rio nuevo
Small Business.Big Ideas.
SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS TO BUILD A THRIVING BUSINESS DISTRICT
TRANCHE 2 APPLICATION IS NOW OPEN
a partnership of
Tucson's small and micro-businesses are critical for our economy, our culture, and our community.
We are excited to be able to offer flexible capital between $5,000 - $25,000 to support your
small businesses needs. We are looking to invest in high-impact
projects that are ready to launch.
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Below are just a few of the ways the capital can be used.
Please review our eligibility for full information.​
STARTUP CAPITAL
We are looking to support entrepreneurs who have a great idea for a new business startup or who have just launched in the last two years.
GROWTH CAPITAL
Existing businesses located in the Rio Nuevo District can apply for funding for a project that will help increase their companies revenue or success.
CREATIVE CAPITAL
We are looking for creative and innovative projects that will activate the Rio Nuevo District and bring foot traffic to the area.
EQUITABLE CAPITAL
Our primary focus is on providing capital to projects and companies that struggle to secure capital from other sources. We have an emphasis on funding underrepresented small businesses.
Qualifications
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In order to receive funding, your project or business must be located in the Rio Nuevo District OR if a mobile business at least 75% of your revenue must come from the Rio Nuevo District. ​​Use the tool below to find out if you qualify.
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​Your company's gross revenue (actual or projected) must be under $300,000 annually to qualify. We are focused on investing in micro-businesses who are positioned to grow.
Fund Sizes
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Grants will be made between $5,000 and $25,000. You may apply for any amount within that range. You may not receive your full requested amount. ​​​​​
Selection Process
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Applications are reviewed and selected by a diverse community-based committee.​​​
Join Us for an Info Session
Throughout the year we will host online info sessions -- in both English and Spanish -- to help you navigate the application process. We also host weekly "office hours" where you can stop by to get individual assistance.
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Please check the schedule on our Tucson Small Business website to join the next session.
Rio Nuevo District
If you are unsure if you qualify, please contact diana@groundswellcapital.org
In order to receive funding, your project or business must be located in the Rio Nuevo District. ​
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How to look up your eligibility:
1. Click the button below
2. Enter your address
3. Locate your business type (or close approximation)
4. If "PAD - RIO NUEVO DISTRICT" appears under "The Suggested Business Codes and Tax Rate(s)" then your location is eligible. ​
Tranche 2
Applications
are open!
In order to provide multiple opportunities for funding we will accept applications on a rolling basis and fund projects in three tranches.​
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Tranche 1
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Applications open September 2, 2025
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Applications close October 17, 2025
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Tranche 2
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Applications open October 20, 2025
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Applications close December 31, 2025
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Tranche 3
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Applications open January 1, 2026
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Applications close February 28, 2026
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Applications are automatically rolled over to the next tranche if your application is not selected, so no need to apply more than once.
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Sign Up for Updates
rio nuevo
About
A public nonprofit driving over $2 billion dollars of economic impact for Tucson.
Rio Nuevo's mission is to revitalize downtown Tucson to create a vibrant, urban environment where residents and visitors can live, stay, work and play, allowing us to compete with cities like Austin, Portland and San Diego for citizens and tourists seeking an urban destination: safe, walkable, artistic and fun, complete with great food and music.
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Rio Nuevo Funding
Rio Nuevo funds are generated from a portion of state sales tax from businesses in the Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District. The District boundaries include the west side of I-10 at Congress Street, downtown Tucson and Broadway Boulevard to Park Place Mall. These state funds – currently set by Arizona legislature to be collected through 2035 – are managed and invested by the Rio Nuevo Board of Directors, appointed by the Arizona Governor, state Senate president and speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives.
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Driving Investment & Development
Rio Nuevo is an economic engine and a city builder that drives jobs and long-term growth by helping defray the steep costs of major projects: new development and property improvements that will benefit Tucson in the long view but come at a price today.
Rio Nuevo has teamed up with Groundswell Capital, a nonprofit lender, to deliver impactful grants that support innovative businesses, strengthen the local economy, create quality jobs, and foster a thriving, inclusive community for the City of Tucson.​
a partnership of