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If you’re a new or current business owner in our district, you’ve come to the right place. The Fax Partnership is the designated business support organization for East Colfax Avenue from Colorado Boulevard to Yosemite Street. There are many ways we can help you grow your business!

Facade Improvement Matching Grants

Did you know? research shows that 53% of shoppers base their decision to do business with you on their first impression of your storefront. That's where our new facade improvement program comes in - matching grants of up to $1,750 are available to eligible small business and property owners located on the 'Fax, to help them paint exteriors, replace windows, or improve signage and lighting.

The Fax Partnership has approved grant applications for exterior improvements at several 'Fax businesses already, but applications for more grants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis until August 1, 2013. In addition, up to $100,000 in loan funds for larger projects are available from the Mile High Community Loan Fund.

Please read the Program Overview for more information. Interested in applying for a grant? Click here for an application. Before you submit your application, please be sure you:

  • Fill out the application form completely.
  • Be sure you get a quote for the work you want done. These grants can ONLY pay for materials, not labor.
  • Sign page two of the application. If you're renting your storefront, you'll need your landlord's signature too.
  • Make sure you're a 'Fax partner. If you haven't signed up and paid your annual membership fee already, please click here to learn how.
  • Take some color photos of the exterior you want to fix up.
  • Put a sketch together describing EXACTLY what you want to do.

Remember, we'll review applications as we receive them, and we only have a limited amount of money to give away. So get those applications submitted ASAP.

Partner with Us

Revitalization is a partnership effort. It takes all of us to be successful! Join The Fax Partnership and take advantage of marketing support, access to financial information and market data, educational forums, advocacy and more.

Click here to learn more about what our Partner Program can offer small businesses on East Colfax, and sign up today! You can also email our program manager to discuss your partnership options further. We look forward to working with you!

Financial Assistance

There are several conventional lenders in the ‘Fax district. Also, be sure to check out these organizations that support small businesses. Contact Hilarie Portell, Fax Partnership Executive Director, for additional assistance.

  • Acción Colorado: Increased access to credit for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
  • Colorado Enterprise Fund: Providing small business loans to entrepreneurs who are unable to obtain financing from traditional sources.
  • Denver Enterprise Zone: 9 state tax credits for new business facilities, expansions, job creation and equipment purchase.
  • Denver Revolving Loan Fund: Gap funding to help business start-up or expansion, including real estate acquisition, renovation, FF &E and working capital.
  • Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute: Support for entrepreneurs, including access to small, low-risk loans to launch or grow a business concept.
  • Rebates for energy efficiency upgrades. See “Green Your Business” for more information.

Green Your Business and Save Money

It's easier than ever to save hundreds of dollars or more each month on utility bills, by participating in the Denver Energy Challenge. Participating businesses receive free energy audits, technical assistance and rebates for energy efficiency upgrades. Funds are still available for 2012 rebates. New this year, the Elevations Credit Union has partnered with Denver Energy Challenge to provide low interest loans for renewable energy upgrades for small businesses!

Clean & Safe

First impressions matter. Graffiti, overgrown weeds and rundown properties deter consumers and new business investment, and can attract crime. The Fax Partnership works with property owners, the City of Denver and neighborhood police to maintain a clean and safe district. Here’s how you can help:

Learn about some proactive measures to deter vandalism and keep your business safe here.

Report graffiti to the Denver Public Works for free removal or call 3-1-1
Report suspicious activity to the Denver Police Department at (720) 913-2000, or call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
You can also directly contact the Community Resource Officer for your neighborhood:

Report overgrown weeds or rundown properties to Denver’s Neighborhood Inspection Services or call 3-1-1


Other Resources

Denver’s Office of Economic Development can help you with questions about starting or growing a business in Denver.
There’s info about licenses, permits, regulations and more.


Need advice? The Denver Small Business Development Center has professional small business counselors with expertise in business development, marketing, finance, human resources and more. And they’re just up the street at Johnson Wales University on Montview Boulevard and Quebec Street. Make your appointment now.


Looking for entry-level employees? Help your business succeed by hiring Johnson & Wales University's career-ready talent for internships, part-time or full-time jobs! More than 1,600 students attend classes at JWU's Denver campus, located just blocks from the 'Fax corridor. All students are required to complete an internship prior to graduation, and JWU's employer relations staff can connect you with students who have the right skills and training for your complany. Click here for more information about hiring JWU students at your business.



"The Fax Partnership has done an amazing job bringing not only the greater community together, but also connecting business owners in a way that hasn’t happened for us before. We feel really lucky to have an organization so dedicated to connecting people who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet." - Jill Warner, Mod Livin’



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