DENVER — Small businesses impacted by ongoing construction along East Colfax Avenue in Denver can now apply for financial relief as part of a city-backed grant program tied to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.
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The initiative offers grants ranging from $7,500 to $15,000 to businesses affected by construction-related disruptions, including reduced access, parking challenges and declining foot traffic. The funding targets businesses located between Colorado Boulevard and Roslyn Street.
City officials are working in partnership with The Fax Partnership and Mile High United Way to distribute the grants and provide additional technical support services.
The East Colfax BRT project is part of a broader effort to improve public transportation infrastructure in Denver, but the construction phase has created significant challenges for local businesses.
“If you drive on that section of the corridor, you'll see that sidewalks are getting updated, the paving and striping is going to start,” said Monica Martinez with The Fax Partnership. “The city is now saying that in the fall of 2026, the bus will start operating like a BRT.”
While long-term improvements are expected to increase accessibility and foot traffic, many businesses say the current disruptions have strained operations.
“My dream has turned into my worst nightmare,” said the owner of La Abeja Restaurant, who requested anonymity.
Matthew Hammel, owner of Green Door Fitness, said earlier rounds of funding have provided some relief.
“The mini grants helped, and that's through the city, grateful for anything that we can get,” Hammel said. “The biggest thing is getting people back on Colfax.”
The BRT system is expected to begin operations in fall 2026, potentially bringing increased transit access and customer traffic to the corridor. However, for newer businesses, the construction timeline has limited growth opportunities.
“Two months or so after opening, we got hit by Denver Water working on a pipeline, our sales dropped,” said Elisa Garcia, owner of Viva Mexi Coffee Shop. “Right after that, the construction started for BRT, so we've never seen the growth that we had expected.”
To qualify for the grants, businesses must demonstrate financial impact and be located within the designated construction zone. Applications are open through May 5.
According to city data, approximately 125 businesses along East Colfax have already received a combined $1.6 million in funding through the Business Impact Opportunity Fund. In addition to financial assistance, more than 100 businesses have been connected with support services such as marketing assistance, bookkeeping and business advisory sessions.
As construction continues, officials say the program is intended to bridge the gap between short-term disruption and long-term economic benefits tied to improved transit infrastructure.
Originally reported by Jasmine Arenas in CBS News.
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