About the Business Advancement Program

Offering Eagle businesses a combined total of $120,000 for 2026 initiatives.

What is the Business Advancement Program
The Business Advancement Program (BAP) is a town-wide initiative designed to invest directly in Eagle’s business community. Building on the strategies established in the 2023 Town of Eagle Economic Development Plan and funded through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade’s Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI), the BAP reflects the Town’s commitment to fostering a diverse, innovative, and sustainable economy that supports residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

The Town of Eagle will administer the BAP to provide financial aid to local businesses and property owners that supports site enhancements, business expansion, workforce attraction and retention, and housing stipends for its staff. The program provides matching grants for tangible improvements that stimulate private investment, expand operations, attract and retain employees, and increase local economic activity that contributes to long-term sales tax generation and reinvestment within the community. The Town’s goal is to encourage visible, lasting reinvestment across Eagle’s business hubs while also supporting equitable access to resources for businesses across the community. At this time, the BAP is being offered as a one-time Town initiative.

All BAP-funded initiatives must be completed on or before January 31, 2027.

Funding
The total Business Advancement Program budget is $120,000, of which $20,000 is reserved specifically for Housing Stipends. This is a reimbursement-based program, meaning funds will be distributed only after the approved initiative has been completed and verified.

Eligible Expenses
1. Initiatives which support startups, business expansion, and/or to attract new industries, including marketing and advertising.
2. Facility improvements to a commercial space including vacant, abandoned, or otherwise underutilized property. 
3. Site improvements including energy conservation improvements, ADA accessibility improvements, landscaping, façade and exterior upgrades, signage, and enhancements that increase public gathering areas (e.g., patio expansions or outdoor seating). Exterior façade art murals are ineligible for BAP funding.
4. Workforce training and talent development programs that result in an official certification, professional license, or higher education credential directly related to the business within the town.
5. Infrastructure which supports entrepreneurs such as coworking spaces, makerspaces, innovation centers, or communal kitchens. 
6. Licensing and permitting fees. 
7. Housing stipends to help businesses support a local workforce.
     + The business/employer is the applicant; stipends must directly support the employee’s rent. 
     + Eligible employees may be full-time or part-time and must reside within the town of Eagle.
     + Stipends may be distributed to multiple eligible employees or directed to support a specific staff member’s retention or relocation.
     + Proof of rent payment to a landlord/property manager is required; a lease document is not necessary.
     + Housing stipends also require proof of a one-to-one employer match.

Projects that include a sustainability-related component can reference Eagle's Net Zero Action Plan and the Construction & Demolition Waste Diversion Toolkit (English; Spanish) for additional guidance. If awarded, the grantee must be able to demonstrate implementation of the sustainability component(s) in their project close-out report and reimbursement request. Please contact Kira Koppel, Sustainability Specialist, for additional support during implementation: kira.koppel@townofeagle.org, 970-328-9658.

Ineligible Projects
1. Commercial rent, lease, mortgage payments, HOA costs, common area maintenance. 
2. Employee wages, salaries and benefits such as medical, retirement, or other investments.
3. General operation or administration expenses outside project scope of work.
4. Seed money for feasibility studies.
5. Financial support for grants/grant writing.
6. Refinancing debt or management of financial/ banking fees.
7. Exterior façade art murals. 
8. Non-project related equipment, materials or services as determined by the Town. 

Resources

• Town of Eagle Resources:
  • Business Overview Process: Start or Expand Your Business in Eagle
  • Housing Stipend FAQ Sheet
  • Municipal Code
  • Building Department | Planning & Zoning Department | Public Works
  • Do I Need a Building Permit? - Building Permit Guidelines
  • Forms, Permits, Fees & Applications
  • Water Tap / Plant Investment Fee (PIF) Application Directions
  • Economic Development Plan
  • Net Zero Action Plan
  • One-on-one guidance with a member of the Town's Economic Vitality Committee
• Eagle Chamber of Commerce Business Resources
• Walking Mountain Science Center Commercial Rebate Program
• Holy Cross Energy Commercial Rebate Program