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About

The City allocates Community Development Block Grant funds to support neighborhood economic development through direct assistance to for profit businesses.  

After a successful pilot program in 2021, the Division continues to work with a local partner to provide direct financial assistance for-profit businesses, specifically microenterprises, in efforts to fill gaps in need after pandemic aid programs have expired or never reached certain communities. These efforts are concentrated in low-income neighborhoods or areas of low economic opportunity. 

2021-2022 Program Year Outcomes

  • 23 local businesses assisted
    • Microenterprise grants
    • technical Assistance
    • 91% woman, minority, or veteran owned

 

 

Partnerships

The City of Colorado Springs partnership with Exponential Impact was recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a best practice and highlighted in a national webinar.  

  • City and Exponential Impact launch program to help local businesses recovering from pandemic 
  • Innovative assistance program helps small businesses “survive and thrive”