City of Pueblo Establishes Small Business Window Repair Mini-Grant Program

PUEBLO-The Pueblo City Council approved a new program called the Small Business Window Repair Mini-Grant Program to assist up to 50 small businesses in Pueblo's commercial districts. On Monday, Oct. 27 the ordinance was approved unanimously and allocated $50,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) interest fund dollars toward the program.

"We've all seen the impact vandalism has had on Pueblo's small businesses - boarded-up windows, broken glass, and the feeling that no one is helping them recover," said District 3 City Councilor Sarah Martinez. "This $50,000 program won't solve everything, and it isn't a long-term fix. But why can't we try something small that can make a real difference right now? Helping at least 50 local businesses repair their storefronts is not just about appearances - it's about restoring pride, safety, and confidence in our city."

The City of Pueblo applied for a grant to fund this mini-grant relief for small business owners in Pueblo, however, were unsuccessful with award. Councilor Martinez then looked for another opportunity for funding to help small businesses in the Pueblo community and found the ARPA interest fund as a way to help up to 50 businesses without allocating general fund dollars.

The Small Business Window Repair Mini-Grant Program is administered on a first come, first serve basis for applicants that provide information including a police report, a paid invoice for glass replacement, a valid business license and is in good standing with the City of Pueblo. There is $50,000 allocated to this grant and the City looks to assist up to 50 businesses with reimbursement of up to $1,000 per business.

"When Councilor Martinez and I presented this grant opportunity, I spoke about the broken windows theory, which highlights that crime is more likely when things like vandalism or broken windows are present because they are attractors," said Pueblo Police Department Chief Chris Noeller. "At the Police Department, we work to proactively police low-level offenses to address this issue, however this grant takes it a step further to assist business owners with repairs for the broken windows which impact their ability to serve their customer base." The Broken Windows Theory positions the belief that visible neglect encourages further disorder and crime within a community. Pueblo has experienced a recent increase in vandalism of storefronts in the form of broken windows and doors. Many businesses have been forced to operate behind damaged or boarded windows, which can signal disinvestment, deter customers, and fuel crime cycles. Due to the frequent incidents of vandalism, small business owners are struggling to absorb ongoing repair costs that create a heavy financial burden in the form of boarding, securing and repairs. The result is a loss of foot traffic, weaker community confidence, and stalled economic growth. The Small Business Window Repair Mini-Grant Program addresses this with reimbursement assistance directly to the businesses affected by vandalism. Eligible businesses can apply online on the City's website Small Business Window Repair Application or finding it under the "Doing Business" tab on the homepage. Businesses can apply in person at the Mayor's Office in City Hall for this reimbursement opportunity.