South Thornton Attraction & Revitalization (STAR) Grant

The South Thornton Attraction & Revitalization (STAR) Grant is a local-level reimbursement grant offered by the City of Thornton’s Office of Economic Development. Designed to revitalize the South Thornton Development Area (TDA), the STAR Grant seeks to attract new and expanding businesses to the southern part of the city, specifically within the boundaries south of 104th Avenue. This area includes properties flanking Interstate 25, spanning from 104th Avenue to 83rd Avenue, and bounded by Huron Street to the west and Corona Street to the east. Established in 2012, the South Thornton Urban Renewal Plan Area encompasses approximately 664 acres. The STAR Grant is part of Thornton’s broader initiative to bolster economic development by improving commercial corridors, promoting sustainable local investment, and supporting physical enhancements to existing properties. The STAR Grant provides funding to commercial businesses locating into an existing building in the designated South TDA area. It supports a variety of eligible expenditures such as permitting and licensing costs, code compliance expenses, interior and exterior building improvements, equipment purchases, signage, accessibility upgrades, and more. Eligible façade improvements include features like lighting, awnings, painting, and landscaping, while interior improvements may include security systems, fire safety enhancements, and energy efficiency projects. Notably, the grant program offers incentives for utilizing Thornton-based contractors, providing a higher reimbursement percentage for local engagements. Businesses may receive up to $15,000 in total funding through a tiered system. Tier 1 provides an initial grant of up to $10,000 per business license holder and location. Tier 2 offers an additional $5,000, contingent upon a 50/50 match by the applicant. For subleasing businesses, the maximum award is limited to $5,000. The grant does not cover inventory or employee wages and prohibits reimbursement for expenses paid in cash. A special condition applies to marketing reimbursements, which are capped at $1,000 and require a 50/50 match and pre-approval of marketing samples. Eligible applicants must be new or expanding commercial businesses within non-residential zones of the South TDA. They must be compliant with all municipal licensing, fees, and regulatory requirements, and must possess or obtain a valid Certificate of Occupancy. If already issued, the certificate must be no older than six months from the application submission date. The program excludes nonprofit entities and businesses engaged in activities such as marijuana sales, pawn broking, money lending, adult entertainment, or religious institutions. Residential facilities and various other specified uses are also ineligible. The application window is open from January 2026 until October 30, 2026, with grants awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Applications may be submitted online, via mail, email, or dropped off at the Alliance Business Assistance Center. Review and notification of approval or denial will occur within 30 business days of submission. If approved, applicants must fulfill all grant requirements within 30 days of notification. Applications must include a completed form, business or strategic plan, and a statement of merit. New businesses or those in operation for less than two years must submit a business plan; others must provide a strategic plan. Templates and scoring sheets are available on the grant's official webpage. Support for application preparation is available through the Alliance Business Assistance Center, where business counselors provide guidance on crafting required documentation. Reimbursement is contingent upon submission of all receipts, invoices, and photographs in an organized manner. Final disbursement will occur only after all permits, inspections, and requirements have been satisfied. No advance payments are allowed. This grant provides a targeted opportunity for commercial investment and infrastructure enhancement within one of Thornton’s key redevelopment zones.