Completion of the project should take less than twelve months after approved for funding, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

If renting, you must include a letter from the property owner approving the potential project.

Your business must be located within the City limits.

Outdoor furniture will not be considered for this grant program

Grants will not be awarded for routine maintenance.

The improvements to your building must comply with all City of Golden codes and ordinances, and laws.

All submittals become public once received by the Economic Development Commission.

All recipient organizations must operate in an open and transparent manner and make financial statements available for reasonable inspection.

The City will only provide financial assistance to businesses that have a very strong nexus to Golden. Casual or infrequent use by Golden citizens is not enough connection in and of itself.

The City does not intend to become a regular, anticipated funding partner with any organization. We hope that our limited funding will enable worthwhile organizations to establish permanent funding sources; rise to new levels of service; meet an urgent need or take advantage of a unique opportunity.

The City reserves the right to reject any and all applications and to waive minor irregularities in grant applications.

If there might be a conflict of interest, you must clearly state the potential conflict in your grant application. If you do not disclose your potential conflict during the application process, the Commission has the right to revoke your grant if the Commission discovers a conflict after you or your business has been approved for funding.

The City defines conflict of interest as it relates to the City grant funding program as follows:

Grant funds cannot be used on any other projects other than for the purposes stated in your grant application

Funding cannot be used to financially benefit a business or interest of relative(s)

 City funding cannot be used to provide personal financial benefit

Businesses must be in good standing with the City to be awarded a grant.

All activities must comply with City of Golden ordinances and not break any laws.

Funding can be used but not limited to the following purposes:

• Upgraded signs
• Exterior lighting
• Exterior structural repairs and improvements
• Interior electrical upgrades/increased electrical capacity
• HVAC improvements
• Accessibility enhancements

• Architectural design
• Sustainability efforts
• Website design
• Backup Power
  • The purchase and installation of permanently installed backup power systems, including commercial-grade generators, battery storage systems, and associated electrical upgrades, are eligible expenses under this program.
  • Eligible costs may include equipment, permitting, installation labor, electrical panel upgrades necessary to accommodate the system, and required safety components.
  • Portable generators are eligible only if permanently integrated into the business’s emergency power plan and installed in compliance with all applicable building and fire codes.
  • All systems must comply with local permitting requirements and applicable safety standards.

  *Program Intent: This addition is intended to support business continuity, mitigate economic disruption during power shutoffs or emergency events, and strengthen the overall resilience of Golden’s commercial districts.

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

You might be asked to present your funding request to the Economic Development board at a regularly scheduled meeting, which occurs on the 2 nd Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at 911 10th Street (Golden City Council Chambers).

If awarded a grant, you must agree to the terms listed in the grant contract.

After you agree to the grant contract, work has been completed and proof of payment for your project has been submitted to staff, you will be reimbursed within 4 to 6 weeks up to the grant award amount.

The total funding pool is $40,000, and the Commission will continue to accept applications until funds are depleted.