DENVER — The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) is supporting efforts by local governments to engage in small business relief through the Main Street: Open for Business (MSOB) program.

“This once-in-a-generation opportunity to keep Colorado’s main streets open for business provides transformational funding now and into the future,” said DOLA Executive Director Rick M. Garcia. “Along with our partners, we are in a unique position to collectively champion community vision and build stepping stones to business and community recovery.”

MSOB supports façade improvements and energy efficiency projects for businesses in the state’s traditional downtowns with funding set aside by Senate Bill 21-252 for the Colorado Main Street program. The initiative is designed to increase sales and revenue for rehabilitated buildings, reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills, and create jobs while retaining existing ones.

A general grant round open to all municipalities, counties and councils of government across Colorado prioritized communities with multiple projects to improve visual appeal and provide a catalytic ripple-effect of investment in their downtown districts:

The Town of Center was awarded $114,588 to improve five buildings, four of which house traditionally disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs). Projects range from a new sign at the carniceria to lighting upgrades at the grocery store.

The Town of San Luis was awarded $560,722 to invest in five key businesses all owned by minorities and women including the R&R Market, the state’s oldest family-run business dating back to 1857. Fresh paint, new signs, windows, doors, exterior lighting and energy efficiency improvements will provide the oldest downtown in Colorado with a facelift.