Arapahoe County Announces $6M Small Business Relief Plan

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO — The Arapahoe County CARES Program is launching Advance Arapahoe, a $6 million grant program that will help businesses throughout the county, officials announced Wednesday.

“This is one of the first grant programs we’re launching through the Arapahoe County CARES Program, and it will provide crucial relief to businesses most affected by the COVID-19 shutdowns,” Arapahoe County Board Chair Nancy Sharpe said in a statement.

“These small and medium-size businesses are essential to our economy, and Arapahoe Advance is a step toward providing some stability through this transition to reopening.”

Don't miss the latest news updates in Littleton: Free Littleton Patch Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook | Twitter

Advance Arapahoe’s first priority will be to fund employers within the boundaries of unincorporated Arapahoe County, as most businesses within incorporated communities can apply to relief programs through their jurisdiction, officials said. Award preference also will be given to employers who commit to retaining and/or bringing back employees with the funds.

Funds are available in two grant categories:

• Business interruption grants to support operational needs, such as lease or mortgage payments, utility expenses, payroll expense, supplies, services and materials
• Infrastructure and personal protective equipment grants to help businesses adhere to public health guidelines amid the COVID-19 outbreak

Grants in both categories will be up to $20,000, depending on the size of the company, officials said. Qualifying businesses must have operated a physical location in Arapahoe County since at least June 1, 2019, have 500 or fewer employees, be in good standing with regulatory agencies, meet minimum financial requirements and retain at least one job (that meets low- to moderate-income requirements) as a result of the assistance, the county said.

Applications for the program opened Monday and will be accepted until July 3.

Advance Arapahoe is part of Arapahoe CARES, the federally funded relief program that awarded $114.5 million to the County under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

>> View complete eligibility information for Advance Arapahoe