Colorado’s Main Street: Open for Business Grant Has Helped Local Businesses By Providing $6.7M to Towns Across The State

Media Contact: Chynna Cowart 
chynna.cowart@state.co.us | 303-656-7464

The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) received applications totaling more than $21M in requests. Of that $21M, $6.7M was used to fund proposed projects in 16 communities for 102 businesses, with 65 of these being small disadvantaged businesses enterprises (DBEs).

The Main Street: Open for Business Grant Program, enabled by SB21‐252, awarded money to eligible entities (municipalities, counties, and councils of government), to provide incentive programs for local business owners to improve the energy efficiency and/or aesthetics of commercial buildings within traditional downtowns. This program was designed to increase property values and visual appeal, increase sales and revenues in rehabilitated buildings, reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills, and increase job retention/creation.

Current Community Revitalization Projects

Leadville

Leadville was awarded $250,000 toward the renovation of the  historic Herald Democrat building at 715-717 Harrison Avenue, and will greatly improve the appearance and historic value of Leadville's downtown. Skilled bricklayers have rotated each brick of the building's facade, the decorative cornice has been restored, and new windows and doors installed.

"The MSOB grant paved the way to help one of the oldest buildings on our Main Street maintain its rightful legacy in Leadville. The Herald Democrat Building is truly a community gem rich in Colorado history. The improvements to their building will lift up the historic Harrison Avenue." - Nancy Bailey, Main Street Director

San Luis

San Luis was awarded $560,722 to invest in five key businesses owned by minorities and women. In addition to the R&R Market, one of the oldest continually operating businesses in the state, the San Luis Inn, Central Oil, Mrs. Rios Restaurant, and Padilla's Liquor are also being upgraded. These Colorado landmarks were revitalized by fresh paint, new signs, new windows, doors, and energy-efficient upgrades.

“The MSOB grant has given a much needed facelift to our five staple businesses and greatly improved our tired-looking historic downtown in ways never imagined. Business owners are reporting a dramatic increase in tourists stopping because the buildings look more inviting and signage is more attractive and visible. Padilla's Service Station, for example, has benefitted from a lighted sign displaying their gas prices and Central Oil and Picadilly's Pizza have seen an increase in customers because their facade is now more inviting. These improvements are bringing back economic vitality to San Luis, the oldest town in Colorado. This MSOB grant opportunity was a bit of a miracle for San Luis and we are eager to see what the future holds for our hometown.” - Susan Sanderford, San Luis Town Manager.

Hugo

The Town of Hugo was awarded $602,169 for a complete renewal of their small downtown, with 11 buildings containing, all representing (DBEs). Improved energy efficiency, new windows and doors for storefronts, decorative awnings, and signage improve visibility for businesses along State Highway 287.

“The Main Street: Open For Business grant is allowing us to do things for the building that we would never be able to do otherwise. We have heat in the building for the first time since we've lived in it, (other than a wood stove and a pellet stove) which in the big building, doesn't really cover everything. But, we now have heat, and we'll have air conditioning this summer. Now icing won't separate, so that's a good thing when you're a baker.” - Sheri Gaskins, Moose Roost Owner

Granby

Following the COVID-19 pandemic and regional wildfires in 2020, Granby received $757,140 from the Main Street: Open for Business grant for energy efficiency upgrades, façade improvements, and ADA accessibility upgrades on 11 buildings.

“I have worked for Main Street across multiple states for over seven years now and this is the most transformative program I have seen. Beyond the economic impact of directly beautifying our downtown and the creation of local jobs, we are already seeing a domino effect. A shuttered business is going to reopen because of these funds and unengaged business owners have started to engage again.” - Lauren Huber, Destination Granby Executive Director and Main Street Manager

Silverton

The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) awarded the town of Silverton $612,849 to help preserve eight buildings through façade improvements, while looking toward the future of this National Historic District with a number of energy efficiency upgrades including windows and solar panels.

“The MSOB grant has given our resilient businesses the capacity to improve their buildings, beautify our downtown, and encourage an economically sustainable economy. Through these projects, we’re even seeing a ripple effect of other revitalization and improvement efforts that is allowing Silverton to put its best face forward.” -  Beth Kremer, San Juan Development Association, Economic Diversification & Resiliency Coordinator

Upcoming Main Street: Open for Business Celebration Events

"DOLA's goal is for businesses that undergo facade improvements to see an increase in sales, a retention and/or expansion of jobs, and for those that pursue energy-efficiency upgrades to see a reduction in utility costs and carbon footprint. These objectives will help businesses thrive across The Centennial State," said Rick Garcia, Executive Director of the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)

The Main Street: Open for Business grant is administered by the Colorado Main Street Program within DOLA's Division of Local Government (DLG), guiding community-led downtown revitalization through a customizable framework to focus efforts, energy, and resources to create more vibrant communities across the state.

Colorado Main Street Program

Community Revitalization Grant Program (SB21-252)