Manitou businesses could get financial help

Manitou Springs business owners affected by last fall’s flash floods could be eligible to receive thousands of dollars in grants and loans.

The grants are available through the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program and the Economic Development Administration. Owners of one business could receive up to $10,000. Owners of two or more businesses could receive up to $25,000. They could also be eligible for loans through the Recover Colorado Business Loan Program.

“I’m really excited and very grateful for this,” said Beth Pastuer, manager of Twin Bears. “I didn’t realize that this could be available.”

Pastuer and others plan on attending an informational meeting Monday to learn more about the available money. They said it could be a big help for the entire town.

“It’s really positive to help us as a business as well, but the whole community,” said Manny Vasquez, owner of Goldminers Fudge Shoppe. “We want Manitou to be strong. And that’s important to me.”

The informational meeting is on Monday, April 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. It’s at Spencer Hall at 515 Manitou Avenue. You can find more details here.