Colorado SBDC Business Recovery and Resiliency Guide

How the Colorado SBDC Helps During a Disaster

When a Disaster Declaration is issued in Colorado, the Colorado SBDC is activated to lead the business recovery phase. Operating alongside FEMA and the Small Business Administration at Disaster Assistance Centers (DACs), the Colorado SBDC provides the specialized support local businesses need to navigate the path from crisis back to stability.

Below are various ways the Colorado SBDC supports businesses during a disaster activation:

Recovery Phase Assistance: Once emergency officials have deemed the area stable, the SBA and the Colorado SBDC bring recovery teams to the area to assist businesses.
One-Stop Recovery Centers: During disasters, the Colorado SBDC staffs DACs. These act as "one-stop shops" where owners can get help with SBA disaster loans, insurance navigation, and economic loss estimations.
The "Bridge" Role: The Colorado SBDC helps businesses access Emergency Bridge Loans, which are zero-interest, short-term loans designed to keep a business afloat while they wait for long-term federal funding or insurance payouts.
Capital Injection: The Colorado SBDC helped small businesses secure essential aid during public health crises like COVID-19 and natural disasters, including wildfires and floods.

Fortify Your Business with the Colorado SBDC Business Recovery and Resiliency Guide

The Colorado SBDC developed a self-paced, four-part Business Recovery and Resiliency Guide to assist small businesses before, during, and after a crisis. This guide provides clear, practical guidance, templates, and resources to reduce downtime, minimize financial strain, and master disaster resilience.

Whether a business is preparing in advance or navigating an active disaster, this online guide offers an adaptable approach that enables businesses to start at any point. It can also be paired with confidential advising from the Colorado SBDC to meet specific business needs. This resource was developed in communication with local, state, and federal partners, including:

SBA: This guide was made possible through the Portable Assistance Grant.
OEDIT: Administered the Portable Assistance Grant and oversaw the distribution of educational content via the Auzmor platform.
Minority Business Office (MBO): This guide is available in Spanish, thanks to funding provided by the MBO.

Learn More about the Colorado SBDC Business Recovery and Resiliency Guide. Book a no-cost, confidential, one-on-one advising session to get the help your business deserves. Colorado SBDC services are provided to any small business that is eligible to receive federally funded services.