In total, the state approved $1.7 million for independently owned Colorado businesses that are central to the culture of their respective communities. Some preserve the local history and heritage of the area, while others create welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ and immigrant community members or promote tourism. The grants will be paired with up to two years of training and consultation.
“It is important to support culturally significant small businesses because they serve as gathering places for different generations and community landmarks,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a press release in March. “I look forward to seeing how these grants help drive small business, support good paying jobs and enhance the Colorado we love.”
The state targeted groups of businesses that may be struggling with lingering financial losses from the pandemic, rising rents and property taxes, supply chain issues and staff shortages.
The grants can be used to upgrade or purchase new equipment or do building renovations and expansion projects. Luna said she will use the grant money to upgrade her refrigeration system and for advertising.
“We’re really grateful that we’ve been given this opportunity to grow and to serve our community,” she said.
“It was difficult to get going in the beginning,” he said. “We had to knock on doors and people did not always take us seriously as I didn’t have any recommendations. Over the past couple of years I’ve done really well … But this is a huge help for us.”
The grant applications were written in Spanish by each business owner and translated to English before they were sent to the state, allowing them to tell their stories, said Ricardo Esqueda, the city’s community outreach liaison.
“I hope it’s an example for other Hispanic or immigrant-owned businesses here … There are opportunities for people to take those risks and really go after what they want,” Esqueda said. “Because these are all dreams of these entrepreneurs.”
(Bella Biondini can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or bella@gunnisontimes.com.)
