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Funding & Technical Assistance
Colorado Challenge Accelerator Program
Details here. Offered by Downtown Colorado, Inc. Join the Colorado Challenge Accelerator Program from October to April to help your community plan and kickstart real redevelopment projects. This is the last cohort that is benefitting from this hands-on opportunity for FREE so take advantage of it NOW! This program supports Colorado towns in becoming development-ready through expert guidance, practical tools, and statewide collaboration. You'll get: 8 Webinars on redevelopment and planning; Templates for communication and project pitches; Community Profile and Property Pitch Sheet; Feasibility Review and Sample RFQs/Proformas; Interactive Challenge Workshop in Grand Junction on March 31. Schedule a time to talk with the DCI team now to see if it is a fit for your community!
Hearst Foundation: Grants to support Culture, Education, Health & Social Services
No Deadline | Details here. The Hearst Foundations support nonprofits in four key areas: culture, education, health, and social services. Their priorities include higher education, STEM programs, healthcare access for underserved populations, and artistic initiatives. With a focus on expanding opportunity and improving quality of life, the Foundations invest in organizations working to build a more equitable future for all.
Agricultural Workforce Development Program
Program of Northwest Colorado Small Business Development Program. The Agricultural Workforce Development Program (AWDP) provides financial incentives to Colorado farms, ranches, and other agricultural businesses to hire interns and provide them with the hands-on training needed to begin a career in agriculture. Businesses may apply for up to 3 internships per year. Awarded businesses may be reimbursed for up to 50% of the actual cost to employ each intern, up to $5,000 per intern. Applications open Wednesday, October 1. Register for a free informational webinar on October 8.
Puffin Foundation: Art that engages public in topical issues such as Climate Change, Social Justice, and Civil Rights
Deadline: Nov. 21| Details here. The Puffin Foundation provides grants to emerging artists and arts organizations often excluded from mainstream opportunities. Funding is currently focused on projects in the areas of fine arts, music, and photography. The Foundation prioritizes art that educates and engages the public on topical issues such as climate change, healthcare, social justice, and civil rights.
Folke H. Peterson Charitable Foundation: Grants to Protect Animals and Prevent Cruelty
Deadline: Oct. 31 | Details here. The Folke H. Peterson Charitable Foundation provides grants to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that protect animals, prevent cruelty, and provide essential medical care and food. Funding supports programs, projects, general operations, and emergency needs, with a focus on improving the welfare of animals nationwide. Organizations that euthanize healthy animals are not eligible for support.
SBA New Loan Program for Small Manufacturers
Details here. The U.S. Small Business Administration recently launched its first-ever loan program dedicated to supporting America’s small manufacturers. The 7(a) Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program will offer working capital for small businesses engaged in manufacturing, specifically designed to provide maximum flexibility and minimal red tape.
Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation | Kroger Company
Deadline: December 5 | Details here. An initiative of The Kroger Company, funds programs that eliminate hunger and waste in communities. They support nonprofits, innovators, and local organizations that improve food access through mobile pantries, transportation for food banks, and expanded SNAP enrollment. The Foundation also backs initiatives providing school breakfasts, helping homeless individuals gain skills and housing, and promoting nutrition education with healthier food options.
Colorado Affordable Housing Financing Fund
Supports land banking, equity, concessionary debt, and modular-built financing. To be eligible, affordable housing projects seeking support from the Affordable Housing Financing Fund must be located in a jurisdiction that has completed a Proposition 123 Local Government Affordable Housing Commitment with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs − Division of Housing. Learn more here.
Resources & News
Colorado Strategic Growth Report
The final draft of the Colorado Strategic Growth Report and draft Policy Recommendations from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) are still available for public feedback. Please review this important report and provide your input by October 7, 2025, 5 p.m. Senate Bill 24-174 directed DOLA to develop a report that analyzes: Policy-driven land use scenarios; The impact of existing state policies and programs; Regional context
This analysis, along with stakeholder and subject matter expert input, informed the draft recommendations to encourage environmentally and fiscally sustainable growth.
The final report must be published by DOLA and submitted to the legislature by October 31, 2025, as required by SB24-174.
The Northwest Colorado Small Business Development Center is Recruiting Advisors
Learn more here. Are you a seasoned business professional with a passion for helping others succeed? Do you want to use your skills and experience to make a tangible impact on your community? Consider becoming an SBDC advisor. We have opportunities for both volunteers and on-call advisors. This is more than just an opportunity; it's a chance to mentor, innovate, and contribute directly to the growth of businesses in your local community and others across rural Colorado. If you're looking for a fulfilling way to give back where your expertise can truly make a difference, we invite you to join our team!
The Importance of Public Relations and Marketing during Economic Uncertainty
This blog by Downtown Colorado, Inc. offers insights on the importance of these tools that can be utilized by downtowns during uncertain times. Downtowns are the heartbeat of Colorado communities. During economic downturns, they face challenges—but they also offer opportunities for partnership, connection and renewal. Public relations and marketing are not luxuries in these times; they are necessities. By telling authentic stories, showcasing resilience and real personalities, and building community pride, our downtowns can weather economic storms and emerge stronger, more connected, and more vibrant than before. Read blog here.
Colorado Department of Local Affairs Local Community Funding Guide
The Division of Local Government (DLG) created this comprehensive resource to help local governments and nonprofit community organizations navigate the funding sources available through a variety of Federal and State programs. While not an exhaustive list, this guide is updated frequently as new information is available.
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