Updated 2:55 p.m.
In his semi-regular update on Colorado's coroanvirus response, Gov. Jared Polis announced the opening of applications for he Energize Gap Fund.
"Coloradans are resilient and will lead the nation in rebuilding our economy," Polis said from the carriage house of the Governor's Residence at Boettcher Mansion. "The Energize Gap Fund provides a key resource for Colorado small businesses."
The program has more than $25 million available in grants and low-interest loans. It will prioritize rural businesses and those owned by women, veterans and people of color.
Democratic State Sen. Jeff Bridges, co-sponsor of the bipartisan bill that created the fund, noted that the federal Paycheck Protection Program was a good start that delivered "very great results for a lot of CO companies. But it left some behind. And we had an opportunity to fill that void."
The money comes from the federal CARES Act and private donations. Companies with 25 or fewer employees can apply for funding as of Aug. 31 at energizecolorado.com.
The draft rules for indoor visitation guidelines were released and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will accept public comment until 5 p.m. Aug. 28.
