COVID-19 Small Business Alternative Funding List
This list is designed as a resource for Colorado’s small businesses to find access to alternative funding sources beyond EIDL, PPP and other federal loans and programs. For details on those resources, please visit choosecolorado.com/covid19/ or coloradosbdc.org/covid/ We will be updating this sheet regularly and are aware that resources can change on a day-to-day basis.
COVID-19 Small Business Alternative Funding List
3 | Funding Type | Industry | County | Program | Details | Requirements & Qualifications | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 | Deferral | All | All | ANB Bank Loan Deferral Program | A 3-month deferral of payments for all consumer and commercial term loans that require a monthly principal and interest payment. This includes installment loans, mortgages, home equity loans, commercial real estate loans, equipment loans, and any other loan that requires a monthly principal and interest payment. | Must be an ANB customer | |
5 | Deferral | All | All | Bank of America Payment Deferral | For those who need help making credit card, auto and/or home loan payments, you can submit an online request for a payment deferral. | Bank of America client. | |
6 | Deferral | All | All | Chase Personal & Business Credit Card Payment Deferral | You can delay up to three payments on your personal or business credit card if you’ve been affected by COVID-19. We recommend that you enroll online because we’re experiencing extremely high call volumes and very long hold times. We appreciate your patience. | Chase credit card customer. | |
7 | Deferral | All | All | Citi Credit Card Payment Deferral | Waiver of the minimum payment due requirement and late fees for 2 statement cycles. We will report your account as current to the credit bureaus during the waiver period, unless your account was delinquent before the waiver period began. | Citi credit card customer. | |
8 | Grant | Arts & Culture | All | Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund | This emergency fund can provide up to $200 for people of color that are either working artist or art administration and are affected by COVID-19. | US-based BIPOC artists and administrators | |
9 | Grant | All | All | Facebook Small Business Grants Program | Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses. | To be eligible to apply, you must: Have between 2 and 50 employees, Have been in business for over a year, Have experienced challenges from COVID-19, Be in or near a location where Facebook operates. | They will begin taking applications in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can sign up to receive more information when it becomes available. |
10 | Grant | Arts & Culture | All | Format: The Photographer Fund | The world is currently unpredictable and full of uncertainty—something the photography community is used to. Thanks to the level of ambiguity they deal with, that same community is resilient and creative in the face of a challenge. Format created the Photographer Fund to honour that hustle and help independent photographers who are facing unprecedented financial hardships in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak stay on their feet. We will be offering assistance of up to $500 per person, and we’ll use our discretion to determine who gets the funds. Knowing this isn’t a huge amount, we’re aiming to support as many people as we can—our hope is that this helps independent photographers stay on their feet. | Self-employed photographers who are facing financial hardships are invited to apply. | |
11 | Grant | Arts & Culture | All | Foundation of Contemporary Arts Emergency Grants COVID-19 Fund | In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the artist community, the Foundation for Contemporary Arts is creating a temporary fund to meet the needs of experimental artists who have been impacted by the economic fallout from postponed or canceled performances and exhibitions. For as long as our Board of Directors determines it is necessary and prudent to do so, the Foundation will disburse one-time $1,500 grants to artists who have had performances or exhibitions canceled or postponed because of the pandemic. | Artists making work of a contemporary, experimental nature. Artists who can demonstrate that they have had an engagement canceled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants must be individual artists, or an individual representing an artist collective, ensemble, or group. (Curators, producers, workshop organizers, organizations, or arts presenters are not eligible to apply.). Must be living in the United States or U.S. territories and have a U.S. Tax ID Number (SSN, EIN, ITIN, or other). | |
12 | Grant | Arts & Culture | All | Kinkade Family Foundation Emergency Grant for Curators | The Kinkade Family Foundation is proud to administer a new Emergency Grant for curators who are developing projects that promote artwork of contemporary and experimental nature. The Emergency Grant provides funding for a curatorial project that sheds light on the world during this time of darkness. Priority will be given to curators who have a venue secured for their project and are greatly impacted by the challenges we are facing due to COVID-19. The program will provide one-time grants of up to $5,000 for unexpected emergencies related to the COVID-19 pandemic. | Applicants must be living in the United States or U.S. territories and have a U.S. Tax ID Number (SSN, EIN, ITIN, or other). Applicants must have committed performance or exhibition opportunities and be able to provide a specific time window at the time of application. Applicants must be a curator or art historian with a track record of producing scholarly curatorial projects. Artists are not eligible to apply. | April 12, 2020. |
13 | Grant | Arts & Culture | All | MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund | Music industry professionals may apply for basic living assistance (rent or mortgage). Initial grant requests can be made up to $1000 to compensate for cancelled work that was scheduled and lost. Should we receive additional funding, we will evaluate the grant amounts available. *Please note that incomplete applications will not be reviewed and requests will be processed in the order in which received. It could take up to three weeks to process a completed application. | A completed MusiCares application. Proof of cancellations and bookings. A biography, resume, or discography. | |
14 | Grant | Arts & Culture | All | Pen America Writers' Emergency Fund | PEN America is expanding its long-standing Writers’ Emergency Fund as part of our efforts to support the literary community at a time when the health and livelihoods of so many are at risk. We recognize that there are writers who no longer have access to any of the ways in which they have supported themselves, and that this has happened very suddenly and will last for a period none of us can predict. In response, PEN America will distribute grants of $500 to $1,000 based on applications that demonstrate an inability to meet an acute financial need, especially one resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. | Applicants must be based in the United States, be a professional writer, and be able to demonstrate that this one-time grant will be meaningful in helping them to address an emergency situation. | |
15 | Grant | Arts & Culture | All | Queer Writers of Color Relief Fund | We understand there are many in need and hopefully we will receive enough to help everyone, but this means we most likely be unable to provide the full amount you request. The amount we can provide is based off how much we receive. We will do the best we can to help everyone. At this time, we are able to give the minimum of $100 and a maximum of $500. | This fund is for queer writers of color only, not organizations or nonprofits, who are in need of financial assistance right now. | |
16 | Grant | Arts & Culture | All | Rauschenberg Emergency Grants | New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is proud to partner with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation to administer a new emergency grant program called Rauschenberg Emergency Grants. This marks the first phase of a program that will be in the tradition of Change, Inc., a non-profit foundation established in 1970 by Robert Rauschenberg to assist professional artists of all disciplines in need of emergency medical aid. The program will provide one-time grants of up to $5,000 for unexpected medical emergencies. | The grants are available to visual and media artists and choreographers who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the United States, District of Columbia, or U.S. Territories. | There is no deadline; applications will be accepted and reviewed by the panel on a monthly basis beginning in late May/early June 2020. |
17 | Grant | All | All | Schedulicity Grant | Starting April 1, Schedulicity is giving away a $500 grant every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to any service-based business. | Service-based business. Must have or sign up for a free Schedulicity account to qualify. All subscription fees waived until July 1, 2020. | |
18 | Grant | Arts & Culture | All | The Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant | Provide interim financial assistance to qualified painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident, and who lack the resources to meet that situation. The maximum amount of this grant is $15,000; an award of $5,000 is typical. | An artist must be able to demonstrate a minimum involvement of ten years in a mature phase of his or her work. Artists must work in the disciplines of painting, sculpture or printmaking. | |
19 | Grant | Arts & Culture | All | The Colorado Artist Relief Fund | The Colorado Artist Relief Fund is a collaboration between multiple arts organizations and funders working at state, regional, and local levels. The fund will pool private and public funding to be administered through RedLine Contemporary Art Center. Current partners in this developing initiative include Denver Arts & Venues through the IMAGINE 2020 Artist Assistance Fund, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Colorado Creative Industries and RedLine. These funds will provide grants of up to $1,000 to individual Colorado artists whose incomes are being adversely affected due to cancellation of events, classes, performances, and other creative work. | Individual artists must live in Colorado. Supporting documentation will be required on the application. | |
20 | Grant | All | All | Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund | Thanks to a $2.5 million investment from Verizon, we are offering grants to help small businesses fill urgent financial gaps until they can resume normal operations or until other more permanent financing becomes available. LISC will use the Verizon funding to provide grants of up to $10,000 to businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of COVID-19—especially entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically underserved communities who don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital. | The application period for Round 1 is now closed. Please register below for another round beginning mid-April. | |
21 | Grant | Tourism & Hospitality | All | Bartender Emergency Assistance Program | If you are a bartender, bar back, or cocktail server who needs financial support, you can apply to the USBG National Charitable Foundation’s Bartender Emergency Assistance Program. USBG membership is not required to receive funds. | In order to qualify for grant assistance from the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program, the recipient must satisfy all of the following requirements: 1. Be a Bartender or the spouse or child of a Bartender. The Bartender Emergency Assistance Program defines a “Bartender” as an individual employed in serving beverages or otherwise engaged in the production, promotion or distribution of alcoholic beverages. An individual is considered “employed” as a Bartender if, for not less than one year prior to the application, the individual performed services as a Bartender on a regular full- or part-time basis or, if the catastrophic event or emergency hardship giving rise to the application prevents the individual from performing such services, for not less than one year prior to the event or hardship the individual performed services as a Bartender on a regular full- or part-time basis. 2. Experience a catastrophic event or emergency hardship that is: Identifiable and described in detail in the application; Damaging to the person or property (e.g., loss of life, health, or property); Sudden and precipitous rather than gradual or progressive; Unexpected, unanticipated, unforeseen, unintended, or unplanned; and Unusual and not normally occurring in the ordinary course of day-to-day living. 3. Lack the necessities of life, including financial, physical, mental, or emotional well being as a result of the catastrophic event or emergency hardship. 4. Provide tangible documentation of the catastrophic event or emergency hardship. | |
22 | Grant | All | All | National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants | You could receive up to $4,000 for your small business through the NASE Growth Grants program. Since 2006, the NASE has awarded nearly $1,000,000 to members just like you through the Growth Grants® program by providing small business grants. Grants can be used for marketing, advertising, hiring employees, expanding facilities and other specific business needs. | Self-employed. Member of NASE in good standing for 3-months prior to submitting an application. (Annual members may apply immediately. Monthly members may apply ninety days after joining the NASE.) Demonstrate a business need that could be fulfilled by the grant. Provide a detailed explanation of how you will use the grant proceeds. Show how the grant will improve your business growth and success. Offer supporting documentation such as a résumé and business plan. | |
23 | Grant | Minority / Veteran | All | Amber Grants for Women | The Amber Grants began in 1998. It was launched by WomensNet to honor the memory of a young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at the age of 19 – unable to fulfill her entrepreneurial dreams. In 2020, the Amber Grant has been doubled to $4,000. Earn any Amber Grant through November, 2020, and you’ll be eligible for an additional $25,000 grant at the end of this year. | Woman / Women-owned business. Non-profits are ineligible. | April 30, 2020 |
26 | Grant | Tourism & Hospitality | All | Another Round, Another Rally Hospitality Relief Grants | We’re offering $500 relief grants for hospitality workers who lost their jobs or had their hours slashed in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. We’re also collecting donations from community members willing to help their hospitality-industry friends and neighbors stay afloat in this time of uncertainty. | Chef, server, bartender, dishwasher, sommelier, manager or someone who holds any other type of hospitality role. | Due to massive response we have temporarily shut down our phone interviews in order to process all the current respondents. Please check back next Monday for an update. Thank you for your patience! |
27 | Grant | All | Archuleta | 1st Southwest Community Fund COVID-19 Emergency Grant: Archuleta County | The COVID-19 Emergency Micro-Grant Program aims to provide immediate relief for small businesses in Archuleta County. The program is supported by Pagosa Springs Town Council and aimed at preventing job loss and layoffs. Micro-grants of $3,000 will be awarded based on demonstrated need. This funding is designed to enable businesses to keep their operations going and prevent job loss. Funding can used to: cover staff costs, wages or other expenses that will prevent job loss or layoffs during this time, cover utilities or other business operational costs to “keep the lights on.”Please note, we will try to help as many businesses as we can through this program, but our funding is limited. Grant cannot be used for debt payments. | Small businesses/startups with less than 5 employees in Archuleta County. | First Deadline to Apply: April 10th. Second Deadline Apply: April 24th. |
28 | Grant | Arts & Culture | Boulder | Martha Kate Thomas Fund for Artists Grant Guidelines | Grants from this fund will be considered from artists who live or work in Boulder County and meet any one or more of these priority groups: Artists with unforeseen needs due to special circumstances, Artists of Color, Artists with disabilities, Indigenous artists, New generation artists (18-30 years old), Grant awards will not exceed $3000. Art forms can include but are not limited to: Music, Theater, Dance, Film/Video, Literature, and Visual Art. | Organizations and individual artists must live or work in Boulder County. 501(c)(3) status is not required. Individual artists must be at least 18 years old. All applicants must be current with final reports from other grants received from BCAA. | May 7, 2020 at 5pm. |
29 | Grant | All | Denver | Denver Small Business Emergency Relief Program | Providing up to a $7,500 in cash grants to our most vulnerable, this program is designed to assist eligible small businesses that may have had to temporarily close, have difficulty with paying their rent and utilities, or have had to lay off staff. Prioritizes those industries who are most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, such as the food industry, nail salons, barbershops, home childcare providers, and retail shops. | City & County of Denver business owners only. | The program will be rolled out in monthly phases with the first applications due March 31, 2020, and the last day of the month thereafter for the duration of the program based on available funds and community need. |
30 | Grant | Arts & Culture | Denver | RiNo Support Fund Micro-Grants | RiNo Art District is welcoming applications for micro-grants. Grants will range between $500 and $2500. Funding will be available to: Galleries, artists, makers, creators, musicians, performers, teachers, and creatives in all disciplines, Small locally owned businesses such as coffee houses, bars, restaurants, and independent gyms, etc. | All applicants must currently be and plan to remain in the RiNo Art District | Preference will be given to applications received before April 10th. |
31 | Grant | All | All | HelloAlice COVID-19 Business for All Emergency Grant | Hello Alice is offering $10,000 grants being distributed immediately to small business owners impacted by coronavirus, as part of our broader mission to ensure Business for All. In addition to funding, grant recipients will receive ongoing support from the Hello Alice community. | ||
32 | Grant | All | Boulder | Town of Superior Small Business Emergency Relief Grant | The Town of Superior has developed a Small Business Emergency Relief Grant program to help Superior business owners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Town greatly values our small businesses and wants to support them as much as possible. This grant program will provide either a $5,000 or $10,000 grant to immediately offset some of the economic impact due to the pandemic. | The Town of Superior is accepting applications from small businesses and restaurants with a brick-and-mortar presence in the community (not including home-based businesses). 2018 Tax Return/K-1 and a Letter of Good Standing from the Secretary of State. | Grant applications will be considered and awards determined at the discretion of the Town, and will be distributed until funding is depleted. |
33 | Grant | Tech & Advanced Industries | All | Differential Ventures Covid-19 Grant Program | Differential Ventures is announcing a grant program to support early-stage start-ups in the fields of data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning who are able to use their technology to aid in the global search for a resolution to COVID-19. Companies will be awarded grants in the amount of $10,000-$25,000 to support activities that apply or adapt their existing product to help manage the social impacts of the crisis and/or to help bring this crisis to an end. | Early-stage start-ups in the fields of data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. (Early-stage start-ups are defined as companies who have already received institutional or angel funding, raised a minimum of $500,000, have at least an MVP and existing customers for their core product.) | Submissions are due April 30, 2020, and grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. |
34 | Grant | All | Boulder | Boulder Chamber COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund | The Boulder Chamber, in partnership with the Community Foundation Boulder County, is responding to the urgent need for assistance to sustain Boulder’s small businesses as they fight for their survival amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Working with generous partners and donors - including the City of Boulder, Dan and Cindy Caruso, the Zayo Group, and Google - we’ve established the “Boulder Chamber COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund.” The goal of the Small Business Relief Fund is to expedite financial support for temporary relief for Small Businesses facing unexpected expenses, which are extra challenging to cover during this period of business inactivity due to the COVID-19 response. Grants up to $2,500 per business will be available to meet these one-time needs. | Grant applicants must be authorized representatives of small businesses defined as enterprises of between 2 - 50 employees, with principal place of business in the City of Boulder. Grant applicants must have experienced severe revenue loss and business distress due to COVID-19. | GRANTING TIMELINE: TO BE ANNOUNCED |
35 | Grant | Arts & Culture | El Paso, Teller | COVID-19 Artist Recovery Fund for El Paso and Teller Counties | The Pikes Peak Community Foundation and the Bee Vradenburg Foundation partnered to create the Artist Recovery Fund. The Artist Recovery Fund is designed to provide emergency support for individual artists and creative professionals in the Pikes Peak region. Grant amounts are based on the number of applications received and dollars available. Most grants will be roughly $500 to cover the most immediate and essential expenses. While we aim to serve everyone in need, the Artist Recovery Fund will operate on a first come, first serve basis for as long as funds are available. | The Artist Recovery fund will provide support to individual artists in El Paso and Teller Counties who have lost more than $500 from canceled performances, art openings, lessons or other revenue generating artistic activity. Arts organizations and creative business are not eligible for this emergency support; however, the Bee Vradenburg Foundation is working on separate funding opportunities for arts nonprofits. | |
36 | Grant | All | El Paso | Pikes Peak EZ Business Relief Fund | The objective of the Pikes Peak EZ Business Relief Fund is to retain and bolster EZ businesses that have been negatively affected by COVID-19. A myriad of businesses in the Pikes Peak EZ will continue to experience a decline in business activity and revenue, and without access to financial resources, many locally owned businesses may permanently close their doors. Local retail, restaurants, and tourism-related businesses have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and may be a focus area of this fund. Funds raised under this EZ project will provide to up $7,500 of grant assistance to these adversely affected EZ businesses. | The Pikes Peak EZ Business Relief Fund will aid businesses located in the Enterprise Zone with any of the following types of assistance: rent or mortgage assistance, utility payments, employee payroll, accounts payable and other bills, and for payment of fixed debts. Non-profits are not eligible to receive grant assistance from this program. To confirm if a business is located in the Pikes Peak EZ, please contact program staff noted below, or use the State’s interactive EZ map at www.choosecolorado.com/ez. | Applications for the Pikes Peak EZ Business Relief Fund grant assistance program will be released April 20, 2020. |
37 | Grant | Arts & Culture | All | Patreon COVID-19 Grants for Artists | We’re starting this grant program to benefit select artists who are being impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant recipients will be chosen by a board of fellow creators. Patreon is kicking off the grant by donating $10K, and are accepting contributions from anyone who can help. | Artists. | |
38 | Grant | All | All | RMMFI Business Builder Loan Program | Rocky Mountain Microfinance Institute understands that successful entrepreneurs need capital to launch and grow their business. Our Business Builder Loan Program exists to provide microloans to RMMFI entrepreneurs in need of financing. We offer 4 types of loans, which build off each other as entrepreneurs move through our programs and grow their businesses. Higher amounts are available upon successful repayment of the initial loan and with a demonstrated need for the increased amount. Seed Loan (for feasibility testing): $500, Launch Loan: $2,500, Thrive Loan: $5,000, Growth Loan: $75,000. Business Builder Loans carry an interest rate between 8% and 12% and have repayment terms of 6-24 months. | Entrepreneurs who make at/below the following income levels by household size: 1 person: $52,000; 2 people: $59,400; 3 people: $66,850; 4 people: $74,250; 5 people: $80,200; 6 people: $86,150; 7 people: $92,100; 8 people: $98,050. RMMFI cannot support any business that cannot be defined as a microenterprise (a business entity with 5 or fewer employees requiring immediate capital needs of $15,000 or less) or that falls into any of the below categories: marijuana and marijuana-related businesses, tobacco shops, liquor stores, or related businesses, pawn shops, pornography, businesses deemed to be predatory or detrimental to the community, non-profits. | |
39 | Grant | All | Douglas | Castle Rock Small Business Support Grant | Up to $5000 per business | Castle Rock business must have 25 or fewer employees. | Application open April 9-16, 2020 (closes at 5pm on the 16th) |
40 | Grant | All | Jefferson | Wheat Ridge Small Business Stablization Program | The City of Wheat Ridge City Council approved a new Small Business Stabilization Program providing a total of $250,000 in grants to small businesses in Wheat Ridge who have been significantly impacted due to the COVID-19 emergency. | Each business is eligible for up to $5,000 of the $250,000 grant. | April 17, 2020 5pm |
41 | Grant, Other | Arts & Culture | All | CERF+ Craft Emergency Relief Fund | CERF+ emergency assistance includes grants and/or brokered assistance, such as booth fee waivers and discounts or donations on supplies and equipment. Artists interested in CERF+ emergency assistance must first complete an inquiry form. If it is determined that you may be eligible for assistance, you will be invited to apply for assistance. | Established artists working in a craft discipline. | |
42 | Line of Credit / Credit Card | All | All | U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card | We're offering a 0% intro APR9 on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles. After that, we'll apply a variable rate (currently 9.99% to 17.99%). | ||
43 | Line of Credit / Credit Card | All | All | U.S. Bank Cash Flow Manager | Temporary reduction in on new secured and unsecured on-demand lines of credit from $10,000 to $250,000. Your business may qualify for rates 1% lower than normal. | For businesses that have been established for at least 2 years. Secured: collateral needed, up to $250,000. Unsecured: no collateral needed, up to $100,000. | |
44 | Line of Credit / Credit Card | All | All | U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card | 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles. After that, APR changes to a variable rate (currently 13.99% to 23.99%). | ||
45 | Loan | All | Adams, Jefferson | Arvada Microloan Fund | The Colorado Enterprise Fund and the Arvada Economic Development Association have put together a loan fund to provide access to capital for businesses, with their primary locations within the Arvada city limits. Loan amounts may be up to $50,000. Loans may be used for most business purposes including, but not limited to the following: inventory purchase, start-up expenses, equipment purchase, operations, tenant finish and property improvements, purchase of a business. | For City of Arvada brick and mortar businesses only. Home-based businesses are not eligible. A business must file all completed application information and meet program underwriting criteria established by Colorado Enterprise Fund. | |
46 | Loan | All | Alamosa, Archuleta, Conejos, Costilla, Dolores, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan, San Miguel | 1st Southwest Community Fund - COVID-19 Emergency Loan Fund | The COVID-19 Emergency Loan Fund has been established to offer low-interest loans to rural businesses and nonprofits affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The loans are designed to support businesses and nonprofits during this difficult period, with the goal to enable them to continue operations and support their employees. Loans can be used for: working capital; business continuity. Loans cannot be used for refinancing debt. Loan terms: Loan amount: $5,000-$10,000; 2.5% interest rate with 7 year term; $100 loan fee; No payments for first 90-180 days. | Any business, nonprofit, or startup in the following counties may apply: Alamosa, Archuleta, Conejos, Costilla, Dolores, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan, and San Miguel. At least 1 year of operation. | |
47 | Loan | All | All | Colorado Lending Source & KIVA 0% Interest Micro-Loan | Provides 0% interest loans without fees for small business and entrepreneurs, up to $15,000. | Gather financial and business information: Calculate your monthly credit card payments, mortgage or rent, and other debt payments, as well as checking your credit score. Proof of Business - State Filing or Employer Identification Number (EIN) Be ready to describe yourself and your business: Write out your personal & business description - outline what your business does, what you will do with the loan, and how it will help your business. Find a photo of yourself that clearly shows you and your business. | |
48 | Loan | All | All | Highline Electric Association Revolving Loan Fund Program | Through the creation of a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), Highline Electric is seeking to improve the quality of life in rural areas by helping to leverage projects that create and retain job opportunities for rural residents; that provide technical assistance, education, or medical care to rural businesses or rural residents; that further the use of advanced telecommunications services and computer networks for medical, educational, and job training services; and that upgrade the public infrastructure to improve the economic potential of rural areas and the health, safety, and medical care of rural residents. The minimum loan size from the RLF is $5,000; the maximum loan size is restricted to $240,000 or available funds in the RLF at the time of application. | Rural focus. Personal guarantees from partners, members, or majority stockholders may be required for all partnerships, limited liability companies or corporate borrowings along with such other collateral as is deemed appropriate. | |
49 | Loan | All | All | U.S. Bank Personal Loan | Temporariy reduction of the APR on new U.S. Bank Personal Loans to 2.99%. Borrow from $1,000 to $4,999 for terms up to 48 months. | You need to be a current U.S. Bank customer with a good credit history and stable, sufficient income. All loans are subject to credit approval. | |
50 | Loan | All | All | U.S. Bank Quick Loan | Quick Loans are traditional fixed rate loans up to $250,000 and can be used for general working capital, equipment or purchasing new and used vehicles. They offer a simplified application process and faster decisions than traditional bank loans (term loans). Quick Loans come with competitive interest rates and are paid back in fixed monthly payments. | Secured by collateral or general business assets. | |
51 | Loan | All | All | U.S. Bank Simple Loan | Temporary reduction of pricing on new U.S. Bank Simple Loans from $12 (auto pay) and $15 (manual pay) to $6 per $100 borrowed. Borrow between $100 and $1,000 with no hidden fees. | Existing U.S. Bank checking customers. | |
52 | Loan | Minority / Veteran | All | Greenline Ventures Emergency Microloan Program | In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we established the Greenline Emergency Microloan Program (the “Program”) to provide much-needed funds to minority, women, or veteran-owned small businesses throughout Colorado that have been adversely impacted. Program Loans can be used in addition to the Paycheck Protection Program loans offered through the SBA. The goal of the Program is to enable disadvantaged small businesses to continue operations and retain/support employees through this challenging period of economic trouble and uncertainty. The Program will be administered by Greenline Community Development Fund LLC, an affiliate of Greenline that has been certified as a community development financial institution (CDFI) by the U.S. Treasury Department. Loan Amount: Loans are available for $5,000 up to $25,000. Interest / Amortization: No interest and principal payments for the first six months, followed by 54 months of principal and interest payments utilizing a 2.00% interest rate and level amortization. Maturity: 60 months / 5 years. Fees: There are no fees whatsoever (application, origination, exit) or prepayment penalties. | Be majority-owned (51% or more ownership) by a minority, woman or veteran. Show evidence of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business operations. Be based within the state of Colorado. Have 50 or fewer full-time employees. Required Documents: Two years of historical financial statements (income statement, balance sheet), or minimum of one year for newer businesses, Year-to-date financial statements (most recent available), Copies of driver's licenses for anyone owning 20% or more of the business applicant, Resume or biography of the owner / manager. Collateral: No collateral requirements Other: With the exception of loans provided pursuant to a federal or state program relating to COVID-19 relief (e.g., SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program loan), borrowers that receive Program Loans from Greenline may not incur additional debt without the approval of Greenline. | Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Greenline will continue to review, process and close new Program Loans until the Program’s funding is depleted, at which point an announcement will be posted on our home page. |
53 | Loan | All, Minority / Veteran | All | Accion Small Business Loans | Term loans from $300-$250,000. If you’re looking for a lender who will take the time to get to know your business’s unique strengths and opportunities, Accion is the lender for you. Links to loans for women-owned businesses, loans for minority-owned businesses, loans for food and beverage businesses, loans for startup businesses, loans for small businesses, loans for veteran-owned businesses, business loans for people with disabilities, loans for green businesses. | ||
54 | Loan | Agriculture & Food System | All | Colorado Enterprise Fund Healthy Foods Fund Program | To ensure all Colorado communities have access to fresh, nutritious and affordable food, and to foster a vibrant local food economy. Loans up to $250,000 for eligible start-ups and existing businesses. Rates and terms vary depending on loan size, credit and use of funds. Special rates for businesses serving lower income populations and areas with limited access to healthy foods. Funds can be used for: working capital, inventory and equipment, property improvements, business purchase, commercial real estate, energy efficiency upgrades. | Retail grocery providers (stores, carts, co-ops, ethnic and farmers markets, trucks, delivery services), packaging, processing and manufacturing food enterprises, food production companies and distributors, urban and rural agricultural projects, all segments of the food system in rural and urban areas of Colorado. | |
55 | Loan | All | All | Colorado Enterprise Fund Community Advantage Loan (SBA) for Small Businesses | Our SBA loans offer larger amounts, comparable interest rates, longer terms, and more flexible requirements relative to collateral. We explain how to qualify for an SBA loan and provide patient, hands-on help during every step of the SBA loan process. We offer other financing options if the SBA loan isn’t a good fit and can transfer information you provide for an SBA loan to our other CEF loans. We offer all our borrowers convenient, low or no-cost business coaching and training for the duration of their loans to help them succeed. | ||
56 | Loan | Minority / Veteran | All | Colorado Enterprise Fund VALOR Loan Program | Our VALOR Loan program was created for them—to support transitioning service members, veterans, and their families (the SMVF community) with access to affordable capital to start and grow small businesses in Colorado. Loan Amount: Up to $500,000. Loan Rate: 2% discount from standard CEF rates. Origination Fee: 1.5%. Loan Term: Up to 10 years with interest-only period of up to 6 months. Loan Uses: Working capital, equipment, inventory, property improvements, business purchase, commercial real estate. Loan Process: Online application on CEF website with underwriting and approval following standard CEF processes. | Any honorably discharged US military veteran or Gold Star Family member (surviving spouse or child) who is a Colorado resident, plans to start or grow a business in Colorado, and is unable to obtain traditional bank financing. | |
57 | Loan | Tourism & Hospitality | All | Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation Zero Interest Loans for Restaurants | The RWCF is in the process of working with our legal advisors to develop this area of work. In the coming weeks, we will produce a draft set of criteria for small businesses that can be applied fairly, and which align with our mission of supporting hospitality industry leaders committed to creating better working conditions across our four program areas: wage fairness and career ladders, gender equity and sexual violence, racial justice and support for the immigrant community, mental health and substance abuse. As we develop criteria, we will explore whether or not we can or should publicly name the businesses supported through the program, but at the very least, we will report on number of loans made and other relevant data. The Restaurant Workers’ COVID19 Crisis Relief Fund is currently open. | Please sign up for their newsletter to know when applications are open for these funds. | |
58 | Loan | All | All | PayPal Working Capital | PayPal Working Capital is based on your PayPal sales history, so you receive an amount that fits your business. There’s no credit check when you apply, so there’s no effect on your credit score. There's just one fixed fee determined by: the amount of your loan, the repayment percentage you select, your business's PayPal sales history. There are no other fees and no periodic interest. You pay back the loan automatically with a percentage of your sales that you choose when you apply. The higher your sales, the faster you repay. On days without sales, you won’t pay a thing, but you need to repay a minimum of 5% or 10% every 90 days to keep your loan in good standing. You can also make manual payments and even pay the loan in full anytime with no early repayment fee. | Active PayPal sales account. | Due to high demand, application processing may be delayed |
59 | Loan | All | All | Square Capital Loan Program | Eligible Square sellers can get access to business loans from $500–$250,000. Log in to your Dashboard to see if your business has a loan offer. Application only takes a few clicks and there are no long forms to fill out or long waiting periods. All loans are subject to credit approval. Applying won’t affect your credit score. If approved, your business loan is deposited in your bank account as soon as the next business day so you can put your money to work fast. Pay off your loan with convenient automatic deductions from your Square daily card sales so you never have to think about it. We just ask that it’s paid back in 18 months and that you hit your minimum every 60 days. | Square sales account. | |
60 | Loan | All | Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, San Juan, Southern Ute Tribe, Ute Mountain Tribe | Region 9 Disaster Assistance Loan Program | Region 9 Disaster Assistance Loan Program is offering loans from $1,000-$10,000 to help cover essential business expenses suck as payroll, rent, and utilities. 3 month draw period. 0% interest if paid within 6 months. 1% interest if paid for 6-12 months. Converts to prime interest rate after 1 year amortized on a 24-48 month term. Flexible collateral. Streamlined applications. and a $100-$150 All loans are subject to approval and availability of funds. | Job Development Statement, Personal Financial Statement, 2019 Year end Profit & Loss Statement and Balance Sheet (or tax return if completed) and a written narrative describing how the funds will help support your business during the coming months. | First review April 10th. |
61 | Loan | All | Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Saguache | Sangre de Cristo Electric Association Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program | The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations, including Sangre de Cristo Electric Assn., Inc. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The ultimate recipients repay the lending utility directly. The utility is responsible for repayment to USDA. | Business of Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake & Saguache Counties. | |
62 | Loan | All | Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Pueblo | Neighborworks Southern Colorado Small Business Emergency Microloan Program | Loan Limits: $1,000 to $20,000. Interest Rate: Option 1: 0% for a term of 6 months, Option 2: 2% term of up to 2 years. Term: 6 months to 2 years. Loan Fee: 3%; 2% origination, 1% loan loss reserve to the CHFA CCR Program. Repayment begins at 60 days. | Primary business operation located in Pueblo, Fremont, Huerfano, and Custer counties will be given priority. Microloan Requirement: Job retention. Credit: Principal business owner(s) must have reasonable and responsible personal credit history and an acceptable explanation for any derogatory marks. Bankruptcies and debt write-offs must be at least 12 months old. Cash Flow: Businesses must show that historical profits were sufficient to service the requested debt and have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Collateral: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Required Guarantors: All business owners who hold 20% or more ownership must guarantee the loan. Co-Signer: A co-signer with reasonable credit and sufficient income to re-pay the loan can be included as a guarantor to mitigate weaknesses in the loan request. Application Fees: $25 for an individual, $50 co-borrower (waived for 90 days – July 1, 2020). | |
63 | Loan | All | Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel | Region 10 Loan Program for Business Disruptions | Use of Funds: Working capital, Gap financing. Loan Terms: Loan amounts are for small business, up to $10,000 at 4% interest. Other terms available on a case by case basis. | Eligible entities include sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, non-profits, local governments & special districts within the Counties served by Region 10. The following are required with any loan: one to one collateral, owner equity/contribution, a secondary source of repayment, and personal guarantees are required with any loan. Required Documents: Two years of business and personal tax returns, Current profit and loss, Updated personal financial statement. | |
64 | Loan | All | Denver | Community Enterprise Development Services Financial Resilience Loans | Resilience loans provide fund emergency credit to offset COVID-19 economic impacts for current and former clients of CEDS Finance. Loan sizes are $10,000 and under. Interest-only payments for the first four months. Applicable to murabahahs. | Must be current or former client of CEDS Finance | |
65 | Loan | All | Denver | Denver Microloan Program | Denver’s new Microlending Program provides lending capital and support services to small businesses and entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional and conventional capital sources. Our goal is to help create, retain, stabilize, and expand local small businesses. The program’s broad goals encompass financial empowerment, community and individual wealth-building, job creation and retention, and neighborhood stabilization. Loans from $5,000 to $50,000 with terms up to five years are available to both startup or expansion phase companies. | City & County of Denver business owners only. | |
66 | Loan | All | Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, Summit | Northwest Loan Fund | The Northwest Loan Fund (NLF) offers business loans that will bring value to the local economy in the 9 Northwest counties we serve. The size and term of the loan can vary, but generally we look for amounts between $5,000 and $500,000. Rates and fees are very favorable. A fee of 2% is assessed when the loan is closed. | Businesses in Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt and Summit Counties. We are particularly interested new or growing businesses. We look for a mix of collateral, investment percentage, what the loan will be used for along with overall business sustainability. We can take a collateral position behind other lenders to encourage other lender involvement. | At present, the priority is assessing the effect on small business clients and how to assist them. The NLF has no loan/grant products specific to COVID-19. At this time calls will be taken and tracked for outreach and changes. |
67 | Loan | All | Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, Yuma | Northeast Colorado Revolving Loan Fund - COVID Funding | Northeast Colorado Revolving Loan Fund is allocating $150,000 into a low interest program for those impacted by this disaster. NCRLF will offer loans at 4% for 36 months or less, with a maximum of $20,000 per business. | Business owners in NCRLF service area. Loan requirements will follow NCRLF's standard collateral requirements but may be slightly relaxed. Each loan request will be considered individually. | |
68 | Loan | All | San Juan | San Juan Development Association Emergency Business Loans | Emergency Business Loans up to $2,000. No interest loans available for businesses forced to close or limit services. Up to $2,000 for emergency needs such as rent or utilities. Interest free if paid back in 6 months. $100 fee paid at time of loan or 6 month date. Priority given to businesses with a plan to reopen. For an application email sanjuancoordinator@scan.org or call Melanie Russek 970 769 3486 | San Juan County businesses. All loans are subject to underwriting criteria, availability of funds and must be reviewed by SJDA Loan Committee. | First review: April 10th, 2020 |
69 | Loan | All | All | RCAC Small Business Loans | RCAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides training, technical and financial resources and advocacy so rural communities can achieve their goals and visions. RCAC’s Small Business Loan Program assists businesses to retain or create jobs and thus improve the economic condition of rural communities. This program offers short-term loans (up to $250k) for working capital and lines of credit as well as long-term loans for real estate and equipment. Most small businesses rely on lenders to provide the capital they need for acquisitions, capital improvements, business expansions and to bridge cash flow gaps. Without loans, many small business owners would be unable to realize their dreams of running their own business or expanding their operations. RCAC’s business loans are tailored to the needs of the particular business with flexible terms and requirements. | The business must be located in a rural community defined as 50,000 or less population. Please see the Small Business Loan Application for more information and please contact us to discuss your business financing needs. | |
70 | Loan | All | All | Shared Capital Cooperative COVID-19 Emergency Loan for Cooperatives | Shared Capital Cooperative is a national CDFI loan fund that connects co-ops and capital to build economic democracy. Amount: Up to $50,000 per cooperative; cumulative outstanding loans to any one borrower shall not exceed 5% of Shared Capital assets without approval of the Board of Directors. Rate: 5.0% Term: up to 36 months Disbursement: up to 60-day draw period Payment Structure (1) 6 months no payments, during which time interest accrues but is not owed; 2) up to 6 months interest-only, during which time principal payments may begin, contingent on the cooperative returning to pre-crisis revenue levels for 3 consecutive months; 3) amortization of remaining balance for up to 24 months. Current Shared Capital membership is not required) | Cooperative businesses impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. | |
71 | Loan | All | All | DreamSpring Presto Loan | Startups or existing businesses looking for quick capital with a decision to fund in as little as one business day. Loan range: $1,000 - $50,000. One-on-one customer service. Unsecured options. Credit score: 650+. Interest Rate: 9% - 25% (based on credit and term). Community Benefit Fee: 6% - 15% (based on credit and term). APR: 15% - 36%. Term: 12-60 months. Individual taxpayer identification number accepted. Available in AZ, CO, GA, NC, NM, NV, and TX | DreamSpring is currently prioritizing applications for the PPP. Applications for other loans will be delayed. | |
72 | Loan | All | All | DreamSpring Small Business Loan | For entrepreneurs just getting started to established businesses looking to grow, we offer a wide range of term loan options that we customize based on your needs. Loan range: $1,000 - $250,000. Term: 36-72 months. Customized to your business. Credit score: 650+. Interest Rate: 6% - 19%. Community Benefit Fee: 4% - 11%. APR: 9% - 24%. Available in AZ, CO, NM, NV, and TX. Individual taxpayer identification number accepted. | DreamSpring is currently prioritizing applications for the PPP. Applications for other loans will be delayed. | |
73 | Loan | All | All | LEAF Loans for Cooperatives | Local Enterprise Assistance Fund (LEAF) is one of only three Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in the country with a focus on cooperatives. Submit an initial inquiry using the on the site. We will review your application and determine whether you would be a candidate for our lending services. If you pass an initial screen, a member of our lending team will be in touch to schedule a call, where we will ask additional questions about financial goals, social mission, uses of funds, credit, equity, and collateral. If LEAF determines your business is not ready to apply at this time, we will work with promising candidates to help strengthen your application. | We lend nationally, with a focus on community-owned natural food cooperatives that create high quality jobs and provide access to healthy food in urban and rural communities; low-income cooperative housing developments; and worker-owned firms and other community-based businesses and social enterprises, such as Alternative Staffing Organizations (ASOs). | |
74 | Loan | All | Dolores, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan, San Miguel | Telluride Regional Loan Fund - Emergency Loan Fund | The Telluride Regional Loan Fund has designated money to help small businesses with cash flow needs in response to COVID-19. This fund is for businesses who are not commercially bankable (between 1-5 years old) and have been negatively affected by COVID-19. Loan Terms: $5,000 - $10,000, 3% Interest Rate, $100 Loan Fee (CHFA CCR Enrollment Fee), 7-year amortization, 180-day payment deferral. | Your business must be located in one of the following counties: Dolores, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan or San Miguel County. | |
75 | Loan | All | Dolores, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan, San Miguel | Telluride Regional Loan Fund | Provide working capital loans for business growth and expansion creating more and better jobs. Loans could be combined with other lending sources to create a robust financial package. Lending is designed to help businesses create a financial base that leads to bridging to commercial lending. Purpose of fund is to help company cover working capital expenses otherwise known as short-term expenses. The loan funds may also be used to purchase equipment (fixtures, furniture, equipment) if dept can be repaid in the above repayment term. Loan is not to be used to purchase long-term assets such as real property. Loan amount: $25,000-$100,000. Repayment Term: 36 month term w/balloon and 10 year amortization. Rate: base rate + 2% margin. Collateral: secured. | A for profit company located in the above county that are not commercially bankable (early stage) or are not likely to secure reasonably priced debt needed to support working capital needs that will retain or create jobs. Excluded businesses: mining, extraction or fossil fuels, gaming, gambling, and lobby or businesses linked to alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis (hemp-related companies will be considered on a case by case basis). | |
76 | Loan | All | All | Quickbooks Capital Loan | QuickBooks Capital provides funding for QuickBooks small business customers. We review your business’ attributes and overall business health from the business details you enter in QuickBooks, as well as other relevant information. This lets us offer small businesses greater access to funding than many other lenders. Loan amounts from $5,000 to $100,000 with terms up to 12 months. Applying won’t affect your credit score. No origination fees, no prepayment penalties, no hidden charges. | Primary business bank accounts connected through QuickBooks. Revenue of at least $50,000 over the past 12 months. A clear picture of your business in QuickBooks. Personal and business credit history. | |
77 | Loan | All | El Paso | Exponential Impact Survive & Thrive COS Small Business Emergency Relief Fund | Survive & Thrive COS provides recovery funding in the form of low-interest loans of up to $25,000, mentorship and other resources to support resiliency and continue building healthy businesses and nonprofits. Exponential Impact, in partnership with the Pikes Peak Community Foundation, and various other community partners, businesses, and local investors have teamed up to offer immediate relief services. This program is also available to nonprofit organizations. | This is for profit and not for profit, privately held small businesses that maintain a place of business in El Paso County and are incorporated with the State of Colorado. Small business with the equivalent of 2 to 25 FT employees. Additional eligibility requirements and priorities at the link. | Experiencing an extremely high demand, please be patient with us as they work as quickly as we can to review loan application carefully. |
78 | Loan | Arts & Culture | All | Larrosa Music Group Programa Especial de Financiación | Programa de Financiación Especial para afectados por el COVID-19 en la industria de la música. Sabemos que esta crisis global ha afectado a la industria repentinamente y entendemos que las finanzas de muchas compañías, productoras y sobre todo artistas, y músicos, se ha visto afectada a partir de la cancelación de conciertos, grabaciones, lanzamientos y demás eventos relacionados con la actividad. Si este es tu caso, hemos diseñado un Programa Especial de Financiación para que no se afecte tu liquidez y puedas seguir operando hasta que todo esto pase. El término máximo de financiación es de 1 año y un máximo de 20.000 USD. Bonificación del 50% en el costo único de la operación: en lugar del 15/20% , quedará entre 7.5/10% | 1.) Realizar alguna de estas actividades: músico de sesión, musico en vivo, cobrar regalías por cualquier obra musical a través de sociedades de gestión, cobrar regalías de plataformas digitales cómo Youtube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, a través de distribuidoras, ser una agencia, productora, discográfica o editorial que gestione lo antes mencionado para terceros. 2.) Prueba de las cancelaciones de shows, grabaciones u otra actividad remunerada que afecte la liquidez del aplicante. 3.) Poder comprobar ingresos de al menos 2500 USD en los últimos 12 meses. | Se recibirán aplicaciones hasta el 1 de Mayo. de 2020 |
79 | Loan | All | All | DreamSpring Credit Access Loan | Startups or existing businesses with no credit or challenged credit history looking for business funding and coaching. Loan range: $1,000 - $10,000. One-on-one personalized business and credit coaching and support. Unsecured options. Credit score: No Score OR 550+. Interest Rate: 0% - 24%. Community Benefit Fee: 15% - 20%. APR: 36%. Term: 12-36 months. Individual taxpayer identification number accepted. Available in AZ, CO, NM, NV, and TX. DreamSpring works with a diverse group of business owners, each with unique needs and circumstances. We are often able to provide loans when traditional sources cannot. We have the flexibility to work one-on-one with your business and welcome the chance to get to know you. | DreamSpring is currently prioritizing applications for the PPP. Applications for other loans will be delayed. | |
80 | Loan | All | Montezuma | Region 9 Disaster Loan Program for Montezuma County Businesses | Low cost loans from $1-10k to help cover essential business expenses such as: payroll, rent & utilities. 3 month draw period. 0% interest if paid in less than 1 year. 1% interest if paid in less than 2 years. Converts to prime interest rate after year 2 and amortizes on a 24-48 months term. Flexible collateral. Streamlined applications. | Montezuma County businesses. Job Development Statement, Personal Financial Statement, 2019 Year end Profit & Loss Statement and Balance Sheet (or tax return if completed) and a written narrative describing how the funds will help support your business during the coming months. Email jenny@scan.org or brian@scan.org for applications and questions. | 2nd Round Due April 24. Additional rounds based on funding. |
81 | Loan | All | Archuleta | Region 9 Disaster Loan Assistance for Archuleta County Businesses | Low cost loans from $1k-10k to help cover essential business expenses such as payroll, rent & utilities. 3 month draw period. 0% interest if paid in less than 1 year. 1% interest if paid in less than 2 years. Converts to prime interest rate after year 2 and amortizes on a 24-48 months term. Flexible collateral. Streamlined applications. | Archuleta County businesses. Job Development Statement, a Personal Financial Statement, 2019 Year end Profit & Loss Statement and Balance Sheet (or tax return if completed) and a written narrative describing how the funds will help support your business during the coming months. Email jenny@scan.org or brian@scan.org for applications and details. | 1st round due April 9. Additional rounds based on funding. |
82 | Loan, Grant | All | Adams, Arapahoe | City of Aurora - Aurora Economic Relief Loan and Grant Program | Restaurant, retail, service or entertainment small businesses and arts-related nonprofits in Aurora are invited to apply for financial assistance from the city of Aurora’s new $1 million Aurora Economic Relief (AER) Loan and Grant Program, in cooperation with CEDS Finance. This local program fulfills an immediate funding need for Aurora small businesses waiting for additional funding assistance from state and federal sources. Depending on the financial need, grants are available up to $5,000 or loans from $5,000 to $50,000 to help businesses retain jobs. | City of Aurora restaurant, retail, service and entertainment small businesses and arts-related nonprofits. Qualifying businesses must have operated a physical location in Aurora for at least the last 12 months (preferably a storefront), have 50 or fewer employees, be in good standing with regulatory agencies, meet minimum financial requirements and retain at least one job (that meets low- to moderate income requirements) as a result of this assistance. | First funding cycle due April 22. Second funding cycle starts May 6. |
84 | Loan, Other | All | El Paso | Survive & Thrive COS - Emergency Relief Funding for Small Businesses | Survive & Thrive COS provides recovery funding in the form of low-interest loans of up to $25,000, mentorship and other resources to support resiliency and continue building healthy businesses and nonprofits. Exponential Impact, in partnership with the Pikes Peak Community Foundation, and various other community partners, businesses, and local investors have teamed up to offer immediate relief services. Traditional emergency funding and loans require too much processing time and many businesses won’t qualify. Survive & Thrive COS provides immediate recovery loans to organizations through three monthly installments. There are no payments or interest the first year, and interest rates are tiered over the loan period to 1% the second year and 2% the third year. After your application is received, a member of the Loan Review Committee will reach out to schedule a 30-minute interview, if your application has been moved forward. | For profit and not for profit, privately held small businesses that maintain a place of business in El Paso County and are incorporated with the State of Colorado. Small business with the equivalent of 2 to 25 FT employees. Applications are open only to small businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including, but not limited to, the food industry, cafes, hair & nail salons, barbershops, home childcare providers and retail shops. Independently owned franchises. For additional requirements, please check the link. | Loan decisions will be made every Monday beginning April 6, 2020 and will continue for the following 90 days, or until the funds run out. |
85 | Other | Arts & Culture | All | Sound Royalties No-Cost Funding Program | Sound Royalties has set up a $20 million fund for music creators impacted by coronavirus to receive no-fee advances on their royalties. The exact amount and terms of the no-cost advance option will depend upon the particular royalty payment history and royalty payor of the applicant. Available for a one-year term up to $25k in funding. Offer only valid for qualified applicants under our standard qualifying/underwriting guidelines. | Music creators who receive royalties. | April 16, 2020 |
86 | Other | All | All | COVID-19 Finance Assistance Network | Lew's List in partnership with High Plains Advisors and Foundry Group have assembled a group of CFOs, Controllers, and other senior Finance professionals to help businesses survive. We are focused on the assessment and execution of strategies to extend/improve businesses cash flows. This may include navigating and accessing The CARES Act and the Families First Act programs. It may also require assistance with human capital and tax planning issues and/or the design and implementation of other business strategies where needed. One of the key pillars of the stimulus programs is the PPP - Paycheck Protection Program. We fully appreciate the interest, urgency and desire for assistance to apply for funding under this program. It may be as simple as helping fill out or compiling the necessary information to complete the appropriate forms. It might be assisting to find alternative funding to bridge the time between applying for and receiving certain stimulus funds. These services will be provided pro bono – our commitment is helping businesses in our communities stay in our communities. | ||
87 | Other | All | All | COVID-19: Ad credits for Google Ads Small and Medium-sized Businesses | We want to help alleviate some of the cost for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to stay in touch with their customers during this challenging time. That’s why we’re giving our SMBs worldwide $340 million in ad credits, which can be used at any point until the end of 2020 across our Google Ads platforms. SMBs who have been active advertisers since the beginning of 2019 will see a credit notification appear in their Google Ads account in the coming months. This is part of a larger commitment from Google to support SMBs, health organizations and governments, and health workers on the frontline of this global pandemic. | Active Google advertising user. | |
88 | Other | Tourism & Hospitality | All | Yelp’s COVID-19 Response and Support for Local Businesses | $25 million in relief, primarily focused on supporting independent, local restaurant and nightlife businesses, in the form of waived advertising fees and free advertising, products, and services during this period. These relief efforts are available to small, independently owned restaurant and nightlife businesses and franchisees in the U.S., Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico with fewer than five locations. | For eligible local businesses that purchased a Yelp Ads program directly from Yelp and that still had their campaigns active as of March 19, 2020 AND for eligible local businesses in the restaurants and nightlife categories without active Yelp Ads campaigns as of March 19, 2020. | |
89 | Other | All | Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson, Lincoln | Prairie Development Corporation | Multiple options. Contact: Candace Payne: cpayne@prairiedevelopment.com, 719-348-5562 | For businesses in Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln Counties. | |
90 | Other | Arts & Culture | All | Royalty Exchange 90-Day Discount for Coronavirus Relief | To provide a degree of immediate relief, Royalty Exchange will lower our standard commission from 15% to 10% for any artist selling royalties through auctions for the next 90 days, starting April 1. This offer applies to auctions and Instant Offers only. Secondary Market transactions are not included. | Only music artists are eligible to receive the discount. This includes songwriters, performing artists, and producers. Brokers, lawyers, and other rightsholders will receive the standard commission. | Offer valid for listings that go live on the marketplace on or before June 30, 2020. |
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- Published in RMAE News
Following the most current SEO and PR best practices:
● A secure website (https://) is now expected, not a differentiator.
● Optimize for voice search so Alexa and Siri are on your side.
● Quality text content should be longer than 2,000 words for optimal results.
● Quality video content should quickly answer users’ questions.
● As always, optimize for the best possible mobile UX!
- Published in RMAE News
Denver Small Business Resources During Coronavirus Outbreak
Small Business Relief Funds
Small Business Emergency Relief – City and County of Denver
In response to COVID-19, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity is working on connecting our Denver business community to the most appropriate resources in our region. The first step is to let us know how your business is being impacted by filling out this questionnaire. Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) staff will evaluate your information and help you identify the most appropriate support for you and your business.
Once you’ve read the program overview and sample application you may start the application here.
Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund – Amazon
Amazon’s goal with this fund is to help ensure small businesses are able to maintain their livelihood and keep our community vibrant.
Small Business Loan Programs
SBA Low-interest Disaster Loans
Small business owners in the following designated states are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to Coronavirus (COVID-19): Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. Click here to apply.
Small Business Grants
Facebook Small Business Grants Program
We know that your business may be experiencing disruptions resulting from the global outbreak of COVID-19. We’ve heard that a little financial support can go a long way, so we are offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits to help during this challenging time.
Grants.Gov
Learn about available SBA grants and cooperative agreements to find out if you meet the requirements to apply.
- Published in Coronavirus, Resources, RMAE News
Jonathan Martin of Black Sock Productions
What’s Your Name? Jonathan Martin
Business Name? Black Sock Productions ltd.
Business Website? http://www.blacksockproductions.com
When Did You Start Your Business? 2012
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Tell us a bit about your background. How did you come to create your business?
I have always loved movies, music videos, or any short video that was able to creatively tell a story. In my final years of college I picked up a camera and began making short skits and things with my friends. The more I made, the more I fell in love with film and video. Before I knew it my equipment had advanced, my techniques were more complex, and my films and videos were more professional and creative. A couple years ago I decided to try to make this my full time gig so I quit my job and never looked back.
Who was your very first customer and how did you find them?
My very first customer was for a nutrition store in Colorado Springs. A friend of mine from high school had continued to follow me on social media and knew that I had a video company- her parents owned a store and wanted a web commercial.
When did you know your business was going to work out?
I knew that my business was going to work out when I looked and saw how many friends and family, past clients etc. were referring me for video jobs. At the time I hadn’t spent any money on advertising and was staying busy just by word of mouth. I figured if I started to put myself out there more in addition to these referrals, I would be ok.
What has been the biggest surprise so far after starting your own business?
The biggest surprise to me after starting my own business is how often you have to stay working at it. Trying to keep a business going is a full time job in addition to whatever your business might be doing. Networking, finding clients, improving on my craft… A lot of people only see the fun things I get to do and flexibility I have with my time, when in reality I am in one way or another always working.
What has been your biggest lesson learned in pricing?
My biggest lesson is that I am more valuable than I might realize initially. When I started I was almost giving away work. At the same time though, if you are going to charge for something, you had better be able to back it up with solid work.
What does a typical day look like for you from morning until evening?
I get this question all the time but so many times no two days are the same; I might wake up and start editing today, where tomorrow I wake up and get ready to shoot a wedding. Even as I am doing this interview I have to prepare for a music video later this evening.
If you could go back in time, what’s the one thing you would do differently when you were starting your business?
If I could go back I would spend money differently. In a business there are a lot of things that you think you need… As you get older or more experienced you realize that isn’t always the case. I also would have spent more time learning about my industry before diving right in. It would have given me the opportunity to be a real authority in my industry a lot sooner.
What would you like to learn today from a community of other small business owners and self-employed professionals?
There is a lot I don’t know. I know that now. I think any and all information from other small businesses is great and valuable. Even if their views on business differ from mine, you can never have enough eyes on a situation to try and learn from.
- Published in Entrepreneurs
How to Create an Effective Company Logo
Creating an effective company logo is far more difficult than one would think. It is not as simple as making a good drawing of a symbol then calling it a logo. There is a lot of things that comes into play before you come up with a memorable logo like McDonalds “M” or Nike’s “Check” logo.
The problem is that creating a logo can be very subjective. What looks good to one person might not be to another. The key is to know that you can’t please everybody and you just have to come up with the most effective logo and that no logo you will come up with will ever be perfect.
To arrive at that effective company logo your company needs, here are some tips that you can follow:
Use a professional
Attempting to create a logo on your own may lead to more harm than good. And for what? To save a few dollars? Getting a professional designer may require some spending but what you are paying for is the training and expertise of that person. A professional can explain to you things like design flaws, effective color schemes, the right font, and other stuff that an untrained person may not be looking at. It is an investment but if it at least veers you away from a possibly offensive logo, then it has been worth it.
Know your Brand and your Demographics
Before you come up with a logo, you have to consider your own brand first. What are your company’s goals? What are the values you want associated with your brand? After that, you have to also consider your market. Who are the people you want buying your product or service? Your logo should represent who you are as a brand and should appeal to your current and potential customers.
Go for timeless instead of trendy
Following current trends may be the easy way but its effectiveness might be limited until the trend lasts. Go for a logo that you think is timeless and will never go out of style. If you achieve this, it will save you more money down the road because you would not have to go through a drastic rebranding campaign just to create another logo in the future.
Test it
Before taking your company logo live conduct a series of tests first to get some initial feedback and reviews. This will give you an idea if you need to make improvements or changes, create a completely new logo, or start launching your current logo.
Your logo is usually the first contact of customers to your brand. Make sure that your logo will make a good impression.
- Published in Learning Center, RMAE News
How To Analyze Your Competitors
“If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles… if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle.” Probably one of the most popular quotes of Sun Tzu from the Art of War, it is not only applicable in grand epic battles but in business completion as well. After all, the best way to beat an enemy is not only to know their weaknesses but also their strengths.
But how do you study your business competitors? Here are some tips:
Identify your competitor
This sounds simple enough but it is actually much more complicated than that. Take cable companies like Comcast and Verizon, they are essentially supposed to be competitors but if you look at it more closely it is more like each one have a monopoly of services on a specific territory that rarely infringe on one another. They are not really competing for the same market.
So when you consider it you have to identify the businesses that are competing with your for the same market for the same product or service. These will be your direct competitors. It does not end there, however. You also have to consider your indirect competitors. These are businesses who do not have the same product or service but can be considered as alternatives to your own, An example would be hosted PBX solutions vs. 4-line telephone systems. They are not really the same but the latter could be seen as a cheaper alternative to the former.
Identify their strategies
Once you have determined your competitors, you can now examine the strategies they employ to get an advantage over you and your common competitors. Do they advertise a lot? Do they have a strong branding campaign? Do they have a strong web and social media presence? Do they rank high in major search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing? What other media do they use to market their product or service?
Know their strengths and weakness
Once you know their strategies, you can also study its effectiveness. Is their advertising yielding better brand recognition or is it bringing adverse effect to their brand? Do they rank high in major search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing or are they languishing on the rankings for important keywords?
Look for opportunities
Once you know their weakness, you can also review your own performance on these categories. Are you doing so much better or are you just slightly ahead? Once you know their strengths, on the other hand, you can now formulate a plan to counter their strengths or even adapt those strengths into your own business.
- Published in Learning Center, RMAE News
How to create an effective elevator pitch
Just think about it, you never know who you will meet in an elevator. It might be your next big client or your next big investor. You don’t want to be caught stammering in front of the person who can make or break your business. That is why you should have a solid elevator pitch prepared that you can present in a pinch.
Problem:
The problem is that unless you get invited to join the person you are pitching to, your elevator pitch would be limited to the time that you are, well, in the elevator. Once the door opens and your target person steps out, you should have already been able to deliver the gist of your pitch by then.
But because of the surprise and the suddenness of the situation, few are actually equipped to take advantage of the situation. That is why you should have a solid elevator pitch prepared that you can present in a pinch.
Solution:
Always have a prepared elevator pitch when you step out of your home or office. To help you come up with an effective elevator pitch, here are some tips:
Make it short and simple
As said above, you have a very limited time to give your pitch so you probably have about a minute or 2 inutes max to present your case. You do not want to be wasting those precious time prepping your pitch. You want to go direct to the point with the simplest words to explain your case. Do not use heavy words and jargons. Instead of impressing the target, you might just end up trying to explain certain terms that you used which he or she did not understand.
Present a problem and a unique solution
Aside from a brief overview of your company, your pitch should include a problem that is relatable to the target. Given that problem, you can present your product or service as the solution to that problem. Explain the benefits of your solution and its difference from what is being offered by competitors.
Always have your business card ready
If possible you should bring a paper copy of your pitch that you can give to your target so that they can review it after your pitch. But since you would not have those copies with you at all times, you can settle with always having your business card with you at all times. You have to always, I mean ALWAYS, give a copy of your business card to the target before or after the elevator pitch. This way, the target has a quick way to get back to you if he or she finds your pitch interesting.
- Published in Learning Center, RMAE News
How to Create Effective Email Campaign
Creating an effective email campaign is no easy task. After all, email users are pretty hard to please and are usually annoyed when they receive random emails that are promotional in nature, which are what email campaigns are in its very nature.
However, the wide reach of an effective email campaign cannot be ignored. That is why even if we are not good at it we trudge on every week or every month to send those emails.
Maybe it is time to change your approach, here are some tips on how you can improve and succeed in email marketing:
Treat your email subject as a headline
This is the first words that the email recipient will see. This will decide whether your email is opened, ignored, or worse, marked as spam. That is why you want an email that is catchy. You want the reader to be so intrigued that he or she will want to open that email. So think about your email subject. Avoid generic headers and really look for something to grab the readers’ attention.
Apply great graphics
Make sure that you have eye-catching graphics that will highlight what you are offering in your campaigns. People tend to ignore long blocks of texts so do not send emails that are purely text so adding graphics that are easy on the eyes will help you deliver your message more effectively.
Do not Spam
Make sure that you are not misleading in your email campaign. All elements of your email should be in symmetry with each other. This means that what you promised in the header should also be the one in the content. Black hat email marketers usually focus on killer headlines that are not related to the content of their email. It may lead to click at first, but your reputation will be killed in the long run.
Do not send your emails on Mondays and Fridays
What is common between Monday and Friday? They are both connected to weekends. Send your email on Monday and it will come with the deluge of emails employees and entrepreneurs get during Mondays because of unanswered weekend mails. Friday on the other hand is the end of the work week and employees tend to ignore any more email especially if it is not work related. Chances are your email will just get lost among the weekend emails that are sure to come. Best days to send your emails are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Published in Learning Center, RMAE News
How to Get Reviews for Google and Yelp
Reviews has always been a part of business success. If people say positive things about your company, it will build up your credibility and chances are, more people will patronize your product or service. But with how dependent people are to the Internet, the importance of reviews has become even bigger.
With information readily available to people at the tip of their fingers, companies with great reviews especially on Google and Yelp, will always have the advantage over their competition. As a result, there are companies who resort to questionable practices like buying reviews or creating multiple accounts to write positive reviews for their companies.
However, the best reviews are always those that are genuine. Besides, there are things you can do to increase your own positive reviews on Google and Yelp. Here are some:
Simply ask
The best way to get people to write reviews about your company is to ask them directly. It is one question so it should not be too hard on you or your staff to ask, and it should not be too annoying for the customer. The worst that could happen is they say no, which would have been the same result if you did not ask in the first place. But what if they say yes? You get a genuine positive review just for asking.
So next time someone tells you something positive about your company (via email, phone, or personal conversation) ask them if they can go to Yelp or Google to write a review.
Make it easy
The problem with leaving reviews is that the customer has to go through a lot of trouble just to leave a positive review. They have to search your Google profile or Yelp account before they can leave a review. You can make it easier by linking your Google Profile and Yelp account on your website, email blasts, and other customer communications.
Include it in your processes
If you make “asking for reviews” a part of your business processes, then it is more likely to increase the number of your reviews. You can instruct your staff to include it on their spiel after serving a happy customer. You can also include it on the last part of your check-out process if you have an e-commerce site. As said on the first tip, the important thing is that you have to ask.
Offer a great product or service and great customer service
None of the tips above will matter if your customers do not have a great experience dealing with your company. If you have a great product or service and you take care of your customers the way they should be treated then the positive reviews should follow.
- Published in Learning Center, RMAE News
How to Write a Perfect Business Bio
If you are a professional looking for work, you send in a resume. But if you are an entrepreneur looking to introduce your business, a resume does not seem like an appropriate approach. After all, the resume gives possible employers an overview of an individual and not of an organization.
What you want is something that would provide possible business partners, clients, or investors a short but concise summary of what you are as a company and what you can provide.
For this purpose, instead of a resume, what you need is a business bio. But how do you construct an effective business bio? Here are some tips.
Start off with an overview statement.
Before getting to the nitty gritty of your business, you have to give the reader a short glimpse of who you are as a company. Your first paragraph should be about who you are as a company in a macro level. Give them a general description of the products or service your company offers together, your capability in producing such products or services, and the length at which you have been doing so.
Establish your expertise
After the introduction, you want to prove that your credibility and prove that you are capable of delivering what you promise. Cite major clients that you have worked with. This will show that you have successfully delivered for others in the past. You can also cite media outlets that featured your company. This shows that your business is widely recognized for its expertise.
Highlight your accomplishments
Aside from establishing your credibility, you also want to showcase that you are the best choice. To do this, you want to highlight your past successes. Review your credentials and pick the projects that gave you the most success and the most positive feedback. These are the things that you want to show off in your business bio. This goes with your media features as well. Pick the more popular media bodies that recognized you to focus on. People would care more about something they are familiar with compared to your media mention from a local magazine that no one has ever heard of.
K.I.S.S.
Short for Keep It Short and Simple. You do not want to be sending out multiple page business bios. Busy people will not have the time to read 2-3 pages of self gratifying drivel that could be compared to a boring romance novel. What they want is something short, simple, and direct to the point. No need for heavy words and jargons. In fact, you should stay away from those too. Instead of impressing the reader with your vocabulary, you will just end up confusing them. My tip is to keep it at one page at 2-3 paragraphs. That should be enough to cover all bases.
- Published in Learning Center, RMAE News
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