Jackie Kozak Thiel Published 7:00 a.m. MT April 26, 2020 | Updated 1:46 p.m. MT April 26, 2020

Jackie Kozak Thiel(Photo: Courtesy of the city of Fort Collins)

The coronavirus pandemic has introduced unique and unprecedented challenges to everyone, and we are all currently navigating a new normal.

One sector of our community that has been particularly impacted is our businesses. Local businesses need support now more than ever, which is especially difficult since we are currently maintaining physical distancing practices and many people have been recently laid off or furloughed.

The city is working to help support all businesses and members of the workforce because they are vitalassets to the community.

We know that relief is not coming fast enough and can be hard to navigate. Last week, the citys Economic Health Office in partnership with the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development, Larimer Small Business Development Center, and Old Town Media launched the new NoCo Recovers website, which serves as a one-stop-shop for business recovery information in Northern Colorado.

The site NoCoRecovers.com provides up-to-date information on potential funding resources available to support the regions business community. The website also features a COVID-19 Business Resource Hub, where businesses can easily sort through resources based on industry, geography, and type of need.

The city is happy to announce the Fort Collins Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund is now open to small businesses in Fort Collins impacted by COVID-19.

We have partnered with Colorado Lending Source to commit $110,000 to this effort. These two-year loans are up to $10,000 of working capital, with the first six-month at 0% interest and deferral of all principal and interest payments, and 2% interest and principal payments for months 7-24.

We know $110,000 is not enough, and the city is working to expand this program and will share regular updates when other forms of financial support become available.

Another tool recently created to support the local economy is the Support Fort Collins Business tool. Acting as a community connector, this tool maps out businesses offering online sales, gift cards, delivery/take-out services, and other specials during the pandemic. As shopping habits continue to shift during this time, this website hopes to promote and encourage the creative adaptations of our local businesses.

The city is currently allowing qualified businesses to defer sales tax payments for 60 days. Tax payments that are currently scheduled on April or May 20 will be extended to June 22 and interest and penalties will be waived.

The citys Sales Tax Department has a dedicated email address and phone hotline for those interested in deferring their payments: salestax@fcgov.om , 970-221-6780.

Our treasured local businesses are the fabric of Fort Collins. Over the last several weeks we have heard countless stories of Fort Collins businesses and nonprofits supporting each other and front-line workers during this time of crisis.

Stories like creating and donating much needed hand sanitizer to hospitals and providing free meals to front-line and essential workers. These acts of kindness give me hope that by taking care of each other during this pandemic, we can work toward rebuilding the vibrant Fort Collins that we know and love.

To learn more about all the programs mentioned here and get regular updates, please visit http://www.fcgov.com/business.

Jackie Kozak Thiel is the chief sustainability officer for the City of Fort Collins. She can be reached at 970-416-2170 or jkozak-thiel@fcgov.com.

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In the City: Resources and support for local businesses - Coloradoan