The Denver Economic Development & Opportunity department is looking to help small businesses owners with a storefront facelift.
The department is accepting applications for its Business Façade Improvement Program, an initiative that will provide grant funding to small businesses looking to spruce up their storefronts or exteriors.
The pilot program's goal is to help business or property owners "increase their visual street appeal and consequently, attract more customers."
"The program is intended to assist projects that promote retail activities, create an attractive environment, encourage neighborhood character and architectural design, and use quality materials, all while boosting economic activity at a grassroots level," according to the department's newsletter.
The program will provide anywhere between $25,000 to $75,000 for each project.
The program is prioritizing businesses in neighborhoods that are at high risk of displacement and gentrification. Those areas include Elyria-Swansea, Globeville, Northeast Parkhill, East Colfax, Montbello, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, West Colfax and Westwood.
Priority will also be given to businesses in operation for at least three years and to owners who can contribute at least 10% to the project. The department defines small businesses as "having fewer employees and annual revenue than medium size to large companies within the average private sector firm or operating industry."
To qualify, owners must have a for-profit commercial building with a façade that's visible from the street on a commercial corridor in the city and county.
The space can't be vacant and the project must be completed in less than six months. Businesses within mixed-use commercial or residential buildings are eligible but the improvements can only occur to the commercial portion.
