The city of Cortez is offering up to $300 in matching grants for local businesses to spruce up their storefronts.
The Cortez Business Beautification Mini Grant program seeks to assist in the purchase of materials that improves a business’s existing façade or primary public entrance.
Projects could include the purchasing of flowers, flower pots, potted bushes, other vegetation, paint for exterior, or window cleaning and painting. The program will begin April 18 and run until Sept. 1.
Funds are limited. Qualifying requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts. The grants are available for Cortez businesses and nonprofits within city limits. Home-based businesses are not eligible.
The program has $5,000 available for the grants, said Cortez Economic Development Director Rachel Marchbanks. The city is providing $4,000, and Cortez Retail Enhancement Association is contributing $1,000.
The city is anticipating a post-pandemic tourism rush, said Marchbanks.
“It should be a busy summer season, and we want to do what we can to help,” she said. “The costs of window cleaning, paint and flowers can really add up.”
Eligible project include:
- Painting of building façade.
- Purchasing and placement of flowers, potted bushes, other vegetation.
- Window cleaning and temporary window painting.
- Replacing or upgrading exterior deteriorated materials.
As part of the grant requirements, all materials and vegetation for the improvements must be purchased from a Montezuma County business.
Projects must commence within 60 days of approval date and must be completed by Sept. 1. Projects must comply with the land use code as it pertains to landscaping or exterior improvement requirements.
Applications for the business beautification grant are available at City Hall, the Colorado Welcome Center, or online at: www.cityofcortez.com. (Go to the search bar and type Business Beautification.)
You can also go to the link https://tinyurl.com/CortezForm.
