Denver businesses feeling the pressure from ongoing city construction can breathe a little easier with the reintroduction of the Business Impact Opportunity (BIO) Fund, which is now opening applications for its latest round of grants, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity announced in partnership with Mile High United Way and The Fax Partnership. These grants aim to lessen the financial strain on small businesses situated along the corridors where infrastructure projects like the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit construction take place.
Small businesses that find themselves in the midst of the East Colfax BRT Construction zone, stretching from Williams Street to Ivy Street, have until February 10, 2026, to apply for aid up to $15,000, cash that can be a lifeline for operations disrupted by the noise, dust, and diverted traffic patterns associated with urban progress, last year, the program distributed $1.29 million across 100 eligible businesses. With these disruptions often translating to decreased foot traffic and reduced revenues, the BIO Fund is a proactive stab at remedying the inadvertent byproducts of necessary growth.
“Denver’s Business Impact Opportunity Fund reflects Denver’s commitment to helping small businesses weather the challenges that come with progress," said Adeeb Khan, Executive Director of Denver Economic Development & Opportunity, “As we invest in infrastructure that benefits the entire city, we also recognize the need to stand alongside the businesses that make our neighborhoods vibrant, these grants and technical assistance are about helping those businesses to not only survive construction but thrive long after,” as per Denver Economic Development & Opportunity. The city plans to support applicants not only through funding but also with information sessions, application assistance, and technical advice.
