COVID-19 Community Resources & Information
In an effort to support our community’s public health and the well being of our local business community, we will be adding updates and resources regarding COVID-19. If there is a great community resource you would like added to this page, please email staff at info@fruitachamber.org.
City of Fruita & State Wide Updates
- City of Fruita – Coronavirus Update
- State of Colorado: Executive Order to Stay Home – March 25, 2020
- State of Colorado: Amended Public Health Order Implementing Stay at Home Order – Business Requirements and Intent
- City of Fruita Manager Declares Local Disaster Emergency in Response to COVID-19
- City Manager’s Declaration of Local Emergency March 24, 2020
Resources for Businesses
Financial Help for Small Businessess
Fruita Small Business Emergency Assistance Fund – APPLY NOW!
- Purpose: Provide gap funding for Fruita Small businesses to cover up to twomonth’s cost of operations
- Apply now at www.gjincubator.org/fruita-small-business-emergency-assistance-fund
- Read more regarding Fruita City Council’s approval of the Fruita Small Business Emergency Fund
- Please click here to view loan details – Courtesy of Business Incubator Center
Payroll Protection Program (PPP)
- Congree approved a second round of funding for PPP and EIDL. The SBA will be reopening applications.
- Next Steps:
- Verify your business’s eligibility.
- Review the application and gather the necessary materials such as payroll tax filings, proof of lease payments, proof of mortgage payments, and proof of utility payments.
- Get in contact with your accountant and/or bank that pays out your business’s payroll. Ask your lender if it is authorized to process your Paycheck Protection Program loan. If you are not connected to an authorized lender, find an eligible lender here.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
- Next Steps:
- Verify eligibility through SBA’s online portal.
- Gather necessary materials such as your business’s most recent tax return, owner’s/GP’s personal financial statement, and schedule of liabilities.
- Apply through SBA. SBA put together an EIDL Application Guide to walk you through the application process.
- To check the status of your application, please either call 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339) for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Business Incubator Center – COVID-19 Responder Loan
- Purpose: Provide funds for working capital, equipment, and/or inventory to be used to directly support companies responding to the COVID-19 crisis.
- Loan information can be found at www.gjincubator.org/loan-fund/
SBA Economic Disaster Loan Updates & Information
- Apply at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
- SBA Economic Disaster Loan Qualifications & Steps
- SBA to Provide Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Business Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- SBA Economic Disaster Loan Update 03-18-2020
- Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Update: SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
(CARE) Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
- US Chamber of Commerce – Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: What Small Businesses Need to Know
- Lighthouse HR Support – Compliance Connection including CARES Act and Alternatives to Laying Off Employees
Families First Coronavirus Act
- Familes First Coronavirus Act: Frequently Asked Questions
- Treasury, IRS and Labor announce plan to implement Coronavirus-related paid leave for workers and tax credits for small and midsize businesses to swiftly recover the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave
- Employee Rights: Paid sick leave and expanded family amd medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Act
Additional Information:
- Release of Colorado Works (TANF) Declared Emergency Program for Families
- USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses, and Communities Affected by COVID-19
- Funding to Support Colorado Non-profits Impacted by COVID-19
- Facebook announces $100 million program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19
- Colorado SBDC COVID-19 Small Business Response Resource
- Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade: Business Resource Center
Resources for Employers:
- Colorado Workforce Update: State and Federal Coronavirus Rules & Mandates
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act Summary
- Associated Governments of Northwest CO: Business Resources
- Please Read: LightHouse HR Support: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Employment Practice Resources
- CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- Colorado SBDC Disaster Recovery and Continuity Guide for Colorado Business
- US Chamber of Commerce Disaster Help Desk for Business
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Policies and Protocols for the Colorado Restaurant Industry
- Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans With Disabilities Act
- Work-share Information
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment – Unemployment Resources
- CO Unemployment FAQ
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment – Information & Resources Regarding COVID-19
- Colorado Health Emergency Leave with Pay (“Colorado HELP”) RulesAssistance
Resources of Employees:
- Filing for Unemployment
- Unemployment Insurance Workers FAQ
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment: Resources for Workers
- Colorado Emergency Child Care Collaborative
- Mesa County Workforce Center Workforce Specialist 970-248-7560
- Mesa County Workforce Center Daily Job Listing Hotline 970-248-7575
- Community Economic Relief Fund 1-866-211-9966 (Rent & Food Assistance)
Leadership & Working From Home:
Supporting Local Business
Seven Simple Ways You Can Support Businesses and Shop Local Now
- Buy a Gift Card – Support service based businesses by purchasing a gift card now to use later. Your investment can help the business sustain themselves during this time and you’ll be able to treat yourself later!
- Buy Now, Pick Up Later – Support product based businesses by purchasing an item now to be picked up later. Many local restaurants are currently offering take-out or curbside pick up.
- Tip & Say Thank You – Many employees are continuing to work with the public. Let them know you appreciate their hard work by tipping appropriately and remembering to say thank you.
- Continue Your Membership or Subscription – Many organizations rely on membership or subscription based due. Support businesses by continuing these services.
- Engage Online – Support local businesses by engaging with their online content. Spread encouragement by posting a positive comment, liking a post, and sharing content.
- Talk to a Business Owner – Reach out to a local business owner and ask what you can do to support them at this time. Let them know they’re not alone.
- Stay Positive – Remember that we are a community and we are all in this together! Rather than spreading fear, seek opportunities to lend a helping hand and spread a positive message.
Community & Public Health Information
To stay up to date on public health information in Mesa County, we reccomend visiting Mesa County Public Health’s website at: www.health.mesacounty.us/covid19/
Mesa County Public Health can be contacted at:
Grand Junction Office: 510 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, Colorado 81504
*Fruita Office: 215 N. Plum St. Fruita, Colorado 81521
Main Phone Number – (970) 248-6900. Email – healthinfo@mesacounty.us
Hours: Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. – Noon
*Fruita location: Limited hours & services, call (970)248-6935 for an appointment.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Practice social distancing
Additional Health & Community Resources Include:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
- Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment: www.colorado.gov
- CDPHE Environmental Cleaning Guidance for COVID-19
- City of Grand Junction Update
- Town of Palisade Update
- Grand Junction Economic Partnership Resources
- Grand Junction Mutual Aid (Facebook Group): Help group for community aid
- Food Bank of the Rockies
- National Rural Health Association – COVID-19 Resources
- State of Colorado Retail Food Establishment COVID-19 Public Health Order
- Mesa County Sheriffs Office COVID-19 Information