Colorado 5 Star State Business Variance Certification Program
The State of Colorado has issued parameters for counties to build a 5 Star State Certification business variance program. The program requires businesses certified through the program to implement safety measures beyond what is already required by public health orders and guidelines that will help slow the spread of COVID-19, and in doing so, they will be able to expand operations. This program is for responsible businesses that are following public health guidance and going above and beyond to prioritize the health and safety of their staff and customers. Business sectors eligible to apply for the 5 Star program are: General Business, Personal Services, Indoor Events, Restaurants and Gyms.
More details on the 5 Sar program can be found here.
Denver's 5 Star Certification Program
The City & County of Denver submitted their application to the State seeking approval to implement the program on December 31, 2020. In partnership with the City, VISIT DENVER and H2 Manufacturing Solutions will manage the day-to-day operations, with oversight from the Denver 5 Star Administrative Committee, comprised of public, private, and nonprofit leaders across the city.
Click here to see the State of Colorado’s COVID-19 dial dashboard, including metric levels and capacity limits.
If Denver’s caseload, positivity rate and hospitalizations begin to escalate again, the State may move Denver to a more restrictive level on the dial, and the City could temporarily revoke 5 Star certifications for businesses.
Click here for more information on Denver’s response to COVID-19.
How to Apply
Once Denver’s application has been approved by the State, and processes are put in place, Denver will begin accepting applications from businesses to participate in the 5 Star Program so they can operate with increased capacity limits beyond the current dial level. More details will be posted here later in January.
What Businesses are Eligible to Apply to this Program?
Businesses that have capacity restrictions due to COVID-19 public health orders will be able to apply. These include: general business, personal services, indoor events, gyms and restaurants. There are sector-specific and general business guidelines that must be adhered to. More information can be found on the State’s info sheet here.
How to Volunteer
Denver is seeking volunteers to help administer its 5 Star program. Currently, we are looking for companies to identify employees who can dedicate 20 hours per week, for a minimum of five weeks to help with reviewing applications and do site audits. Professional training will be provided. Click here for more information on the requirements for volunteers.
If you are an organization interested in “donating” your staff’s time, please fill out this form (link) and we will follow up with you shortly.
FAQs
COMING SOON!
Complaints
Businesses who receive a 5 Star certification will be required to post signage provided by the Committee where it is visible to patrons, which will include date of certification and information on how the public can report a complaint or concern.
Complaints or concerns can be reported by calling the City’s 3-1-1 hotline or emailing them to: phicomments@denvergov.org.
A Five Star auditor will follow up on complaints, including conducting an in-person visit to the facility, as needed.
About VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau
Celebrating 112 years of promoting The Mile High City, VISIT DENVER is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. A total of 17.7 million visitors stayed overnight in Denver in 2019, generating $6 billion in spending, while supporting more than 60,000 jobs, making Tourism one of the largest industries in Denver. Learn more here.
About H2 Manufacturing Solutions
Based on over 3 decades of metal manufacturing experience, H2 offers a full range of support from all directions, making H2 a rare one-stop-shop that can address most any business challenge in the area of metal manufacturing, including additive manufacturing.
- H2 represents only "Best in Class" metal manufacturing service providers.
- Operational improvement consulting services in conjunction with the Colorado MEP & beyond.
- Customized sales and marketing business development strategies.
- Engineering and technical consulting expertise.
Learn more here.
