Castle Pines businesses recently were issued more than $345,000 in grants by the city, an effort designed to help keep the companies afloat during the holidays as COVID-19 restrictions took a toll on revenue.

“Our businesses responded early in the pandemic to allow customers a safe experience and have demonstrated incredible resiliency since March,” Mayor Tera Radloff said in a news release. “These grants are just a part of the success of our business’s ability to survive. The council and I are grateful for the community’s loyal and continued support of our local businesses.” 

The grants were issued to 21 local businesses.

In addition to the business grant program, Radloff and Castle Pines staff worked with Douglas County commissioners and other Front Range mayors on the county’s 5-star program, according to the news release. The program allows certified businesses to seek a variance that allows increased occupancy one level lower than current COVID-19 levels specify.

“The grant opportunities and the 5-star Program were all critical in keeping our business community solvent and able to weather the current restrictions,” Radloff said. “With the support of the city council and the response from our city staff, we were able to put these programs into place quickly and get funds and support to those who needed it.” 

Councilmember Roger Hudson added: “While these small business grants won’t make up for the financial hardships these businesses suffered in 2020, we hope that they will assist in a strong recovery in 2021.” 

The city created three different grant opportunities to address specific areas, the news release states. They were: housing, food and financial assistance; small business assistance; and outdoor dining assistance. Radloff, Hudson, and city staff members evaluated the applications received and awarded funds based on the demonstrated cost of employment or business interruption due to the pandemic.

For more information, go to castlepinesco.gov/castle-pines-cares.