| Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold: COVID-19 Business Resource Update My Fellow Coloradans, For the last month, we have been living in a new reality of social distancing. But like Coloradans always do in times of hardship, we are making it through this together. I am so proud that we have all rallied together and supported each other during this national health pandemic. COVID-19 has impacted many aspects of Colorado life, including employment and the business community. Over the last month, over 232,000 people in our state have filed for unemployment and businesses are looking for ways to keep their doors open. I wanted to make sure you saw that the U.S. Congress passed a $2 trillion economic stimulus package called the CARES Act, which includes resources to help Colorado’s small businesses experiencing economic hardship. A key portion of this Act is the Paycheck Protection Program, which allocates $349 billion in forgivable loans to help small businesses, independent contractors, and nonprofits meet payroll and rent needs. To access the Paycheck Protection Program application, click here. Small Business Development Center representatives are available to answer your questions through the COVID Economic Hotline at (303) 860-5881. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Congress has been in discussions on adding further funds to this program. I also encourage you to visit Colorado’s COVID-19 Business Resources Center to get more information on resources available to businesses, including information on SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans, SBA Express Bridge Loans, Small Business Emergency EIDL Grants, Small Business Debt Relief, and much more. Please visit: choosecolorado.com/covid19. Remember, the federal tax return filing date deadline is now July 15, 2020. Colorado has also extended its tax return filing deadline to July 15. More information, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, can be found by visiting: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/tax/income-tax-deadlines My office has also adjusted services to make them available to Coloradans during this health care crisis. We have implemented remote notary and extended some filing deadlines for charities to August 15, measures that protect the safety of our employees and the public while maintaining necessary services. These are trying times for a lot of Coloradans. If you are in a position to lend a helping hand, please do so. To learn how to help those affected by COVID-19, including donating Personal Protective Equipment, check www.HelpColoradoNow.org. The State of Colorado, in partnership with Mile High United Way, has also established the Colorado COVID Relief Fund. Everyone at the Colorado’s Secretary of State’s Office is committed to keeping you informed and connected as we face this shared challenge. Thank you and please stay safe and healthy. Sincerely,  Jena M. Griswold |