State program aims to sustain community cultural identity
Twelve Colorado Springs small businesses and their nonprofit fiscal sponsors will receive a total of $372,000 in grants and technical support to aid in overcoming destabilizing pressures and bolster their business operations.
The grants are part of the Community Business Preservation Program (CBPP) of the Office of Economic Development & International Trade. Awarded businesses are part of geographically proximate areas facing economic pressures and hold cultural significance in their communities. Grants will be used to upgrade or purchase new equipment, increase efficiency, improve property, and in some cases offset relocation costs to respond to financial concerns or disasters. OEDIT received 38 eligible applications, and the 11 awarded cohorts were announced last week.
Mayor Yemi Mobolade wrote letters of support for the two sponsoring entities, The Thrive Networks and Downtown Ventures, which have a demonstrated history of supporting their local business communities.
The Thrive Networks, which empowers individuals to unlock their potential, build resilient businesses and strengthen under-resourced communities through entrepreneurship, was awarded $190,000 to support six businesses that are committed to improving the overall health of individuals through services such as healthy food, clean living spaces, access to child care, and protecting cultural customs:
- A Fresh Move
- Felipe’s 109
- Leave It At Your Door
- Luxe Daiquiri Lounge
- The Lighthouse Early Childcare and Education Corporation
- Viva Marketing and Consulting
Downtown Ventures, the charitable nonprofit arm of Downtown Partnership that stewards Downtown’s designation as a state-certified creative district, was awarded $182,000 to support six businesses that enrich the creative district through music, art, design, food and the provision of welcoming spaces:
- Auric Art Gallery
- Bosky Studio
- ICONS
- Ladyfingers Letterpress
- Shuga’s
- Yobel
ABOUT THE THRIVE NETWORKS
The Thrive Networks is located in Southeast Colorado Springs and provides a free four-month incubator program to individuals who want to start a business. Classes are available in English and Spanish. For more information visit www.thethrivenetworks.org.
ABOUT DOWNTOWN VENTURES
Downtown Ventures is dedicated to the arts, creative industries and public benefit programs to ensure that Downtown Colorado Springs serves as the economic, cultural and civic heart of the region. It stewards Downtown’s designation as a state-certified creative district. For more information visit www.downtowncs.com, or contact Downtown Colorado Springs at 719-886-0088.