Coronavirus: How The City Of Colorado Springs Is Helping Local Businesses Respond To COVID-19

From the City of Colorado Springs:

Updated March 19, 2020

The City of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management are working closely with El Paso County Public Health around COVID-19 and have been monitoring the progression of the coronavirus in our community as well as other cities. We are working hand-in-hand with county and state officials in obtaining the most accurate and up-to-date information. Read more on the City’s response.

As the situation evolves, we recognize the impact that this disease is having on our community and our local businesses. City Economic Development is working with partner agencies to provide up-to-date information from reliable sources to ensure that small businesses have the resources they need during these uncertain times. As new information becomes available, we will share on this page.

City Economic Development physical offices are currently closed to the public but all staff members are equipped to assist you with your business needs virtually. Thank you for your understanding as we remain flexible to keep the public and our staff safe and healthy, all while ensuring you have access to the City of Colorado Springs Economic Development services you need. You can reach our team at economic.developmentmain@coloradosprings.gov(link sends e-mail) or 719-385-5955.

We know this is a difficult time for many of your businesses as you balance the needs of your families, employees, and business operations. The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC is partnering with the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Utilities, Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Pikes Peak Community Foundation, Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center, Pikes Peak Workforce Center, and VisitCOS to assess the impact of COVID-19 on our local business community. Click here to complete the survey(link is external). Your input will help us determine how we can best help you in the coming weeks and months.

Resources for helping businesses respond to COVID-19

Economic-Related COVID-19 Announcements

• State of Emergency for Colorado Springs – Mayor Suthers declared a state of emergency on March16, 2020 to address COVID-19 and provide the City access to federal funding.
• Paid Sick Leave(link is external) – The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment published emergency rules which temporarily require employers in certain industries to provide a small amount of paid sick leave to employees with flu-like symptoms while awaiting COVID-19 testing.
• Bars, Restaurants, Gyms, Theaters and Casinos Closed(link is external) - The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a public health order to close bars, restaurants, gyms, theaters, and casinos to slow the speed of COVID-19 virus, effective at 8:00am on March 17 for the duration of 30 days.

Resources

• Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center – Business Preparedness & Continuity(link is external)
• Colorado Department of Labor and Employment – Resources for Employers and Employees(link is external)
• Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade – Business Resource Center(link is external)
• Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC - Event Plans and Business Resources(link is external)
• Better Business Bureau – Avoiding and Reporting Scams(link is external)
• El Paso County Public Health(link is external)
• State of Colorado COVID-19 Website(link is external)

How you can support local businesses

If you would like to support Colorado Springs businesses, Downtown Partnership offers a number of tips:

Buy gift cards

As a promise to return to support them, purchase gift cards to your favorite local shops and restaurants. This puts money in the pocket of your favorite store owner today to help them cover operating expenses and to help assure a strong tomorrow.

Shop online

Many Downtown retailers have online shops. Use this time to check out their online offerings. Several businesses are offering discounts and/or free shipping for those that show support for local during this time.
Reminder: Some shops that don’t offer online shopping are happy to take an order over the phone and have it delivered to you during this time – so don’t hesitate to ask!

Order takeout

Dining from home more these days? Order delivery or takeout from almost any Downtown restaurant. If you choose to avoid the crowds, call ahead and pick up – many will even deliver to your car when you arrive!

A number of restaurants and shops are offering order online, delivery, or curbside pickup options. Please call the business in advance as details and operations change rapidly. For a list of some Downtown shops offering alternative methods of service, visit DowntownCS Support Local(link is external).

Delivery services such as DoorDash, GrubHub or UberEats servicing Downtown restaurants are also great options. (Note: these service providers charge local business owners an average of 30% of the total sale.)

Tip a little extra

Have a steady paycheck? Leave a little extra cash for service workers – they especially are going to need the help. Consider a full tip on takeout orders, and leaving a little extra for the kitchen staff, too.

If you have reservations

If you have reservations, don’t be a no-show. Restaurants plan for you to be there, and order food and staff accordingly. If you aren’t going to make it, please call ahead and let them know.

Social currency

Spending more time online? Engage with your favorite Downtown businesses — leave a positive Google, Yelp, or Facebook review. Like, follow, comment and engage with them on social media. It’s free to you but it helps to remind businesses that they aren’t forgotten and this kind of social currency pays dividends of a different kind. Now is a fantastic time to deepen relationships with friends and neighbors that operate your favorite local businesses.

Arts & culture

Did you have tickets to a show that was cancelled? Many cultural institutions are nonprofits, so instead of asking for a refund, consider making your ticket cost a donation to the organization.
Also, many performances may be rescheduled in the future, so be sure to check emails and social media posts from that organization for updates.

*This content provided by Downtown Partnership

This press release was produced by the City of Colorado Springs. The views expressed here are the author’s own.