Public Health Guidance for Businesses and Events

Face Coverings

In accordance with the State of Colorado Public Health Orders, people are not required to wear face masks in most settings, except where required by local businesses and workplaces.  The State of Colorado continues to require compliance with case contact and outbreak investigations (contact tracing).  Businesses and other workplaces can choose whether or not to require masks for worker safety and other reasons. For more information on Clear Creek County Resolutions relating to COVID-19, please visit our Public Health Orders & Guidance page.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a mask indoors in areas of substantial or high community transmission.

For information on risk level, recent cases, and vaccination rates in Clear Creek County, please visit this page: CDC COVID-19 Community Levels Tracker - Clear Creek County

The County is not requiring a review of business or event plans at this time. You can email Rebecca Abrahamson at rabrahamson@clearcreekcounty.us with questions.

Free KN95 & Surgical Masks Available at Clear Creek County Libraries

KN95 and Surgical Grade masks have been provided to local libraries by the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Each individual may receive 5 masks per month. Please call ahead to confirm that supplies are in stock:

• Idaho Springs Public Library       219 14th Avenue, IS      303-567-2020
• John Tomay Public Library           605 6th Street, GT         303-569-2620

Please do not come into the libraries if you are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms.

Resources for Coping with COVID-19

Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network - OEDIT

Backed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), the SBDC Network is a federal assistance program that provides free, confidential consulting and low-cost or free training programs for businesses in Colorado. 

Call the SBDC Hotline: 303-860-5881

Visit https://www.coloradosbdc.org for more information.

COVID-19 Business Accreditation Program - CCEDC

Clear Creek County and the CCEDC are excited to offer a specially curated, no-cost COVID-19 Business Accreditation Program to help you through current challenges. You will receive credit for participating in activities in the following categories: Safety, Self Care, Financial Accountability, Marketing, and De-escalation. The majority of courses can be completed on your own.

Once you have completed the required credits for a specific category, you will earn a badge (window decal) to display at your business. When you have received all five badges, your business will be a Clear Creek COVID-19 Accredited Business.

Visit the CCEDC website for more information.

Financial Resources

Clear Creek Cares About Business Grant - CLOSED TO APPLICATIONS

Clear Creek County in collaboration with the Town of Empire, the Town of Georgetown, the City of Idaho Springs, and the Town of Silver Plume are pleased to announce that throughout the course of the Clear Creek Cares about Business Grant Program, 64 total businesses have been awarded money, with a grand total of $1,095,640.67 awarded between both rounds. This grant provided financial support to small businesses that were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants were awarded in the amounts of $5,000 - $20,000 to pay for essential business-related expenses like payroll, rent, mortgages, utilities, and supplies.

Round 2

In Round 2, a total of 27 businesses were awarded grants, totaling $364,046.38 awarded. The following businesses were awarded grants in Round 2:

Round 1

In Round 1, a total of 44 businesses were awarded grants, totaling $731,594.29 awarded. The following businesses were awarded grants in Round 1:

Other Business Resources

	The Clear Creek Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) offers resources for local small businesses. For more information, contact Lindsay Valdez at (303) 710-9218 or president@clearcreekedc.com.
	The Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade manages a COVID-19 Business Resource Center Clearinghouse for small businesses, nonprofits, freelancers, and independent contractors. Resources include: forgivable payroll loans, disaster loan advances, express bridge loans, and eviction and layoff assistance.
	The U.S. Small Business Administration is providing small business guidance and loan resources specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit their website for loan options and small business debt relief resource.