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Application Process

Application Submission Process

  • Application Form: Provide a clear and comprehensive application form.
  • Required Documents: List all required documents, which may include:
    • Project narrative
    • Detailed budget
    • Architectural drawings or illustrations
    • Site photos
    • Color samples and materials specifications
    • Scope of work
    • Business financials
    • Business plan
    • Proof of insurance
    • Certificates of good standing
    • Letters of support
    • Legal residency affidavit
    • Documentation of business proficiency (defined by time in business or demonstrated in business financials)
  • Submission Deadline: Specify the application deadline(s) and submission location(s).
    • Consider the use of grant application rounds to simplify the promotion of the grant program to a specific time of year (typically as weather improves to allow for construction). This will simplify the review process for staff and create a consistent awareness of the program’s availability.
  • Completeness: State that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Evaluation and Selection Process

Explain how applications will be evaluated and selected.

  • Review Committee: Describe the composition of the review committee.
  • Evaluation Criteria: Define the criteria for evaluating applications, including:
    • Project impact
    • Sustainability
    • Community benefit
    • Financial need
    • Project feasibility
    • Design quality
    • Consistency with community plans
    • Job creation/retention
    • Energy efficiency
    • Sales and property tax generation
    • Local sourcing
    • Applicant's community contributions
  • Scoring System: If applicable, describe the scoring system used to rank applications.
  • Reporting and Compliance: Be clear about the expectations for reimbursement, and request acknowledgement with the application.
    • This can include a final report demonstrating completion of the project, periodic reports on progress (monthly, quarterly, etc.) and before and after pictures before disbursement of funds for reimbursement.
  • Approval Authority: Identify the entity with final approval authority (e.g., Town Council).
  • Notification: Specify how and when applicants will be notified of funding decisions.

Colorado Main Street Toolkit: Business Support Grant Programs

This form should be used to report problems or issues with this website. Questions pertaining to a program or service provided by DLG should be addressed to contact information located on the specific program pages.

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