Solutions Archives

SOS – Bogus Solicitations

The Colorado Secretary of State’s office today is alerting small business owners about potentially misleading notices requesting an extra fee for a third party to file business documents. The Secretary of State’s office has received multiple reports of these potentially deceptive or misleading solicitations being sent to Colorado businesses. The Colorado Secretary of State maintains an easy to use online filing system for businesses. Use of a third party to complete filings with the Secretary of State is not required.

The solicitation may:

* Appear similar to a government form.
* Contain your business entity’s actual business ID number and date of formation, as reflected in the Secretary of State’s business records.
* Contain a “Customer ID Number” that does not match a number given to you by a State or Federal Agency.
* Contain a warning to make sure that the form’s instructions are followed exactly when completing the form.
* Contain a due date for your response.

* Mention a periodic report.

Click to see a sample of the misleading notice… In the example, the company is charging a $75 “processing fee” for a $10 filing. The Secretary of State’s office does not mail out business filing forms and compliance with these notices is not required.

All business filings, including annual Periodic Reports, are filed online. The current fee for filing the Periodic Report is only $10. Business owners can find instructions to easily and directly file business forms on the Secretary of State’s website under the Business Organizations heading.

“We want to make sure Coloradans have the tools they need for their businesses to succeed. We have an easy-to-use and affordable business filing system. Business owners should be wary of third-party solicitations related to filing requirements,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold

In order to receive advance notice of when Periodic Reports, Trademark renewals, or Trade Name renewals are due, business owners can sign up online for free Email Notifications. Additionally, business owners can visit the Secretary of State’s site to verify their business status, file a form or obtain a free certification.

Business Breakfast in Englewood

Business Tips, Solutions / By saraeknudsen

Have you experienced frustration trying to communicate with someone of another generation at work? Attend the Englewood Chamber’s Business with Breakfast on Tuesday, February 12th, 7:30 AM, at The Guild Englewood, 3424 So. Inca. A Boomer and a Millennial will share how to get beyond what often seems like a barrier and, instead, work as a team.

Please make your reservation by February 8th.
Cost: $15/Greater Englewood Chamber members; $17/non-members
RSVP: www.myenglwoodchamber.com

Disaster Recovery

Solutions / By

Disaster Field Operations Center West

Release Date: June 12, 2018	Contact: Richard A. Jenkins, (916) 735-1500
Release Number: CO 15561-01	Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs & Instagram

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Colorado Small Businesses

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Small nonfarm businesses in Arapahoe, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert and Lincoln counties are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Director Tanya N. Garfield of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in Elbert County that began April 10, 2018.

“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Garfield said.

Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 3.58 percent for businesses and 2.5 percent for private nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years and are available to small businesses and most private nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” Garfield said.

By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on June 5, 2018.

Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Service Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The deadline to apply for economic injury is Feb. 5, 2019.

# # #

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.