Round 2: Wadsworth Business Recovery Grant Program 

Round 2: Wadsworth Business Recovery Grant Program

Due to an ongoing need for financial support along the Wadsworth corridor, Wheat Ridge City Council has approved another round of the Wadsworth Business Recovery Grant Program. This program offers grants to support small businesses located within the Wadsworth construction impact zone (0.25 miles).

Businesses have experienced significant disruption due to the long-term Wadsworth Improvement Project beginning in 2021. This program supports not only physical recovery but also sustainable operational strategies, visibility, and resilience beyond the construction period. What was once a one-time pilot program is now being revived. The City of Wheat Ridge and Localworks will continue to advocate for local businesses and support the long-term viability of the corridor. As Mayor Stites says, “We listen early, we adjust, and we build programs based on real-world needs, not just policy checkboxes.”

The purpose of this program is to help businesses recover, adapt, and grow. While the Wadsworth Improvement Project will be transformational, the prolonged construction period has resulted in decreased visibility and foot traffic, reduced customer access and parking, and ongoing operational and financial strain for local businesses.

Applications are open from April 1–May 8, 2026. Decisions will be made by May 19, 2026. Businesses are eligible to apply for the second round of funding if they received less than $5,000 during round one.

The Wadsworth Business Recovery Program aims to: 

  • Enable strategic improvements in operations, marketing, or physical infrastructure
  • Fund tools or resources that boost business bottom lines
  • Encourage forward-thinking planning and business model updates
  • Showcase the City’s commitment to small business retention and revitalization

Grant Details: 

  • Minimum: $5,000
  • Maximum: $10,000
Grant application

Eligible expenses include:

  • Strategic business consulting/coaching, SEO and digital marketing
  • Improvements, social media strategy & advertising, updated signage or storefront
  • Enhancements, equipment upgrades that increase efficiency, customer experience investments (interior layout, displays, etc.)
  • Other business development initiatives with measurable results.

Eligibility criteria is as follows: Businesses must be located in the Wadsworth construction impact zone (within 0.25 miles), demonstrate impact from construction, and be in good standing with an active business license in Wheat Ridge. If you received funding from round one, you are eligible to apply again if you received less than $5,000.

Questions about this program can be directed to reception@wearelocalworks.org. This program is managed and governed by Localworks staff, along with the Localworks Board of Directors.