The Denver Economic Development & Opportunity department is throwing a lifeline to local businesses feeling the pinch from city construction work. In a collaboration with Mile High United Way and The Fax Partnership, they've announced that the application window for the Business Impact Opportunity (BIO) Fund is now open, per the City and County of Denver. If you're a small business operating in the zone where the city's latest construction projects are kicking up dust and disrupting foot traffic, you could snag a one-time grant up to $15,000.
There's a catch, though – you've got until June 10, 2025, to throw your hat in the ring. While applying, businesses are looking to mitigate the impact that construction for the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit and the West Colfax Pedestrian Crossing & Transit Improvements, scheduled through parts of 2025, is gonna have on their bottom line. As stated by the City and County of Denver, the folks in City Hall will also be offering virtual and in-person help sessions for those navigating the grant application process or looking for additional technical support.
The executive director of Denver Economic Development and Opportunity, Adeeb Khan, emphasized the uniqueness of the BIO Fund, stating, "Denver’s Business Impact Opportunity Fund program is one of only a handful of government programs across the nation that provides direct grant assistance to businesses impacted by city-funded construction projects," as obtained by the City and County of Denver. Khan further underscored the value of grants and technical assistance, highlighting the importance of community support for these enterprises during disruptive periods.
Monica Martinez, who leads The Fax Partnership, champions the dedication to maintaining the East Colfax corridor as a dynamic and inclusive business area. "While we know investing in public transit will make the corridor more accessible, we also know construction projects of this size can cause hardship in the short-term for our community," Martinez remarked, as noted by the City and County of Denver, stressing how the BIO Fund is vital for local businesses to weather the BRT project.
