Colorado Wildfires – Business Support You Should Be Aware Of

As major fires burn across Colorado this summer, small businesses face smoke, evacuations, and closures, which erode their revenue. Whether you’re directly in a fire’s path or impacted by secondary ripple effects on tourism and supply chains, being prepared protects your recovery. Here are resources you can explore.

The Colorado SBDC. The Colorado Small Business Development Center provides no-cost, confidential business advising and a Business & Resiliency Guide, which includes templates and checklists. SBDC advisors can help you complete SBA loan applications, prepare for disasters, estimate losses, and are aware of many resources to assist you further. Find your local center at sbdc.colorado.gov. Local economic development. Your city or county economic development office, chamber of commerce, and the state’s OEDIT, often coordinate grants or resource guidance.

SBA disaster assistance. After a federal disaster area is declared for your county, the U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to aid in recovery. In addition, SBA Recovery Centers pop up after disasters to provide additional assistance.

Contact your insurer. Make sure you understand what coverage you have and the process of documenting and opening an insurance claim.

Recovery is challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Utilize the many resources available to you.