Awarded projects increase opportunities for local businesses to thrive in commercial centers.

The City of Boulder’s Affordable Commercial Pilot Program has awarded over $840,000 to three unique projects aimed at supporting small businesses and fostering community connection and vibrancy. The program promotes long-term affordability by providing funding for improvements or transformation of existing commercial spaces and rent subsidies. Applications were reviewed by a diverse panel made up of representatives from city staff, the Small Business Development Center, the city's Community Connectors and the Downtown Management Commission. Projects were scored based on their focus on local small businesses, anticipated community impact and project longevity.

The three projects awarded grant funding include:

  • KGNU: Received a grant to support the renovation of their new 10,000-square-foot community media center located at 1720 14th St. In addition to a long-term home for KGNU, this project commits affordable space for a café tenant and low rates on performance and meeting spaces for arts groups and nonprofits.
  • Top Hat Supply for Journeys: Received a grant to support capital improvements and rent subsidies aimed at revitalizing the East Pearl location at 1721 Pearl St. This space will house a nonprofit dedicated to an incubator space for artists to launch their businesses. It will offer affordable studio and gallery representation, host monthly open studio hours for artists, and facilitate community-driven cultural events.
  • The New Local: Received a grant to support heating upgrades for their space on 713 Pearl St. and provides a rent subsidy over at least the next five years. This funding will allow The New Local to maintain low fees for the women-owned small businesses it supports.

The city’s Community Vitality Department supports a broad range of initiatives designed to strengthen the economic vibrancy of our community. The Mobile Vending Cart Program offers small businesses a unique opportunity to operate out of a mobile cart on the Pearl Street Mall. Additionally, the Outdoor Dining Pilot Program allows eligible businesses to take advantage of increased outdoor space to enhance their operations. Learn more about opportunities for businesses in our commercial districts by visiting the Community Vitality Department page.

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