Employer/Business Resources
General Business Health and Safety Protocols
Health and Safety Protocols for Businesses
Two New Frisco Business Assistance Grant Programs
During a special Town Council meeting on December 21, 2020, Frisco Town Council approved an emergency ordinance, which dedicated a total of $500,000 to two business grant programs, the Frisco General Business Assistance Grant Program and the Frisco Business Innovation Grant Program.
Businesses may apply for both grants if eligible.
- The Frisco General Business Assistance Grant Program is a tiered program designed to help businesses who need the most support. Grant funding is based on loss of gross revenue or sales from January 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020, as compared to the same time frame in 2019, and business rent or mortgage amount. The General Business Assistance Grant Program offers grants from $2,500 to $10,000.
- The Business Innovation Grant Program is intended to support businesses, which have been innovative during the pandemic and pivoted quickly to adapt to public health orders. The Innovation Grant offers up to $5,000 per business as reimbursement for expenses incurred for structural and/or technical improvements.
Businesses must submit applications on or before 11:59pm on December 30, 2020 for priority review, but applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis through January 31, 2021 with grants being dependent on funding availability.
The application process has been made as simple as possible so businesses are able to fill out these applications independently using information and documents typically available in the normal course of business, and a guide to key information needed for each application is included below.
Find Out More About Both Grants
“5 Star” Restaurant Certification Program – January 4, 2021
The State of Colorado’s “5 Star” Certified Business Variance Program allows businesses to expand operations by implementing safety measures beyond what is already required by public health orders and guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This program is designed for responsible businesses that are following public health guidance, and going above and beyond to prioritize the health and safety of their staff and customers.
Launched on December 18, 2020, the Summit County 5 Star Certification Program allows restaurants that achieve the certification to open indoor dining at a capacity of 25%, limiting seating at individual tables to one household. Bars that operate like a restaurant are also be eligible. On Monday, December 28, Summit County expanded the program to personal recreation businesses, such as gyms and yoga studios.
5 Star at Level Orange
Starting today, Monday, January 4, 2021, a decision by the Governor and CDPHE to balance health and economic concerns has moved Summit County to Level Orange on the dial (not our case numbers). This means that while some restrictions have loosened, especially for restaurants, there are still considerations and advantages for businesses currently certified in the 5 Star program.
How will this impact the “5 Star” Certification program, which has been implemented for restaurants and personal fitness?
- This move from Level Red to Level Orange will NOT allow Summit County’s “5 Star” certified businesses to move up another level to Yellow because Summit County’s COVID-19 new case numbers still solidly place Summit County in Level Red.
- A county would have to have numbers and data that actually puts it in Level Orange in all 3 categories (new cases, % positivity, and hospitalization rate) for a solid 7 day period in a declining trend before a county could apply for another “5 Star” certification program variance with the State.
Advantages to keeping 5 Star certification?
- You can continue to advertise as 5 Star. Some customers will feel more comfortable dining at a 5 Star facility because the extra health and safety measures required for certification can help reduce transmission.
- Did we mention these extra measures can actually help reduce transmission?
- Maintaining certification will also streamline the transition to Level Yellow capacity when our metrics actually qualify for Level Orange.
What happens if I choose to discontinue the 5 Star certification?
If you no longer wish to follow 5 Star protocols:
- Your business will be removed from the 5 Star list
- You must stop advertising your business as 5 Star. If you continue to advertise as 5 Star while not meeting the criteria, you may be subject to citations and 5 Star revocation which will make your business ineligible for 30-60 days.
What are the required extra steps to maintain my certification in light of looser restrictions?
Your business will still need:
- Increased and/or improved ventilation
- Customer contact information for contact tracing
- Customer symptom screening
- Additional hours or accommodations for higher risk populations
- Written operating plans and outbreak notification plans
- The additional posted signage required with your certification
What are the requirements for all restaurants in Level Orange?
Indoor dining is now allowed at ALL restaurants, not just those with a “5 Star” certification.
- Restaurants may operate at 25% of the posted occupancy limit indoors not to exceed 50 people, excluding staff, whichever is less, per room. Restaurants may also use any existing, licensed outdoor space for in-person dining.
- On-premises sale, consumption and service of alcohol must stop by 9:30pm
- Takeout alcohol sales must stop by 10:30pm
- Indoor dining no longer has to close by 10:00pm
- Dining parties are limited to 10 people from no more than two households (up from one household); patrons in different parties must be spaced a minimum of six (6) feet apart. Summit County Public Health encourages as additional spacing between parties if possible.
- Employee records- Restaurants must collect current contact information for all employees, dates of all shifts worked by all employees, and other known places of employment for each employee.
What about gyms and fitness?
ALL personal fitness providers (not just those with a “5 Star” certification) may operate at 25% capacity or 25 people, whichever is fewer; outdoor groups limited to 10 people
Again, our success depends on our individual actions and how willing we are to refrain from risky behaviors for the good of our community, our businesses, and the people we love. Restrictions and guidelines are only as good as the people willing to make the right decision even when no one is watching.
The 5 Star Committee will be meeting Wednesday to discuss the current permit language which conflicts with some of these changes.
Frisco 5 Star Certified Restaurants
State Financial Assistance
Small Business Relief Program – Direct Payments
On Monday, December 7, 2020, Governor Polis signed a bill which included $37 million for direct relief payments to small businesses located in counties under red restrictions, like Summit County. Based on preliminary guidance from the State, it sounds like restaurants, bars (includes establishments like a winery, brewery, distillery, etc.), caterers, movie theatres, and gyms and recreation centers will be eligible for assistance of $3,500-$7,000 if they are down 20% or more compared to 2019 or opened between January 2020 and April 2020. The State is still determining final requirements for county eligibility. We will update eligibility and application information as soon as it becomes available from the State and then Summit County.
Small Business Relief FAQ
The bill provides an additional $20 million in grant programs and funds specifically for art and cultural organizations, minority-owned businesses, and annual fee waivers to struggling small businesses that offer on-premise food and alcoholic beverage consumption.
Small Business Relief Program - Liquor License Fee Waivers
The Town of Frisco has 36 businesses that should qualify for this waiver.
- No action is required on the part of the eligible business to waive liquor license fees at the state level. They will automatically waive renewal fees once, for 365 days for on premise licenses beginning December 7, 2020
- The waiver is applicable to on premise consumption licenses such as restaurants, bars, breweries and distilleries, and not retail (liquor stores, grocery stores, convenience stores).
- Transfer fees, concurrent review fees, permanent modifications, manager registration fees are NOT being waived.
- Late fees and reissuance fees will be waived.
- If a licensee has already paid, it will NOT be refunded.
- The state is looking at application dates to determine if a fee qualifies for a waiver – If an applicant applied before December 7th, 2020, they are processing the checks. If an application is dated December 7, 2020 or later, they will shred the checks (but not return them).
Small Business Relief Program - Retail Food Establishment License Fee Waivers
- While Summit County is still finalizing the details of which licenses specifically qualify, restaurants and certain limited food service licenses, like bars will qualify. Convenience stores will not.
- The facilities that have fees waived will receive their license and no renewal notice with fee amount due issued. Establishments that do not qualify will receive the normal renewal notice with amount they owe.
- Like the liquor license waivers, this is a one-time waiver.
Small Business Relief Program - Minority Owned Businesses
$4 million has been allocated for use by the Minority Business Office in the Colorado Office of Economic Development to provide direct relief payments, grants and loans, and technical assistance and consulting support to minority-owned businesses. Specific programs have not yet been announced in regards to this bill, however it is worth visiting the Minority Business Office website to see what ongoing programs and resources are available.
Federal Financial Assistance
Below are the current and forthcoming Federal financial assistance programs that will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has now re-opened for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. Read the latest guidance on the second round of PPP.
- SBA is currently accepting Paycheck Protection Program PPP loan applications from participating community financial institutions (CFIs) and lenders with under $1 billion in assets, which includes approximately 5,000 institutions, including community banks, credit unions, and farm credit institutions. Lender Match can help you find a participating lender. The program will open to all lenders on January 19, 2021.
- SBA will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met, and the funds are used for eligible expenses.
- PPP loans have an interest rate of 1%.
- Loans issued prior to June 5 have a maturity of 2 years. Loans issued after June 5 have a maturity of 5 years.
- NEW – Businesses that use an agent to file their PPP applications will be responsible for covering the corresponding expense for their service, not the lender. Businesses cannot use PPP funds to reimburse themselves for that fee.
- For PPP applicants that have previously received PPP loans, the financial institution which processed last year’s loan is your best place for you to begin new inquiries.
The links below provide detailed information for each corresponding element of the federal stimulus:
Prepare to Apply for the PPP
Colorado Community Development Finance Institutions
A borrower can apply for forgiveness once all loan proceeds have been used. Borrowers can apply for forgiveness any time up to the maturity date of the loan. If borrowers do not apply for forgiveness within 10 months after the last day of the covered period, then PPP loan payments are no longer deferred, and borrowers will begin making loan payments to their PPP lender.
First Draw PPP Loans made to eligible borrowers qualify for full loan forgiveness if during the 8- to 24-week covered period following loan disbursement:
- Employee and compensation levels are maintained
- The loan proceeds are spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses; and
- At least 60 percent of the proceeds are spent on payroll costs
More on PPP Loan Forgiveness
Employee Retention Tax Credit
- This tax credit is designed to encourage Eligible Employers to keep employees on their payroll, despite experiencing economic hardship related to COVID-19.
- This credit will allow employers to recoup up to $5,000 for wages paid to employees during the period March 12, 2020 to January 1, 2021.
- It is available to any business that either fully or partially suspends operation during any calendar quarter in 2020 due to COVID-19; or experiences a significant decline in gross receipts during the calendar quarter.
- The credit is taken against the employer portion of social security taxes.
- The employer may not receive the credit if they also receive the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP Loan). Learn More Here.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)- New Deadline December 31, 2021
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the deadline to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) has been extended to December 31, 2021. The EIDL can be used to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred, with the following terms:
- 75% for businesses (fixed)
- 75% for nonprofits (fixed)
- 30 years
- No pre-payment penalty or fees
The EIDL Advance program will be re-opening for target areas. Information is forthcoming from SBA.
Small Business Administration Express Bridge Loan
Small Businesses can still apply for the SBA Express Bridge Loan until March 13, 2021. This pilot program allows SBA Express Lenders authority to deliver expedited SBA-guaranteed financing on an emergency basis for disaster-related purposes to eligible small businesses, while the small businesses apply for and await long-term financing.
More information here.
Debt Relief for Existing and New SBA Borrowers
- The SBA will defer loan payments for existing SBA borrowers (Small businesses who already have standard SBA 7(a), 504, or microloans), including principal, interest, and fees.
- This relief will also be available to new borrowers who take out an SBA loan within six months after the President signs the bill.
- While SBA borrowers are receiving the six month debt relief, they may apply for a PPP loan that provides capital to keep their employees on the job. Read More Here
*The availability and administration of the Emergency Grant program, the PPP, and the Debt Relief for existing SBA borrowers could change based on the action taken at the federal level, but it is worth applying via SBA Emergency Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) now to take advantage of this potential benefit.*
Rental Assistance
Colorado Division of Housing Emergency Rental Assistance
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado Department of Local Affairs’ Division of Housing (DOH) has launched emergency rental assistance programs for both landlords and tenants. Through the Property Owner Preservation Program, any business or its tenants have been unable to pay rent due to financial hardship caused by COVID-19 may be eligible for rental assistance from the state. Visit the Division of Housing’s Emergency Rental Assistance webpage for more information and to apply.
Alternative Funding Sources
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade Resource List
This Google sheet helps Colorado’s small businesses find alternative funding sources beyond the EIDL, PPP, and other federal loans and programs.
Colorado Lending Source – Small Business Emergency Loans
This new financing option is for rural-based Colorado businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. Learn More.
Loan details of the Small Business Emergency Loan Program are as follows:
- $10,000 loans;
- 3.75% fixed interest rate;
- Two year terms;
- Payments deferred for six months
Main Street Lending Program
- The Federal Reserve has created the Main Street Lending Program to provide a total of $600 billion in financing for small and medium-sized businesses.
- This is a lending program separate from the PPP that is designed to assist small businesses through government-backed loans.
- Here’s what you need to know to check eligibility and get ready to apply.
Legal Assistance
Colorado COVID-19 Legal Relief provides free legal support for businesses.
- This organization connects attorneys with Colorado businesses in need to help them make informed decisions and get back on their feet.
- From financial aid compliance to leasing arrangements and business liability, small businesses across our state face complex challenges and most small businesses need legal resources and expertise to make informed decisions.
More Information To Come
- This page was last updated on January 17, 2020.
- This page was created the same day that the 2 trillion dollar Phase 3 COVID-19 stimulus package was passed by the House and signed by President Trump on March 27, 2020. The Federal government continues to release information, and our Frisco SERT staff will continue to sift through and provide resources about these programs.
- Please email us with more specific questions, and we will work on finding answers.
Helpful Regional and Local Resources