CITY OF CORTEZ ANNOUNCES BUSINESS BEAUTIFICATION MINI GRANT Cortez-based businesses and nonprofits can apply for up to $1,000 in matching funds. In order to assist small businesses in creating a positive commercial environment, the City of Cortez is accepting applications for its Cortez Business Beautification Mini Grant program. The City may provide a matching grant of up to $1,000 for the purchase of materials utilized in the enhancement of a business’s existing façade or primary public entrance.
Eligible Projects Include:
• Replacement or upgrading exterior deteriorated materials
• New awnings, resurfacing, stucco, molding repair, signs, new doors or windows
• Painting of building façades
• Up to $300 of match can be used for: purchasing and placement of flowers, potted bushes, other vegetation, window cleaning, and temporary window painting Qualifications and Criteria: • Cortez Businesses with a current sales tax license and Cortez nonprofits can apply.
• Businesses and nonprofits must be located within Cortez city limits and have a current public-facing façade. Home based businesses are ineligible. • Approved improvements apply to exteriors only.
• The maximum grant reimbursement consideration shall be $1,000 total. Up to $300 of match can be used for flowers, potted bushes, vegetation, window cleaning, and temporary window painting.
• Applicant must obtain project approval prior to purchasing materials/ hiring contractor and will be reimbursed upon submittal of receipts, photos of improvements, and W-9.
• The program begins May 1. Projects must commence within 60 days of approval date and must be completed by September 30, 2023. • Beautification projects must be compliant with the land use code.
• All materials and vegetation must be purchased from Montezuma County businesses. Contractors must be licensed. Montezuma County contractors preferred. • Funds are limited. Qualifying requests will be considered on a first come, first served basis, while funding lasts.
• Businesses may obtain an application at City Hall, or by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/BizMiniGrant or the City of Cortez website: search under Departments, Community & Economic Development, Incentives, Business Beautification Mini Grant.
Questions? Email: lregalado@cortezco.gov | Phone: (970) 900-7073
With special thanks to our sponsor: Cortez Retail Enhancement Association