The Boulder Chamber and Community Foundation Boulder County partnered to provide 148 grants to Boulder businesses. The fund aimed to expedite financial support for small businesses facing unexpected one-time expenses due to COVID-19 that would not be eligible for funding under other existing grant and relief programs. The program was established in April and offered grants to eligible local businesses of up to $2,500.

Thanks to the support of several organizations and community members, the fund raised nearly $400,000 to address critical one-time needs for small businesses. The City of Boulder initially offered a $200,000 challenge grant upon establishment of the fund. Zayo Group/The Caruso Foundation, Google, and AnchorPoint soon followed with contributions of $50,000 each. Twitter, Conscience Bay Company, and BI, Inc., as well as generous individual community members, also donated to the fund.

Of the businesses that received awards:

• 79% were for-profit; 21% were nonprofit
• Roughly 53% identified themselves as woman-, minority- and/or veteran-owned businesses
• Represented industries included restaurant, retail, construction, food-beverage, service, personal care, gym/studio, arts/culture, healthcare, education, transportation, conservation, and taproom/distillery

Businesses that received awards identified a wide range of needs, including equipment repair or replacement; supplies that support business activity; marketing, public relations, or other communications needs to address business activity adjustments; and telecom/internet connectivity to facilitate business activity.

“The impact of the Small Business Relief fund is testament to the positive progress we can make when the City of Boulder works in partnership with our business leaders to achieve critical community goals,” said Boulder Chamber President and CEO John Tayer. “It’s this same partnership that will get our economy back on its feet, return essential revenue to our municipal budget and address the devastation we’ve all experienced, particularly vulnerable populations, due to COVID-19.”

While the Boulder Chamber and the Community Foundation were pleased to spearhead this initial critical support effort, both organizations recognize that there are many on-going pressures as the pandemic’s impacts evolve and as local businesses prepare to reopen. Those interested in contributing to the Boulder Chamber COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund in support of Boulder’s small businesses can do so here through June 15th.