Business Façade Improvement

Please note: Applications for this program are currently closed. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of new business support programs.

Through the Business Façade Improvement Program, Denver offerred financial support to small businesses to improve their building's storefront/exterior and make necessary upgrades that will increase their visual street appeal and consequently, attract more customers. The visual upgrades will make the businesses and neighboring commercial areas more attractive, more sustainable, and will preserve Denver's historic façades, all while boosting economic activity at the local level. 

The program's goal has been to encourage and provide direct support to property owners and/or business owners to improve, enhance, or repair the appearance of their building's storefront/exterior in order to preserve the building's historic culture, revitalize the space, and or increase the visual “curb” appeal. 

Funding Details

• The program provided grants up to $75,000 with a minimum of $25,000 for a single project.
• Single projects were defined as one property location, except for properties with numerous commercial parcels.
• In the case of numerous commercial parcels, either the business owner’s total or the property owners were designated up to three commercial parcels/units for which to apply and receive funding. 

• Business must be located within the City and County of Denver
• Business owner must have a for-profit commercial building with façade visibility from the street
• Buildings must be located on a commercial corridor with street access
• Mixed-use commercial/residential buildings are eligible, but improvements must be limited to the commercial portion of the building
• Projects on both sides of the street are eligible
• Construction must be completed in less than six (6) months
• The commercial building/space cannot be vacant 

Prioritization

Preference will be given to businesses: 

1. That can contribute at least 10% (percent) of the project's budget

2. That have been in operation for at least three years

3. That are small businesses. Small businesses are defined as: Depending on industry, have fewer employees and annual revenue than medium size to large companies within the average private sector firm or operating industry

4. That are located in neighborhoods were businesses are displacement-vulnerable as identified by DEDO's Neighborhood Equity & Stabilization (NEST) division:

• Elyria Swansea
• Globeville
• Northeast Parkhill
• East Colfax
• Montbello
• Sun Valley
• Valverde
• Villa Park
• West Colfax
• Westwood

Please note: Applications for this program are currently closed. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of new business support programs.

What is a MWBE firm? 

MWBE means "Minority or Woman-Owned Business Enterprise." Through our Division of Small Business Opportunity (DSBO), the city grants a certification to firms that can demonstrate they are minority- or women-owned small businesses. Other certifications are also available. Learn more at www.denvergov.org/dsbo. 

How to find a MWBE firm for the Business Façade Improvement Program? 

1. Start by going to www.denvergov.org/dsbo 
2. Click on Search our Certified Small Business Database 
3. Under Vendor Certification, click on Search Vendor Directory 
4. Under Search by Business Description, add simple terms like 'painting' or 'landscaping'

You can also select firms near you, within your zip code, etc.