Supporting the businesses that already call Cheyenne and Laramie County home.
Cheyenne LEADS’ Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Program is designed to strengthen our relationships with existing employers and provide hands-on support as local companies grow and navigate challenges.
Through direct business outreach, employer visits and industry engagement, LEADS works to identify barriers preventing growth and help companies successfully move projects forward.
How Cheyenne LEADS Can Help
Businesses don’t always need funding, they may need the right connection, help navigating a process or someone who can bring the right partners to the table. Through the BRE Program, Cheyenne LEADS can assist with:
- Expansion & Investment – Supporting companies considering new equipment, facility improvements or expansion.
- Infrastructure & Utilities – Helping coordinate water, sewer, drainage, roads, power, fiber, utilities and site-access needs.
- Development & Permitting – Assisting companies as they navigate zoning, permitting, entitlements and development processes.
- Workforce Connections – Connecting employers with workforce, education, training and other available resources.
- Project Facilitation – Bringing together local governments, utilities and other partners to help resolve issues and keep projects moving.
- Business Connections – Connecting employers with resources and organizations that can help address specific business needs.
Cheyenne LEADS Expansion Solutions Fund—Coming January 2027
Beginning in January 2027, Cheyenne LEADS will launch the Expansion Solutions Fund, a new resource designed to help existing businesses overcome barriers preventing growth, make capital improvements, increase productivity, retain jobs and create new employment opportunities in Cheyenne and Laramie County.
Applications Open January 2027
The Expansion Solutions Fund will officially launch in January 2027. Applications will not be accepted or reviewed prior to the program launch.
Eligible projects may include:
- Equipment purchases
- New construction and interior finish-out
- Water, sewer, stormwater and pavement infrastructure
- Electrical, fiber and telephone improvements
- Power and transformer materials
- Engineering, architecture and design fees
- Federal, state and local permitting fees
- Site improvements, including ADA improvements, fencing and pavement
Routine maintenance, operating costs and cosmetic exterior upgrades are not eligible.
How to get started
Potential applicants will first meet with Cheyenne LEADS staff to discuss their project. LEADS staff will review the proposed project and conduct a site visit before an eligible application is presented to the Cheyenne LEADS Board of Directors for consideration. Complete eligible applications are intended to receive a Board decision within 30 days.
Final eligibility requirements, award amounts and program guidelines are subject to Cheyenne LEADS review and approval. Funding is limited and submitting an application does not guarantee an award.
Key Fund Requirements
- Maximum Award: $100,000
- Company Match: 2:1 company match
- Frequency: No more than one award per company every 24 months
- LEADS Membership: Award recipients must become Cheyenne LEADS members
- BRE Participation: Award recipients must participate in the LEADS Business Retention Survey for five years.
Contact Rachelle Zimmerman at [email protected] or 307-630-3966 for more information.
