Which hearings are eligible for a mini-grant through the fund?
- Needs and desires hearings that were or will be held by the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses on certain dates.
- Hearings held outside of Denver are not eligible.
- Appeal hearings and disciplinary hearings are not eligible.
Who is eligible to receive a mini-grant through the fund?
- Liquor or cabaret license applicants who have had or will have an eligible hearing and meet the qualifying criteria below.
- Marijuana social equity applicants who have had or will have an eligible hearing for a retail marijuana store license, retail marijuana hospitality business license, or marijuana hospitality and sales business license.
- Qualifying Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs) that have participated or plan to take part in an eligible hearing.
- Qualifying neighborhood witnesses who have participated or plan to take part in an eligible needs and desires hearing.
How can I apply for a mini-grant through the fund?
Applications this year closed on Sept. 30. An announcement of funding and dates to apply in 2025 will be coming soon.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications this year closed on Sept. 30. An announcement of funding and dates to apply in 2025 will be coming soon.
Do I have to be successful at the hearing to receive a mini-grant?
If you participated in a needs and desires hearing and incurred legal costs, you can apply to receive a mini-grant. Issuance or denial of a license does not impact eligibility.
Click the "Eligibility" tab above for a full list of eligibility criteria.
Can I apply for a mini-grant through the fund if my hearing was outside of Denver?
No. Only needs and desires hearing held by the Department of Excise and Licenses on certain dates are eligible. Applications this year closed on Sept. 30. An announcement of funding and dates to apply in 2025 will be coming soon.
Where can I learn more about application requirements?
To learn more about applying for a mini-grant through the fund, click the "Eligibility" tab above for a full list of eligibility criteria.
To learn more about applying for a liquor, cabaret, or marijuana business license, visit the application criteria page for that license type on our website.
Where can I learn more about hearing requirements?
Visit the Department's public hearings website, where you'll find Rules Governing Hearings Before the Department(PDF, 324KB). There is also a needs and desires hearing guide(PDF, 373KB) that has department hearing policies and processes. You will also find a schedule of public hearings and answers to frequently asked questions.
If you have questions about the hearing process, reach out to the licensing technician assigned to your hearing. Refer all legal questions to your attorney.
Can you recommend a lawyer?
No.
How much can I receive if I qualify for a mini-grant through the fund?
You can apply for a mini-grant of up to $10,000. This is to offset costs for legal services related to eligible licensing hearings in Denver. You cannot receive a mini-grant for more than the cost of the legal services related to the hearing.
Applications this year closed on Sept. 30. An announcement of funding and dates to apply in 2025 will be coming soon.
If selected for a mini-grant through the fund, what information will I need to provide?
If selected, you will be required to provide a W-9 and itemized receipts or invoices showing legal costs incurred related to the eligible hearing.
How were the qualifying neighborhoods selected?
The qualifying neighborhoods align with neighborhoods identified by Denver's Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization (NEST) division. These are neighborhoods that are vulnerable to economic or cultural change. Learn more about how these neighborhoods were identified.
Why is the city doing this?
The hearing process can be challenging for community members who want to provide input on the business trying to locate in their neighborhood and small business owners applying for a license. Many applicants and community members seek legal representation to help them understand and achieve their goals at a licensing hearing. Often, the cost of this legal representation can be a barrier to participation or licensure.
The purpose of the Business License Hearing Fund is to make the hearing process more accessible and inclusive for applicants who are required to take part in and residents who desire to take part. By offering mini-grants to reimburse applicants, licensees, RNOs, and community members for needs and desires hearings, the Department hopes to make the hearing process more accessible and inclusive by lessening the burden around legal costs.
Mini-grants for license applicants can help remove barriers to starting a business in Denver. Mini-grants for community members can help elevate the voices of more Denver residents in the licensing process.
Where is the funding for this coming from?
The Business License Hearing Fund is allocated to the Department from the City's general fund.
Why aren't other types of hearings eligible for the fund?
Needs and desires hearings are the most common type of hearing held by the Department. We hold many needs and desires hearings. They are a required step for getting many new liquor, cabaret, and marijuana licenses. These hearings are open to the public and we invite public participation. But sometimes the process can be challenging. Many applicants and community members seek legal representation.
Other licensure hearings for denial appeals and disciplinary proceedings are not mandatory and do not require public participation. Applicants and licensees can seek alternative courses of action to avoid incurring legal costs in these instances.
What if I have a hearing scheduled after Sept. 30, 2024?
The Department might have funding in 2025. More information will be posted later this year.
To be notified of the next round of funding and receive other important Department updates, you can sign up for any of the following bulletins:
Who should I contact with questions?
Email EXLHearings@denvergov.org with questions.