South Thornton Attraction & Revitalization (STAR) Grant

The 2025 South Thornton Attraction & Revitalization (STAR) Grant is a reimbursement-based funding initiative offered by the City of Thornton, Colorado, through its Economic Development Office. This grant aims to support and revitalize commercial areas within the South Thornton Development Area (TDA), located south of 104th Avenue. The program is focused on attracting new businesses and supporting the expansion of existing ones through assistance with building improvements, permitting, regulatory compliance, equipment purchases, and façade enhancements. A completed and approved business or strategic plan must accompany applications, which will be reviewed by a STAR grant committee prior to any funding decisions. Eligible applicants must be either new or expanding commercial businesses moving into existing buildings in the South Thornton TDA, located in non-residential zones. Applications are open only to for-profit businesses, and various business types are explicitly excluded, including nonprofits, marijuana-related entities, pawn shops, bail bonds, check cashing services, liquor stores, adult-oriented businesses, religious institutions, and residential living facilities. Applicants must be compliant with all applicable taxes, fees, licenses, and ordinances and must submit all documentation—including invoices, receipts, photos, and contractor details—completely and in an orderly format. The application period runs from January 2025 through October 31, 2025. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds are exhausted. Within 30 business days of submitting a complete application, the Office of Economic Development will notify applicants of approval or denial. Approved applicants must meet all grant requirements within 30 days of notification. Applications can be submitted online, by email, by mail, or in person at the Alliance Business Assistance Center. Funding tiers include a Tier 1 grant of up to $10,000 per business license and location. For projects exceeding this amount, a Tier 2 grant of an additional $5,000 is available with a 50/50 match, capping the total at $15,000. Subleased spaces qualify for a maximum of $5,000. Marketing-related expenses are eligible for up to $1,000 with a 50/50 match. Preference is given to businesses using Thornton-based contractors, which qualify for a higher reimbursement rate (60% vs. 50%). Only one grant per business license is permitted. Eligible expenses include code compliance costs, licensing and permitting fees, signage, interior and exterior improvements (such as painting, roofing, ADA accessibility, and security), as well as furniture, fixtures, and certain operating costs like the first month’s rent. Reimbursement does not cover inventory or employee wages. Templates for required plans and the evaluation scoresheet are available on the city's website. Applicants may receive assistance from the Alliance Business Assistance Center, which offers free business counseling sessions. Contact for the grant is available via the Alliance Business Assistance Center, which can be reached by phone at 720-674-3547 or email at alliance@thorntonco.gov. Additional information and application resources are available at the grant’s official webpage: https://businessinthornton.com/local-business/small-business-support-programs/attraction-revitalization-grant/.