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Purpose

The Colfax Emergency Micro Grant Program is designed to provide one-time financial assistance to small businesses located within the Colfax Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) that have been adversely impacted by ongoing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) construction. Round 2 of this program continues emergency support efforts as construction impacts persist into 2026, with a focus on business stabilization and preservation.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, a business must meet all of the following criteria:

• Operate from a commercial storefront within the Colfax Ave BID boundaries, generally bounded by Grant Street to Josephine Street (including Maaco just past Josephine) and 16th Avenue to 14th Avenue.
• Be located within 350 feet of Colfax Avenue’s centerline, representing areas directly impacted by BRT construction. If eligibility is unclear, businesses are encouraged to apply and allow staff to verify.
• Be engaged in activities that are legal under Colorado state law and be in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State and applicable city, state, and federal licensing and tax authorities.
• Have been open to the public for a minimum of six (6) months prior to submitting an application.
• Demonstrate a 10% or greater decline in gross revenue over any consecutive three-month period between 2024–2026, compared to the same period in the prior year.
• Have gross annual revenue of $5 million or less (2024).
• Priority will be given to businesses that have not previously received funding from DEDO’s BIO Fund or the Colfax Emergency Micro Grant Program.
  Businesses facing severe, documented hardship may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to available funds.

Eligible Uses of Funds

• Rent and utility payments
• Payroll
• Vendor payments
• Marketing and advertising
• Inventory
• Emergency repairs
• Other documented operational costs directly tied to the business's survival

Grant Awards

• Awards range from $500 to $1,500, depending on verified need, documentation provided, and available funding. Final award amounts are determined using a standardized scoring rubric.

Application Timeline (Round 2)

• Application Deadline: Monday, March 16, 2026, by 5:00 PM MST
• Application Review Period: March 16–31, 2026
• Award Notifications: On or before April 1, 2026
• Funds Disbursed: Week of April 13, 2026

Review & Scoring

Applications are evaluated based on eligibility verification and a 30-point scoring rubric, which considers:

• Location verification
• Revenue impact
• Documentation of need
• Eligible and appropriate use of funds
• Equity considerations (including BIPOC-, woman-, immigrant-, LGBTQIA+-, and legacy-owned businesses)

Priority consideration will be given to businesses that did not receive funding in previous rounds, subject to overall scoring and available funds.

 

 

Legal Disclaimer

Applying does not guarantee funding. Funds are limited and awarded based on eligibility, scoring criteria, and availability. The Colfax Ave BID reserves the right to verify all information provided, reject incomplete applications, or request additional documentation.

 

Program Administration

This program is administered by the Colfax Avenue Business Improvement District through its nonprofit arm, Colfax Culture & Community Collab.

Program Contact:
Denon Moore
Business Support – Colfax Ave BID
denon@colfaxave.com
(303) 932-2086 Ext. 2

Past Grant Awardees - August 2025:

• Denver Drug & Liquor
• DNVR Bar
• Martha's Beauty Salon
• Ra Aesthetics
• SAME Cafe
• Savageau Coffee & Ice Cream