Fraser Business Incentives and Grant Programs 

Fraser recognizes that our businesses are part of the heart and soul of our community. As a mountain resort town, Fraser offers ample opportunities and challenges. We would love to know how your business fits with Fraser and how we might best support your endeavors. Fraser offers incentives for new businesses and support for improvements to current businesses. 

Fraser Business Enhancement Grants

We want to support our current businesses and improve Fraser's economic vitality by encouraging enhancements to the physical appearance of business properties, improvement of public infrastructure, amenities, and gathering places, and increased ADA accessibility.

Applicant Eligibility:

  • Must own or lease the commercial property slated for improvements
  • Properties must be within Fraser’s Riverwalk or Business Districts or in a commercial/mixed-use planned development
  • Home occupations and standalone residences are not eligible
  • Applicant must be in good standing with the Town, including required licenses
  • Tenants must have written consent from property owners
  • Single application may be submitted for multiple spaces or properties for a particular scope of work 

Eligible Projects:

ADA improvements, publicly displayed art, landscaping and streetscape improvements, exterior decorations, building façade improvements/renovations, painting, signage, awnings, cornices, sidewalks, exterior lighting, gathering spaces, public amenities, patios, or other related exterior improvements

Evaluation Criteria:

Improvements that provide the most public benefit will be prioritized. This includes projects that increase ADA accessibility, provide gathering spaces and amenities for public use, improve public infrastructure, and/ or contribute to the beautification and uniqueness of Fraser.

Award & Match Amounts:

- Grant requests of $2,000-$25,000 will be considered
 - 50% project match is generally required; lower project matches may be considered for projects providing maximum public benefit

Deadline:  February 1st, 2026

Applications for funding projects to be implemented in 2026 must be submitted by February 1st for priority consideration.
- If funding for projects remains after consideration of initial applications that meet the deadline, rolling applications will be considered until grant program funding for the year is exhausted. 

Submittal Requirements:

 - Completed Business Enhancement Grant Application
 - Cover letter (optional)
 - Site plan, project sketch, and/ or photographs, etc, to help explain the project; a survey may be required
 - Itemized project budget
 - Formal estimates (if received) 
 - Landscape proposals must provide a complete plant list with quantities.

Ineligible Projects:

  • New building construction, property acquisition, refinancing, interior remodels expansion, equipment, or fixtures (apart from ADA accessibility improvements)
  • Residential properties or home occupations (unless part of a qualifying mixed-use property)
  • Completed projects or costs incurred before grant approval

Fraser Business Enhancement Grants are considered as part of a competitive process and awarded at the sole discretion of the Fraser Board of Trustees. If an application is approved, grant funds are provided upon project completion and submission of certification of project expenses. All projects should be completed within the calendar year the award is granted, unless a written request for an extension to complete the project is received and approved.  The grantee may be subject to receiving a Form 1099 under the Internal Revenue Service and therefore must fill out a W-9 form. All projects must comply with applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, and zoning requirements. 

Business Enhancement Grant Application


Fraser Rainbow


Fraser Business Incentives 

New commercial developments and businesses are invited to submit requests to the Town of Fraser for economic incentives that would enhance the project's financial viability. Let us know your business's vision, how it fits with Fraser, and how we can support your efforts. If it's the right fit, incentives may be available. 

Incentives may include:

     - Sales tax rebates to business owners (as a recruitment incentive or to offset public infrastructure requirements)
     - Payment of Water & Waste Water Plant Investment Fees distributed over 2 years 
     - Additional incentives may be considered upon request

To be considered:

 Please provide a formal written request that includes the following:

     - Cover letter
     - Business Incentive Application Form
     - Detailed project budget
     - Business financial statements (last 2 years, if applicable)
     - Business/ strategic plan
     - Project timeline (with milestones)
     - Site plan (for new construction or proposed improvements)
     - Proof of ownership or lease agreement for the project site
     - Market Analysis (as applicable)

Evaluation Criteria:

Businesses that help fulfill Fraser's economic development goals and fit with the vision for Downtown Fraser will receive the highest consideration, particularly those that present a  comprehensive business plan, demonstrate the incentive(s) requested are needed to make the project financially viable, and will contribute one or more of the following: 

     - diversify economic base
     - provide a unique amenity
     - fill a needed gap in the economy
     - present a regional draw
     - add vitality to downtown
     - provide public benefit
     - generate significant sales tax revenue

To begin conversations around possible business incentives, please contact: Town Manager, Michael Brack: mbrack@town.fraser.co.us; 970-531-9686. Requests for economic incentives are considered for approval at the sole discretion of the Town of Fraser Board of Trustees. 

Additional incentives may be available through the Fraser Downtown Development Authority (DDA) for properties within the DDA boundary. 

Questions: Contact Sarah Catanzarite at scatanzarite@town.fraser.co.us / 970-531-9930