Community Business Preservation Program - Gunnison Cohort

Funder: Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), Business Funding & Incentives Division

Sponsoring Entity: Region 10 League for Economic Assistance and Planning

Individual Business Awards: $10,000 - $30,000 per business

Geographic Scope: Gunnison, Colorado (Region 10 service area)

Award Date: March 21, 2024

Awardee Businesses

The following four Hispanic-owned businesses in Gunnison were awarded grants:

1. Agave Family Mexican Restaurant
2. CJMTZ Painting
3. D'Luna Mexican Store
4. El Paraiso Family Mexican Restaurant

These businesses are well-respected by the wider Gunnison Valley community and provide important cultural touchpoints for Spanish speakers moving to the valley.

Program Overview

The Community Business Preservation Program fosters community preservation by awarding funding to groups of geographically proximate and culturally similar businesses that are facing displacement pressures and hold cultural, social, or historical significance in Colorado.

Program Goals:

• Support culturally significant small businesses
• Enable businesses to respond to economic changes
• Increase business sustainability and growth
• Foster cross-business collaboration within communities
• Preserve local history, heritage, and cultural traditions

Eligible Uses of Funds

Grant funds must be used for one-time expenses, not everyday operating expenses. Examples include:

• Infrastructure and facade improvements
• Technology upgrades
• Energy efficiency improvements
• Building code upgrades
• Permitting or licensing fees
• Hired contract work
• Equipment purchases

Technical Assistance and Support

As part of the program, grant recipient business owners receive:

• Consultant support from Colorado Small Business Development Center
• Business development services
• Wraparound services

Programming Duration: Minimum 6 months to maximum 2 years (varies by business needs)

Programming Components:

1. Onboarding and Goal Setting Period
2. Structured Learning Period: Group webinars, workshops, meetups, and/or one-on-one consultant sessions
3. Wrap-up Period: Post-program review and analysis

Meeting Requirements:

• Periodic meetings with SBDC consultants (one-on-one and as a group)
• Group sessions focused on community business collaboration and cultural preservation
• Individual sessions tailored to specific business needs

Contact Information

West Central Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

• Program Manager: Callie Koch
• Region 10 Small Business Program Manager
• Phone: (970) 249-2436
• Email: admin@region10.net

How to Apply

Note: This was a competitive grant program announced in March 2024. The Gunnison cohort has already been awarded. For future Community Business Preservation Program opportunities, interested businesses should:

1. Contact Region 10:
   • Work with Region 10 League for Economic Assistance and Planning as the sponsoring entity
   • Discuss interest in future program cycles
   • Phone: (970) 249-2436
   • Email: admin@region10.net
2. When Applications Open:
   • Monitor Region 10 website for announcements of future program cycles
   • Businesses must be grouped with geographically proximate and culturally similar businesses
   • Submit through the sponsoring entity (Region 10 or local government/economic development organization)
3. Application Requirements (based on 2024 cycle):
   • Demonstrate cultural, social, or historical significance
   • Show evidence of displacement pressures
   • Propose specific, one-time uses for grant funds with cost estimates
   • Propose categories of potential uses and associated costs
   • Work with West Central SBDC for technical assistance in application preparation
4. West Central SBDC Support:
   • Business owners can meet with SBDC for technical assistance
   • SBDC helps with application preparation
   • Phone: (970) 249-2436 or contact through region10.net