BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT GRANT (BIG)
A matching grant to support local businesses to assist with interior, exterior, and equipment purchases.
The Parker Business Improvement Grant (BIG) is designed to support local businesses by reimbursing costs associated with business improvement projects. This 1:1 match reimbursement program helps eligible businesses make improvements that enhance their operations, upgrade storefronts and interior spaces, and contribute to the overall economic growth of Parker.
ALL FUNDS HAVE BEEN AWARDED FOR 2025. PLEASE SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAIL LIST TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN MORE FUNDS BECOME AVAILABLE.
BIG Highlights
1:1 Match Reimbursement:
The program covers up to 50% of the cost of approved improvement projects up to $5,000 for a single tenant, and $15,000 for a multi-tenant property.
Available Year-Round:
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated. Funds replenish in the new year.
Eligible Projects:
Include interior code compliance upgrades, exterior and facade improvements, and equipment purchases and upgrades.
Grants Available:
Up to $5,000 is available per project for a single tenant and up to $15,000 for a multi-tenant property. Grants are available until funds run out, with funds replenishing in the new year.
LEARN MORE:
Business Qualifications
To qualify for the BIG program, businesses must meet the following criteria:
Must be a commercial business within Parker town limits (excludes residential living facilities and non-profits).
Must have 25 or fewer employees (home-based businesses are eligible for equipment purchasing grants).
Must possess a valid Town of Parker Business/Sales Tax License for:
A minimum of 12 months for exterior improvement grants.
A minimum of 24 months for interior improvement grants.
Must be current on all sales and use tax obligations.
Must have no outstanding code enforcement violations at the time of application.
Must obtain approval before beginning construction.
Eligible Project Types
The BIG program provides funding for one-time capital projects, including but not limited to:
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Examples include:
Painting of building façade
Siding and building material replacement
Window and door replacement
Masonry cleaning
Awnings and canopies
Addition of architectural details
Replacement or upgrade of exterior lighting fixtures
Replacement signage
Landscaping and fencing (includes irrigation system)
Rooftop and mechanical screening
Parapet walls and cornice improvements
Sidewalks or other hard landscape – New only
Public Art and murals maintained by the property owner that do not contain a commercial message
Design work for improvements, such as but not limited to drainage and geology reports, traffic studies, submission plans and drawings
Other exterior improvements on a case-by-case basis
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Eligible improvements are those that significantly upgrade a building’s core operating systems and bring the property into compliance with current life-safety, accessibility, and building code standards. These improvements must support the safe, efficient, and continued operation of the building. Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to, the following:
Upgrade out-of-date or unsafe electrical systems
Upgrade or replacement of commercial electric, oil, or natural gas HVAC systems
Plumbing improvements, including replacement of lead supply lines, with preference for projects that improve health and safety, such as the removal of lead pipes and water lines
Installation of weatherization measures, including windows and doors, to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs
Fire separation between floors or adjacent occupancies
Fire and smoke alarm and sprinkler systems
Fireproofing of stairwells
Repair, replacement, or installation of fire escapes, fire-rated walls, or fire-rated windows
Additional means of egress (e.g., doors or windows)
Type I kitchen hoods with grease duct and ventilation systems
Code-required renovations and safety improvements
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Must be essential to business operations and have as a class life of 5+ years. Application must indicate class life of equipment.
See the IRS Table of Class Lives and Recovery Periods (pages 97-107) to find the "Class Life" in years for the type of equipment you will be using this grant to purchase.
All purchases must be made by November 1.
Computers, laptops, and printers are not eligible equipment purchases
Application Process
Step 1
Submit an Application
Complete the BIG Grant Application and provide the required documentation:
Proof of property ownership or landlord consent.
Two bids from different contractors for the same scope of work. 1:1 matching grant funds are available up to $5,000 for a single tenant and up to $15,000 for a multi-tenant property.
Photos and color renderings of the proposed improvement.
Step 2
Application Review
Applications are reviewed within five business days based on eligibility and available funding.
Step 3
Project Completion & Reimbursement
Approved projects must be completed within the same calendar year.
For any project requiring a building permit, the permit must be submitted by September 1, 2026, or the application will be invalid.
Upon completion, submit proof of payment and required approvals to receive reimbursement.
Got Questions?
Call us at 303.841.0353 or email us!