Funding Assistance:

Business Loan Fund - Enterprise Zone designation eligibility 
El Paso County continues its commitment to startups and local small businesses with a relaunch of a Business Loan Fund program, launching effective June 4, 2021. The Business Loan Fund will provide loan funding to private, for-profit small businesses and startups in El Paso County, who otherwise may not be able to access financing through conventional lenders. Borrowers will have access to loan funding, and wrap-around support services such as education, consulting and/or mentorship, and technical assistance services. Now Accepting Applications, click here to learn more. 
* Businesses must be located with in an Enterprise Zone designation area - Map it here. 


CLIMBER Loan Fund - sponsored by State of Colorado
Small businesses with 5-99 employees that were financially stable before the pandemic but now need help to survive may apply for working capital loans between $30,000 and $500,000. Below-market interest rates and a 1-year deferred payment option make the program a secure recovery option for small businesses. Now Accepting Applications, click here to learn more.


CO Arts Relief Grant - sponsored by State of CO
This fund has two separate grant applications, one for businesses and organizations and one for individuals of the Arts. You may only apply for one. If you are unsure which one you qualify for, please review the eligibility requirements. Click Here to learn more. 


Restaurant Revitalization Fund - sponsored by SBA
The SBA program provides funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023;  click here to learn more.


Paycheck Protection Loans (PPP)(effective in 2021)
* 8 weeks of cash flow
* Simplified Criteria, Eligibility, and Application Form
Sole Prop., Independent Contractors, Self-Employed are eligible
* Applicable funds for Payroll, Rent, Utilities, Mortgage, etc.
* Forgivable Loan IF rehire/retain employee workforce by end of year
* MUST WORK THROUGH LOCAL BANK INSTITUTION
List of Certified Bank Institutions 
Application Form
Forgiveness Calculator Tool
Rules and Regulations(August 2020)


Pikes Peak Small Business COVID Relief Grants - sponsored by PPACG
A grant program to provide additional financial assistance to hardest-hit businesses. The program is funded by the State of Colorado, which has specified that eligibility for the funding is limited to restaurants, bars (including breweries, wineries, and distilleries), caterers, movie theatres, gyms, and recreation centers. To qualify, businesses in those categories must have experienced at least a 20% reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic since March 26, 2020. Grant awards will be a maximum of $7,000 each. Apply by March 5, 2021 - click here to learn more. 


Survive & Thrive 2.0 Grants - sponsored by Exponential Impact 
This partnership provides up to $20,000 in grants to eligible small businesses and holistic programming to provide participants with both financial resources and community support to build back stronger. If awarded funds, business owners are expected to participate in the 2-month program and can expect their funds in two tranches, one at the start of the program and one upon completion. Apply by Feb 28, 2021 - click here to learn more. 


El Paso County Regional Relief Business Fund

A competitive grant application process through the new, multi-million dollar EPC Regional Business Relief Fund as part of their Response, Recovery, Resiliency efforts. These grants (up to $20k) will assist small business most in need with their business related costs incurred due to the COVID-19 economic disruption - click here to learn more  


Business Impact Assistance Program - sponsored by City of Fountain 
The Program was open to small businesses and restaurants with a brick-and-mortar presence within the City’s boundaries, including locally-owned franchises, that can document negative financial impacts resulting from COVID-19 such as increased costs, reduced revenues, reduced operating hours, employee layoffs/furloughs/pay cuts, etc.


Local Emergency Relief Funding – hosted by Exponential Impact + Pikes Peak Community Foundation
* Low Interest Loans up to $25,000
* Any business within El Paso County is eligible (no Size or Type restrictions)
* Mentorship, Resources, and Support Resiliency Services for Small Business community
* FAQ available online


Economic Relief Fund – hosted by State of Colorado
* General Operating Grants up to $25,000
* Rolling every two-week Application Windows
* FAQ available online