The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC plans to support local businesses affected by the Club Q shooting by creating a fund of $40,750 and awarding businesses grants from that pool of money, according to a news release from the organization.

The fund is dedicated to businesses that lost revenue, were forced to close, reduced employee hours or increased security. It was created in partnership with the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) and will be overseen and distributed by Exponential Impact, a local business development organization, the release said.

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“The generosity and support our community has expressed to the victims and families from the tragedy that occurred at Club Q, and all members of the LGBTQ+ community, has been overwhelming,” Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, president and CEO of the Chamber & EDC, said in the release. “Our mission at the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC is to support businesses and to help them thrive; this fund is one way we can continue to express our solidarity with businesses and individuals that were affected by this act of violence.”

The fund was created with donations from OEDIT, El Pomar Foundation, Vance and Betsy Brown, Gazette Charities Foundation and the Colorado Springs Black Chamber of Commerce, among others.

“Our community is strong and resilient and we hope that these funds will help ease the strain for the surrounding businesses during the healing process,” Gov. Jared Polis said in the release. “We remember the lives lost and the lives forever changed and we will work together to build a better future for all Coloradans.”

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Those interested in applying for grant dollars can visit www.cscedc.com/BusinessesAffectedByClubQTragedy.

An independent group of volunteer business leaders will review applications.

The anticipated average grant size is $5,000, the release said. Grants are available until the funds are depleted.

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