur Grant

• Dr. Alsion and Dr. Norris consider themselves fortunate as Chiropractors because it is an essential service. However many people like massage therapists, hairstylists, and personal trainers are self-employed and forced to completely shut down with no options to adapt to an online business. These are the people we want to help!
• “How do I help?”: Donate to the fund and we are giving 100% of the profits away to another Solopeneur in the Denver/Boulder metro area.  We are guaranteeing one $2,000 grant, but if we raise more money we will give more grants. Help us help as many small businesses in our community
  as possible. Thank you for all of your help. This could save a business from going under during this time.

Stress Reduction and Exercises (Audio Exercises for managing stress and anxiety

• We’re offering free guided exercises for managing stress and anxiety through mindful awareness, breathing, and simple movements.

Working from home During Covid

• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us find ourselves working from home. Being productive in this new work environment that now includes the demands and distractions of home requires a unique set of strategies to support our success.
• With the right tools, we can create a positive work experience for ourselves and continue to contribute to our organization’s success from a distance. This webinar offers suggestions for maintaining communication with other staff and supervisors, and explores strategies for how you can maintain personal motivation and manage your time while working remotely.

Mental Health and Resilience During COVID-19

• The COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping our lives in a way that has great potential to impact our mental health. Key changes include heightened anxiety in our local community and the world; social and physical  disconnection from others; and the ever-present threat of an unfolding unknown. These factors can create new mental concerns, or exacerbate existing ones, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and our patterns of coping.
• This webinar will explore key factors for understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Viewers will receive concrete guidance for building resilience and staying emotionally and mentally healthy during this stressful time, including insights for supporting children.

Virtual Health Month

• The Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring you a Virtual Health Month that you can do from your own home. We are excited to have partnered with Endorphin a local Colorado owned gym that offers several services within the fitness industry. We know many of you are facing though times and whether that’s financial or health related that is why we have chosen as an organization to bring to you a virtual health month.
• With that being said we are trying to bring our members a wide option of workouts from different fitness professionals in the industry but as well heath experts from chiropractors, nutritionist and even therapist to help you make better choices for the future of your well being. SEE OUR FLYER.

These are strange times; but as community, we can get through this together. Please see below for updates on Dr Crow’s practice as well as how YOU can help us make sure that our community stays safe and healthy!

In order to maintain safety and low risk for all of us, we need to exercise tremendous caution with contact while ensuring that our communities members get needed healthcare and have basic needs met. Please take seriously the orders (in Denver) to stay put at home unless absolutely necessary.

MEETING BASIC NEEDS

• We are COLLECTING AND CONNECTING what we can in our communities. We understand that all around, the world has slowed down dramatically – and for many, that means that income has slowed or stopped. On top of that, isolation and social distancing can contribute to feeling loss – or at least stagnation – of purpose. Let’s come together SAFELY to connect some basic needs and support:

DONATIONS NEEDED:

• • FOOD: Unopened non-perishable foods items, individually wrapped snack items, pet food
  • SUPPLIES FOR FOOD BAGS: boxes of brown bags, sandwich bags, snack size baggies
  • TOILETRIES/ SUPPLIES: Unopened packages of toilet paper, napkins, and small trash bags as well as travel-sized soap, shampoo, pads & tampons, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, lotion.
  • **If you are in need of food or toiletries at this time, please call or text 720-663-7194. We are doing our best to collect & connect.

**If you have the means to contribute:

• • We will have one open door for drop-off at our 34^th & Arapahoe entrance
    • from 10-2pm Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays
    • from 3-6pm Wednesdays
  • Call or text us (720-663-194) for other arrangements or monetary donations for supplies. We will make arrangements if it is not a good decision for you to come to us!

HEALTH NEEDS & QUESTIONS:

• • If you have healthcare issues that need attention – or if you have questions about your healthcare needs – please call or text Dr. Crow/ Dr. Courtney at Community Care Collective 663-7194. Many appointment needs may be met over the phone or videocall – and we will assess need for in-person visits at that time.
  • If you need a refill of herbs/ supplements, we can arrange for mail or safe pick-up over phone or text.

The only thing stronger than fear is hope. And we have that in spades. This impacts everyone and knows no discrimination. We are all in this together.  Be kind, be selfless, be helpful. But most of all, be mindful, healthy, and safe. And please keep us posted as to how we can be of help to you in the coming days.