Denver Small Business Emergency Relief Fund Announcement
Today, March 19, 2020, the Downtown Denver Partnership joined with Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and Denver Economic Development and Opportunity (DEDO) to announce the Denver Small Business Emergency Relief Fund.
The Fund, created in response to the economic impact of COVID-19, will provide relief to businesses that may have had to temporarily close, are struggling with paying rent and utilities, or have had to lay off staff. The $4MM fund will provide eligible small businesses with grants up to $7500 or micro loans to support their stabilization efforts.
This announcement comes as part of Mayor Hanock’s Initial Economic Relief Package for Businesses and Employees.
In an effort to grow the Fund and provide even more support to businesses in need, the Partnership is asking those in the business and philanthropic communities to bolster the fund through additional donations. Interested donors can make an immediate impact by emailing Randy Thelen, Senior Vice President, Economic Development at the Downtown Denver Partnership: rthelen@downtowndenver.com.
“The Downtown Denver Partnership is acutely aware of the economic impact COVID-19 and the associated closure of businesses will have on our city. We know there is an immediate impact that is particularly significant for small businesses and hospitality businesses and their employees,” said Tami Door, President, and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership, “The Partnership is proud to join with Mayor Hancock and the City to convene the business community in supporting our community’s most vulnerable businesses through the Denver Business Emergency Assistance Relief Fund. We are committed to expanding upon this $4MM relief fund as a critical first step to come together and help our city emerge from this crisis stronger and more unified.”
“This city is committed to identifying, developing and implementing local resources – whether financial or as wrap-around services – to support Denver business owners and their employees who are being affected by the response to this virus,” said Mayor Michael B. Hancock, “Our primary goal here is to support the people directly affected and preserving their jobs – and we do that by supporting our businesses, so they can support their employees.”
To apply for funds:
Small businesses are invited to apply for funds from the Denver Small Business Emergency Relief Fund by filling out this form.
To donate to the Denver Small Business Emergency Relief Fund:
Businesses, philanthropic entities, and individuals interested in donating to the Fund can email Randy Thelen, the Partnership’s Senior Vice President of Economic Development: rthelen@downtowndenver.com.
The Downtown Denver Partnership is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our downtown community. For an evolving list of resources and updates, please click here.
Click here to read more about Mayor Hancock’s initial economic relief package announcement.