Our Policy Council—a group of values-driven entrepreneurs from diverse industries—plays a critical role in representing GBCA member voices as we take a stance on policies that support an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Colorado. In this Q&A series, we’ll introduce you to the dedicated members of the GBCA Policy Council by asking them all the same three questions which highlight some of their expertise, insights, and the pressing policy issues on their mind.

In this Q&A series, we’ll introduce you to the dedicated members of the GBCA Policy Council by asking them all the same three questions which highlight some of their expertise, insights, and the pressing policy issues on their mind. Meet Rachel Robinson of The Ray of Justice.

In your opinion, what has been the most interesting bill of this legislative session so far?

The Immigration Omnibus bill was the most interesting because things feel so hopeless right now and it is encouraging to see Colorado stepping up.

Which bill do you think will have the greatest impact on your business?

The Immigration Omnibus bill because, as a Victim Rights Attorney, I have immigrant clients and they are usually more scared to come forward. Any bill that protects immigrants, helps immigrant victims. 

If you had a magic wand, how would you use it to make Colorado an even better place?

There would be no more unhoused people. The only reasons that they endure that are Classism, Racism, Ableism, and Individualism.

Our Policy Council—a group of values-driven entrepreneurs from diverse industries—plays a critical role in representing GBCA member voices as we take a stance on policies that support an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Colorado. In this Q&A series, we’ll introduce you to the dedicated members of the GBCA Policy Council by asking them all the same three questions which highlight some of their expertise, insights, and the pressing policy issues on their mind.

In this Q&A series, we’ll introduce you to the dedicated members of the GBCA Policy Council by asking them all the same three questions which highlight some of their expertise, insights, and the pressing policy issues on their mind. Meet Jervis DiCicco CEO/Co-Founder of ProsperBridge PBC.

In your opinion, what has been the most interesting bill of this legislative session so far?

The most interesting bill--and I think many legislators would agree--has been HB25-1208, a bill that would create tip offsets for tipped employees.  That may not sound controversial, but the Colorado Restaurant Association and hundreds of restaurant owners have been in a fierce battle with labor support groups and local control proponents.  We oppose the bill and it will be interesting to see if it passes the legislatures. 

Which bill do you think will have the greatest impact on your business?

This may sound strange, but I'll go with HB25-1169.  Affectionately called "YIGBY" (Yes in God's backyard), this bill allows churches and educational land to develop affordable housing without having to go through the long, expensive, and frustrating process of rezoning.  This would have a real impact on affordable housing and help make Colorado a place where people of all income levels can thrive, which would help hire more local employees and help ProsperBridge give more clients access to home ownership.

If you had a magic wand, how would you use it to make Colorado an even better place?

From a policy standpoint, I'd make it easy, fast, and cheap to include all workers in company ownership without having to deal with tax and valuation consequences.  I believe every employee should own part of their company.  

Our Policy Council—a group of values-driven entrepreneurs from diverse industries—plays a critical role in representing GBCA member voices as we take a stance on policies that support an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Colorado. In this Q&A series, we’ll introduce you to the dedicated members of the GBCA Policy Council by asking them all the same three questions which highlight some of their expertise, insights, and the pressing policy issues on their mind.

In this Q&A series, we’ll introduce you to the dedicated members of the GBCA Policy Council by asking them all the same three questions which highlight some of their expertise, insights, and the pressing policy issues on their mind. Meet Aaron Zimola, CEO of Zova Marketing.

In your opinion, what has been the most interesting bill of this legislative session so far?

I think that HB 25-1169 "Housing Developments on Faith and Educational Land" is the most interesting bill. It may be a very good option for affordable housing in Colorado. 

Which bill do you think will have the greatest impact on your business?

HB 25-1090 "Protections Against Deceptive Pricing Practices" will have the most impact on my business as a Marketing Agency. 

If you had a magic wand, how would you use it to make Colorado an even better place?

If I had a magic wand, I would make a law that makes it more difficult or not worth it for large Real Estate Investment Trusts to buy single-family residential properties up to a quadplex in Colorado. This would bring the housing market closer to an actual supply/ demand curve and bring the price of those properties down by approximately 11%. 

Our Policy Council—a group of values-driven entrepreneurs from diverse industries—plays a critical role in representing GBCA member voices as we take a stance on policies that support an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Colorado. In this Q&A series, we’ll introduce you to the dedicated members of the GBCA Policy Council by asking them all the same three questions which highlight some of their expertise, insights, and the pressing policy issues on their mind.

This series will introduce you to the dedicated members of the GBCA Policy Council by asking them all the same three questions which highlight some of their expertise, insights, and the pressing policy issues on their mind. Meet Eric Elkins, CEO of Wide Focus.

In your opinion, what has been the most interesting bill of this legislative session so far?

Although I'm keeping an eye on the junk fees bill, YIGBY (Housing Developments on Faith and Educational Land) — aka HB 25-1169 — is quietly making waves and seems like a common sense way to increase affordable housing in Denver. I know we need creative responses to a tough problem, and this one feels unique and clever.

Which bill do you think will have the greatest impact on your business?

As a business that accepts credit cards for our work, the Swipe Fee Fairness and Consumer Safeguards Act would likely save us money when clients use their cards vs ACH payments. Anything that brings down expenses helps us grow and thrive.

If you had a magic wand, how would you use it to make Colorado an even better place?

I'd create an insurance benefits coop for hospitality workers in Colorado, so they had a safety net if things went sideways. So many of my friends have given so much to Denver's food and cocktails scene over the years — they're true professionals, providing guidance and happiness to customers days, nights, and weekends. I wish their jobs provided benefits like PTO, health insurance, and 401ks, but we know how tight the margins are already. So I would wave a magic wand and create some safety and support to help them keep the jobs they love and still be secure if they needed medical help.

This year the Entrepreneur Day of Action brought together the Center for Community Wealth Building, Good Business Colorado, Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute and Small Business Majority with entrepreneurs from across Colorado to advocate for policies that support the growth and sustainability of local businesses and communities. Hosted at the Colorado State Capitol, more than 70 entrepreneurs from across the state met directly with legislators to share their experiences and help shape policymaking. Through scheduled meetings, floor lobbying, and even impromptu conversations in the halls, we witnessed how accessible and impactful civic engagement can be.

Legislators were eager to hear from the people powering Colorado’s small business economy. Representative Naquetta Ricks encouraged attendees, stating, "You guys have what it takes, and we're going to fight together…I want to see small businesses succeed." Representative Steven Woodrow echoed this sentiment, urging entrepreneurs to "stay engaged and keep coming back because the more we hear from you, the better." These words reinforced the idea that your voice directly shapes the policies that impact your business.

Entrepreneurs left feeling empowered and ready to take action. Jervis DiCicco, an entrepreneur who also guided attendees through the day’s scheduled events, shared: "There is nothing like seeing the legislative process in action and realizing that there is (almost) no barrier to participation at the Capitol. Whether it's floor lobbying, catching people in the hallway, or scheduling a meeting, the public really does have direct access to lawmakers, and lawmakers want to meet with their constituents!" He highlighted a moment when a senator struck up an organic conversation with someone in the group and then requested a meeting with them, demonstrating how legislators value these interactions.

For first-time participants, the event demystified advocacy. Laura Morocco, another entrepreneur in attendance reflected: "Participating in my first Entrepreneur Day of Action was both exciting and eye-opening. The event helped demystify the process of testifying, lobbying, and simply connecting with senators and representatives in person. I appreciated having a knowledgeable guide who provided context at every turn, which enabled me to feel more empowered to share my voice with our state legislators to make an impact."

Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs appreciated the support of English translations whenever needed. “For me it was very valuable because by giving me the bills in Spanish I was able to learn more about them and choose the ones of greatest interest to me, also doing a short practice on how to use them in front of the legislators made things easier,” said Luz, an entrepreneur who was able to utilize the translations at the event.

One of the most powerful aspects of the day was witnessing entrepreneurs gain confidence in advocating for their businesses. Morgan Turner, a local nonprofit leader who also served as a lobby captain for the day, noted how nervous some business owners were at first but saw them gain comfort as the day progressed. She recounted a particularly inspiring story about an attendee, who initially felt he had nothing to contribute but soon found his voice in a conversation with Representative Woodrow. "It was so amazing to see him come to life!" she shared. "Before leaving yesterday, he ran up and gave me a hug, thanking me for being there and providing support."

The event also offered unique moments of connection. Lindsey, a leader in the policy space who led as a lobby captain, described a special experience when Representative Lorena Garcia invited her and three small business owners onto the House Floor for a tour. "There was so much intentional time with Rep. Garcia, and the small business owners felt incredibly connected to the civic engagement process."

Entrepreneur Day of Action proved to be a catalyst for deeper engagement, with many attendees eager to stay involved in advocacy. Senator James Coleman emphasized the importance of ongoing conversations between lawmakers and business owners: "It’s crucial that we continue to be in conversation to make sure that policies passed in this building provide opportunities for our communities, for our families, and for our businesses to thrive. And quite frankly, that you all be involved in that process because we’re running policies and voting on bills that impact you, and some of us ain’t never been business owners. So it’s important that you all are here to advise us on bills that we’re running."

Colorado’s legislative session is now at the halfway point and as we look ahead, continued engagement will be essential to ensuring that small business voices are heard in shaping Colorado’s policies. The enthusiasm and insights shared at this year’s event set the stage for even greater impact . We encourage all entrepreneurs to stay involved, build on these connections, and advocate for the policies that matter most to them.

When I reflect on my journey as a community organizer, champion for economic justice, non profit director, and now entrepreneur, I am reminded of the countless moments in the trenches when I witnessed, first hand, the powerful impact and voice of GBC members throughout the years. Starting with the fight to increase state minimum wage in 2016 and then later with paid family medical leave, I remember witnessing GBC members advocating at coalition meetings, the state capitol, press conferences and many other places about why these kinds of policy changes were vital for them to be values centered business leaders. I found GBC members to be so inspirational, because they were so consistent in how they showed up for these campaigns, sometimes year after year, until these important policies were made into law and then implemented. That is why it was so effortless for me to become a member when I launched my coaching and consulting business Celestial Alegria in June 2020, because I knew GBC is where I could truly make an impact for the better in our state.

This is also why it was an easy yes for me to join the Board of Directors and accept the nomination to serve as the current Chair. The innovation and tenacity of our membership gives me hope that we can have equitable communities, a sustainable environment, and a prosperous economy despite all odds. 

Thank you to Our Departing Board Members

As we move forward into 2025 I want to express my deepest gratitude to our departing Board members, Carol Cochran, Edwin Zoe, and Sarah Marcogliese. These amazing human beings have committed the last several years to board service! Your leadership, dedication, and contributions to GBC have been invaluable and we are incredibly grateful for all you’ve done to help shape our community and mission. 

Welcoming New Leadership 

As Board Chair, I am overjoyed to update you on the results of our board recruitment process. I am happy to announce that both Katherine Knarreborg and Pete Turner will be staying on through 2025. At the same time, we are excited to welcome Alisha Harris, Brian Loma, Helena Karchere, Jervis DiCicco, Laura Morocco, Rachel W. Robinson, and Sandy Lane as new members to the Board! These dynamic GBC members bring fresh perspective and expertise that will strengthen our organization as we continue our important work. 

We are thrilled to welcome such a robust cohort of members and business leaders to our Board of Directors. Get to know them more by visiting our website here and meet them at Level Up Academy this January!

Our First Steps Toward the Future

To kick off our next chapter, our Board recently attended a training designed to help strengthen our leadership and ensure we are fully prepared to drive our mission forward. We are also ending the year with a Board and Staff retreat where Yolanda, our Executive Director, and I will begin to set the stage for GBC’s first strategic planning process in the coming year. We are more energized than ever to build stronger support for our members and enhance our voice at the Colorado legislature. 

As an initial step of our planning, Yolanda has conducted a thorough analysis of how we’re doing operationally and provided the Board with a gap assessment report. This assessment has illuminated the areas we’ll need to focus on to improve our impact and better serve our members. If you haven’t been keeping up with our progress over the last several months, here are a few links to get you up to speed:  

• Meet Our New Executive Director, Yolanda Richard

• Recap: Virtual Town Hall on Our Progress

• Read “Yolanda’s First 90 Days” Letter

• Sign Up for Level Up Academy Conference Today!

If you have been thinking about becoming a member of GBC, now is the time! I invite you to take that action by joining us today!

Another great way you can support GBC as we evolve is by making a donation to us this Colorado Gives Day on Tuesday, December 10th. Right now, we have set a goal of raising $5,000 from our members, supporters and community partners. GBC’s Board of Directors are actively raising an additional $5,000 to match community donations. Can we count on your donation? 

Every dollar counts and empowers GBC to further our mission!

On behalf of GBC, I want to wish you happy holidays this season and lots of rest as we head into 2025. I cannot wait to see you virtually and in person at Level Up Academy in January! 

Celesté Martinez

Board Chair

Good Business Colorado

Pronouns: she / her / ella

board@goodbusinessco.org

Dear GBC Members and Community Partners,

Today marks the first 90 days of my tenure as Executive Director of the Good Business Colorado Association and Good Business Colorado! As I reflect on the past three months, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead. These initial weeks have provided me with invaluable insights into our community, and I am truly inspired by the passion and commitment each of you brings to our organization.

Together, we have the opportunity to continue building on the foundation you have established through your dedication to our mission. While we have come so far, I have heard directly from many of you about the future you envision for this vibrant community of entrepreneurs and employers. Your determination to ensure that businesses in our state serve as a force for good—impacting lives and protecting our planet—is truly commendable.

We recently launched a member and partner pulse survey, asking each of you to share what’s working and what’s not at GBC. Additionally, we held a virtual town hall where we discussed our initial observations about the organization and outlined a path forward for 2025 and beyond as we develop our next multi-year strategic plan. I opened my calendar for several months, making it easy for you to schedule time with me at your convenience. I also shared my Calendly link in the Scoop and via email, which allowed many of you to easily connect with me and provide valuable feedback on how we can improve our operations, systems, offerings, and refine our programming. You spoke, and we listened!

Here’s what we heard:

How We’re Doing

• Satisfaction Levels
  On a scale of 1 to 5, respondents of our survey ranked their satisfaction with their member experience as a 4 (22%) or 5 (44%), while the remaining respondents rated their experience as a 3.

• Program Performance
  84% of respondents identified our Policy and Advocacy programming as our best-performing program. However, less than 50% feel we are effectively communicating with members and providing adequate support, educational resources, and networking events.

• Community Needs
  Despite the challenges mentioned, 84% of respondents believe that GBC is meeting the needs of the community. 

• Anecdotal Insights: In my meetings with members, many expressed a genuine love for GBC and the space it creates for them to be more than just business owners. We see ourselves as change-makers, community leaders, and champions for what truly matters. GBC is a place where we can fully embrace our roles as entrepreneurs and challenge the narrative that business and social activism can’t go hand in hand!

Your Emerging Needs

• Challenges Faced
  Over 50% of respondents struggle most with navigating new regulatory landscapes, implementing sustainability practices in their businesses, promoting social equity, and addressing mental health and wellness in the workplace.

• Primary Concerns
  74% of respondents cite affordable housing as the primary concern facing their businesses and surrounding communities, alongside rising costs of living, healthcare, and sustainable development.

• Anecdotal Insights: In my meetings with members, many of you expressed the need for community. Building and running a business can be a lonely pursuit, especially when your work is grounded in ethics such as treating people well, striving to provide a living wage, and offering healthcare that honors the dignity of your staff, all while establishing operations that consider environmental and public health. You shared a desire for more organization and clarity from us as an organization, with clear pathways for participation and engagement that fit the entrepreneurial lifestyle. This doesn’t just mean Zoom events; it’s about having an events schedule that allows you to connect with other entrepreneurs and build friendships and camaraderie with fellow co-laborers in this challenging journey.

We’re still collecting responses for our Pulse Survey, and we’d love to hear from you! If you haven’t had a chance yet, please take a moment to share your thoughts today. The more feedback we gather, the better we can understand how to support our wonderful community. 

Also if you haven't scheduled a 1:1 with me please do! I’d love to meet you, connect, and connect you with others in our community.

But what does this mean, and what are we planning to do about it? Great questions!

As we move into the new year, you’ll notice the GBC team and board applying focused attention in the following key areas:

1. Operational Excellence: We are committed to achieving operational excellence that is both ethical and effective. This involves refining our core processes to better serve our members while upholding our values. To achieve this, we need to increase our capacity by hiring and building a robust team to cover essential workflows, such as membership coordination, educational programming, policy programming, and communications. This requires an intentional focus on revenue generation, increasing our donor and member base, and having honest and transparent discussions with our supporters about the true cost of running our programs and the impact we make. We have discovered that operational delays have directly impacted the member experience, affecting everything from financial management to programmatic effectiveness, resource allocation, and the quality of our communications. When our operations run smoothly, our staff can be more available and supportive to our members and community partners in pursuit of our mission.

2. Building and Nurturing Our Member-Centered Community: I am excited to announce that GBC will be launching its first Online Member Portal! This portal will launch in the new year. The portal will enhance our current website to provide access to your member data and create an intimate digital space for connecting with fellow members. This platform will facilitate community conversations and host members-only content and events. In addition, we will focus on enhancing our Lunch and Learn series and will host regularly scheduled networking events and educational tours of notable businesses that exemplify our shared values.

3. Refined Programmatic Offerings: Beyond our robust policy work, we will begin thoughtfully developing a curriculum for programs focused on educating members and broader community about creating environmentally sustainable businesses and promoting social equity through voluntary employer practices. These offerings will empower our members to implement positive changes within their organizations.

4. Streamlined Communications: We will work to improve our communication strategies to ensure you receive timely and relevant information, making it easier for you to stay engaged and informed.

5. Strengthening Our Commitment to DEI and Accessibility: We are dedicated to enhancing our focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) while prioritizing accessibility for all members of our community. This commitment means actively creating spaces where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but also celebrated. We will ensure that all programming and resources are designed with equity and accessibility in mind, accommodating the needs of individuals from various backgrounds, paying special attention to those with differing abilities, languages, and cultural experiences. Recognizing that many entrepreneurs from underrepresented and under-resourced backgrounds face unique challenges, we are committed to providing targeted support and resources to empower them in their pursuits. By fostering an inclusive environment, we empower every member to contribute their unique insights and strengthen our community. 

6. Strategic Planning for the Future: In 2025, we will embark on our first intentional strategic planning process. This robust and collaborative initiative will shape the organization’s direction for the next 3-4 years, ensuring our mission is sustained and strengthened. This process will provide us with a crucial opportunity to establish a clear and refined theory of change, along with well-defined metrics of success that indicate our performance as a team and organization. Additionally, it will help us determine how we need our members to engage and participate to ensure we are building a true community of practice and shared learning.

As we look ahead, I want to express my deep appreciation for each of you. Your commitment to building a values-centered business landscape in Colorado inspires me every day. Together, we have the power to foster a community where businesses not only thrive but also uplift one another and the world around us. Together, we can create a thriving community that not only supports your business goals but also champions the values we hold dear. I’m excited about what we can achieve in the coming months and years. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey and for welcoming me with open arms into the community. Let’s continue to support each other, embrace our shared values, and make a meaningful impact in our state. And finally, a special thank you to our board for their unwavering support and guidance; your dedication has been instrumental in our progress this year.

I look forward to working alongside you and our greater membership as we move forward together!

In Solidarity, 

Yolanda Richard

Executive Director

Good Business Colorado Association & Good Business Colorado

The installment of our new ED began with a thoughtful two-month interview process, facilitated by a dynamic team of board members, staff, and GBC members. Throughout this period Yolanda consistently exhibited compassionate, capable, and ethical leadership qualities that deeply impressed and inspired us. We heard her “why,” — her passion for small businesses and vision for the future of GBC, her love for the State of Colorado and its rural communities. We heard her commitment to advocacy, racial and economic justice, and climate justice. We saw her compassion, warmth, and kindness towards our staff and members. It was by no surprise that all of our efforts culminated in a unanimous vote to install her as our new Executive Director.

As you will see in her bio below, Yolanda has an impressive background in nonprofits, with significant fundraising and management experience at membership organizations. She brings a thoughtful operational mindset and strong strategic vision that I’m confident will help lead our unique organization into and through the next phase.

The hiring process and beginnings of onboarding with Yolanda have led me to reflect on why my work with GBC has felt so valuable and fulfilling. My best way to describe this is what I see as the magic of GBC. My involvement began with finding my voice in the policy sphere and seeing our collective input reflected in policies that became law. As GBC has grown and developed over the years, I am continually inspired and empowered to see so many like-minded yet diverse business owners engage with our work and dedicate countless hours and efforts to our vision for a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Colorado. 

Our recent awards event was a fantastic window into all the ways our members show up - maybe this year, you testified for the first time or worked on our first-ever GBC-run bill; perhaps you were a presenter at our LevelUp Academy conference or you attended a session and took action to strengthen your business; maybe you served on a GBC committee, responded to a call to action, attended a policy or networking event, or invited others to join us. No matter how you engaged with us this year, we appreciate every contribution and couldn’t do it without you!

Everything that we do at GBC is truly member-led, which shined through at a recent funder meeting where numerous members were invited to share their experiences working with GBC and explain the impact of our work on their business and communities. This resonated so strongly with our funder that GBC was awarded a large multi-year grant. With all these accomplishments and you, our membership, always at the heart of our organization, I am excited for all there is to come with Yolanda now taking the lead in our next phase of growth. 

But as I reflect on the road ahead, I would be remiss to not also reflect on how far we’ve come. On behalf of the board, staff, and numerous GBC members, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Debra Brown for her unwavering support of our community throughout her tenure as a leader over the years. We appreciate her for not only endorsing the pursuit of a new ED but also walking with the organization long enough to pass such a meaningful baton. Thank you, Debra!

Looking to the future, we are confident that GBC is ready for the next level and Yolanda will guide us in building our membership organization further, with greater resiliency as we scale, so that GBC itself is prosperous, equitable, and sustainable for many years to come.

Please join me in welcoming Yolanda to GBC. Introduce yourself as you see her at events or GBC activities. I am confident Yolanda will want to hear your personal ‘Why’ for being part of GBC. I’m looking forward to seeing her flourish as our new Executive Director and how she will take GBC to new heights.

With gratitude for your commitment to this incredible community,

Katharine Knarreborg

Chair, Good Business Colorado Board of Directors

Yolanda Richard credits much of her professional success to her family and their unwavering resolve to be one of a handful of Haitian migrants in Miami, Florida, to start their own small business- The Richard Family Dry Cleaners. Seeing her migrant father’s bold resolve to start a dry cleaning business out of necessity to sustain her family serves as the moral foundation of Yolanda’s work in the world. Yolanda learned first hand how small businesses can be a life-saving resource for the community because she witnessed her family’s business again and again be so much more than a dry cleaning service but also a sanctuary, a community resource center, a hub for mutual aid, and still stands as a cornerstone for Haitian immigrants and community. In witnessing and contributing to her family’s small business, particularly in a culture and society with such explicit anti-immigrant, anti-black, and anti-poor sentiments, Yolanda sees her calling as deeply rooted in leveraging small business ownership to create sustainable pathways for equitable socio-economic mobility. While Yolanda didn't take over the family business, her passionate belief in the power of small business to create life-transforming pathways for unlikely entrepreneurs remains a driving inspiration of her work as a nonprofit leader.  It comes as no surprise that Yolanda's life and professional experience have now led her to become the new Executive Director of Good Business Colorado.

Yolanda is a seasoned non-profit executive leader with over a decade of experience, specializing in guiding organizations through systemic change processes that foster just and inclusive cultures and communities. Yolanda’s leadership also brings a history of profound commitment to driving positive social change through a lens of racial, economic, and climate justice.

Yolanda previously held impactful positions at organizations, including the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver, the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA), Yale University, Columbia University, and New York Presbyterian Hospital. During her tenure in New York city, Yolanda served as the Director of Membership & Strategic Partnerships at FPWA- one of New York City’s premiere public policy organizations. There, she orchestrated New York City’s largest interfaith campaign for the 2020 census, lauded by the U.S. Census Bureau for its impact on increasing counts in low-income communities of color. Additionally, her leadership in the Roll Up Your Sleeves New York vaccine education campaign during the pandemic garnered support wellover $5 million and reached over two million Black and Brown New Yorkers with culturally relevant health information. Through this initiative, Yolanda also strategically led efforts to garner over 70% voter support for NYC Racial Justice Commission's proposals, marking a significant stride in combating systemic racism. Yolanda’s leadership is marked by a commitment to equity, community building, and the cultivation of people power, which she is excited to bring to her executive leadership with GBC and eager to build powerful relationships across the state. 

Yolanda holds a Master of Divinity from Yale University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Miami, completing double majors in Political Science and Africana Studies. Additionally, she holds sought-after certifications in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Baruch College, as well as in Non-Profit Accounting and Finance from the BDO-FMA Institute.

Beyond spearheading GBC as the new Executive Director, you can find Yolanda backpacking, camping, and hiking in the beautiful outdoors of Colorado.

✨Join us in welcoming our new Executive Director by leaving a like and kind comment on her announcement post via our social media platforms!✨
LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Happy Disability Pride Month!

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month this July, we recognize the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities and reflect on the progress made since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990. This month is also an opportunity to highlight the invaluable contributions of our GBC members with disabilities and the resources available to support your continued success in Colorado.

Here are a few resources in Colorado:

• Denver Office of Economic Development and Opportunity (OED) provides resources and support for small businesses, including grants, loans, and business development services. They can help you navigate the various programs available to entrepreneurs with disabilities.

• Mile High Independent Living Center (MHILC) provides independent living skills training, advocacy, peer support, and assistance with navigating business-related challenges. They can connect you with resources to support your business goals. 

• Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) offers services to help individuals with disabilities achieve their employment and entrepreneurial goals. This includes career counseling, job training, and financial assistance for starting or expanding a business. 

• Small Business Administration (SBA) Colorado District Office provides a wealth of resources for small business owners, including loans, grants, and mentorship programs. Their programs can be particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs with disabilities looking to start or grow their businesses. They also have upcoming events that are worth checking out!

Do you know someone with a disability? Share the resources above with them! We also encourage you to engage in meaningful conversations about how you can support and stand in solidarity with the disability community.

Discover GBC Members that are Breaking Barriers and Enhancing Accessibility

"Disability only becomes a tragedy when society fails to provide the things we need to lead our lives—job opportunities or barrier-free buildings, for example. It is not a tragedy to me that I’m living in a wheelchair."

"We will never again be invisible. That is our legacy."
-Judith Heumann

-Good Business Colorado Team

goodbusinesscolorado.org

Just as temperatures are rising across Colorado, things are heating up here at GBC! Hopefully by now you know we’re kicking off the 🔥 HOT (hip, original, and trend-setting) 💡Electric Avenue Event Series tomorrow, with GBC community VIP Electric Breakfast Open House in the AM ahead of the Electric Avenue – Bar Bite Battle.

🏳‍🌈 June is also LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States.  If you are an LGBTQIA+ GBC member, and would like your business to be featured in our June communications, let Odette know.

👶🏾👨‍🦳🤰🏾👩‍🦽🧕🏾 This June, we celebrate the fruits of the FAMLI Coalition’s labor to win an inclusive definition of family when determining eligibility for the Colorado paid family and medical leave program.  In addition to fighting for LGBTQIA+ equity through our policy work, GBC works with employers and entrepreneurs to adopt LGBTQIA+ friendly business practices. As with most things, GBC members are ahead of the pack when it comes to pioneering and adopting these business practices, and this month, we are asking these members to brag in a way that could have a HUGE positive impact on other businesses and their employees.

📝 GBC is part of an initiative headed up by Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) to reinvigorate and revise a Family Friendly Toolkit for Businesses”. We know that business owners learn best from their peers, and so we are asking you to share how your business has implemented a family friendly practice or policy. We need examples of everything you do to support your employees and their families, no matter how “small” you think it is, if it makes life better for your team, we want to know about it! Click here to submit your family friendly business practices via this brief Google form.

📅 As you likely know, GBC’s not the only organization with a popping June schedule! Read on for a full list of member and partner events happening throughout the month! Be sure to click the “view entire message” at the bottom of this email to see the full list of June happenings across the GBC community, and the list of evergreen resources and funding opportunities.

Welcome New Members!

💯Thank You for Renewing Your GBC Membership!

Artist Proof Collective

Bayaud Enterprises, Inc.

Better Pockets Financial

Celestial Alegria, LLC

Citrine & Gold LLC

Fire on the Mountain

Intellicents

Mainstream Nails

Smart Choice Accounting LLC

Transformative Gatherings

Visibility Solutions Group

WideFocus.us Social Media

Yarn Shoppe Denver

The 2024 Legislative Session Wrapped up in May, and here is how it all turned out for GBC's 5 top priority bills.

• 🏘️Housing Bills PASSED! HB24-1152 Accessory Dwelling Units & HB24-1313 Transit Oriented Communities. As part of a package of land use bills aimed at tackling Colorado’s affordable housing crisis, these bills will help our members find and keep employees who can afford to live in their communities, as well as find stable housing for themselves

• 🍃Climate Bill PASSED! SB24-229 Ozone Mitigation Measures. By setting a clear target to reduce NOx emissions by 50% by 2030 relative to 2017 levels, this bill demonstrates a commitment to environmental protection and public health and will help our members avoid the negative impacts of air pollution and climate change on their businesses.

• 🌱SB24-152 Regenerative Agriculture Tax Credit. This bill from last year’s pitchfest would have strengthened the market for regeneratively produced agricultural products, promoting climate friendly practices and healthier food. It did not prevail, but has a strong path to passing in 2025.

• 🩺HB23-1075 Analysis of Universal Healthcare Payment System. The bill to analyze a universal health-care payment system has a lot of enthusiasm behind it, but an uncertain future as advocates meet to discuss ways to move the idea forward.

Both of our “failed” bills had the votes to pass (assuming our intel is good) they just couldn’t get through before the clock ran out on the statutorily allowed 120 days of the Colorado State General Assembly. Click here to see our full Legislative Agenda | Click here to view a recording of the 2024 GBC and RMMFI Legislative Stories and Successes Webinar.

We are so grateful to all of our members who spoke up for these bills by signing on to support letters, emailing and calling their legislators, meeting with legislators, and testifying in committee!

📰 Members in the News 📰

Turning The Corner has  been recognized as a Colorado Top 100 Woman Owned Businesses Award Winner.  

📰GUEST COLUMN: CEO of arc Thrift Stores, Lloyd Lewis, Sees an ‘Hidden Crisis’ of Disability Rights

📣Angelique Espinoza, Good Business Colorado, 🎙How women became America's safety net 

🌎ClimateCon Brings Clean Energy Activists together at Boulder Debut  - Read all about it!

You'll find the details of our upcoming events below, and you can view detailed event information on the GBC website. 

What: Electric Breakfast Open House 

When: Saturday, June 8th from 9:00 - 11:00 AM 

Where: La Victoria Healing Kitchen (1427 Elmira St, Aurora, CO 80010) 

Yes, I want to join the VIP kickoff event for Electric Avenue

What:  Electric Avenue – Bar Bite Battle🍻

When: Saturday, June 8th from 3:00 - 6:00 PM 

Where: Stanley Marketplace (2501 Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80010)

I'll be at the FREE Electric Avenue Top Chef Style Contest

What:  Family Friendly Environmental Stewardship event with OneCanopy

When:  Saturday, June 15th from 8:00 - 11:00 AM

Where: OneCanopy (2880 14th St SE, Loveland, CO 80537)

Yes, I'm down to volunteer with GBC at OneCanopy

What:  SLV Entrepreneurship Summit

When:  Wednesday, June 26th from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Where: Adams State, Alamosa

Yes! Sign me up for the SLV Entrepreneurship Summit

What:  Electric Avenue – Christmas in July🎄

When:  Friday, July 5th from 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Where: Town Hall Collaborative (525 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204)

Count me in for this FREE Electric Avenue event!

SAVE THE DATES:

Saturday, July 20th - Electric Avenue - Pueblo Plate-up 

Wednesday, August 7th - GBC + Latino Chamber of Commerce of Pueblo Coffee Break
Monday August 19th - Friday 23rd - West Slope Startup Week in Durango

📆Member & Community Events📆

What:  Hike to End Hunger 👣

When: June 8, 2024

Learn more here!

What:  Downtown Grand Junction Downtowner Event & Retail Strategies + Cross Collaboration

When:  June 13, 5:00 - 7:00 pm and than on June 14, 9:00 am

Where:  Grand Junction

Register here!

What:  Understanding Corporate Transparency Act💲

When:  Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 5:30 pm

Where:  Front Range Community College 4616 S Shields St, Fort Collins

This event will be in Spanish. English Translation will be available via Zoom and Facebook Live. 

Don't miss out – register today! 

What:  trebuchet group presents "An Introduction to Drama Free Conversations at Work"

When:  Tuesday, June 11th, 11:00 am - 12:00 am  MST

This is a free online webinar, but you need to register to save your spot!

What: Bilingual Small Business Conference & Expo / Conferencia & Expo Bilingüe para Pequeños Negocios

When:  June 20, 8:00 am

Where: CU Leeds School of Business 995 Regent Dr, Boulder, CO 80309

DISCOUNT CODE:  Latino2024

Buy tickets here!

WHAT:  Green Career Expo
WHEN: Saturday, June 22, 2024 9:00 am - 12 pm
WHERE: Lowry Conference Center, 1061 Akron Way, Denver CO
Tickets!!

WHAT: Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Series: Supplier Diversity

WHEN:  Thursday, June 27th, 8:00am - 11:30 am

WHERE:  Hampton Inn and Suites, Denver Downtown Convention Center, Room Inspire Brilliance, 550 15th Street, Denver Colorado

Register here!

What:  Human Potential Summit 

In partnership with Good Business Colorado, the Human Potential Summit is extending five complimentary tickets to attend the Summit  - register here! For all parties that enter and do no receive a free ticket, a 30% discount will be offered valid through June 30, 2024. 

Opportunities!

CDPHE IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE C3 ENTERPRISE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  Individuals with an interest in designing and delivering circular economy services and statewide solutions are encouraged to review this Colorado Circular Communities (C3) Enterprise Overview. 

Professional Licensing Research Survey for Immigrants & Refugees

Participate in our research survey to help us remove barriers to professional work for immigrants & refugees and inform people about career options.  Our hope is for all Coloradans, regardless of country of origin and immigration status, to be able to achieve their career goals and dreams, and access upward economic mobility!

Learn more!

If you want to help your community in Colorado while also making a profit, this FREE, data-proven, Social Enterprise Accelerator is for you! In just 16 weeks, SEA will  help you move your business forward further, faster.  Apply Now applications close on July 1st!

💚Community and Partner Resources💚

CGBN Application Tips and Tricks Workshop: June 11th

The Colorado Green Business Network team is hosting two informational workshops on best practices and tips and tricks for your CGBN application! If you're looking to apply for statewide recognition through the network this year. In that case, you won't want to miss out on these opportunities to learn how to submit the strongest possible application. Register here!

💻The Office of the Future of Work (OFW) is excited to share that they have 35 Digital Navigators!  These wonderful individuals are helping the community with affordable home internet service, low or no cost devices, and foundational digital skills.  Click here to view the list of the Digital Navigators in your area.

💲Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center (RMEOC) - Social Coop Academy

A series of weekly sessions learning about examples of social coops to understand their impact on the care economy.  Register here.

🏫 DPS Seeks Partner Orgs for Summer Internships 

Denver Public Schools is looking for organizations in Metro Denver to host high school students this summer through the district's Launch Internship Program! The session runs June 10 - July 19, with students working 110 hours over the six weeks. DPS Launch interns can support your team with business operations, digital marketing, IT/Tech support and more. DPS staff will assist intern supervisors with program planning and intern selection, as well as continue to support the student/organization matches during the term. Learn more.

👨‍🏫Workplace support - ELL: free workforce-specific English language classes for working people in Colorado.   Click here to learn more!

💲Funding Opportunities💲

Clean Fleet Vehicle and Technology Grant Program
The Clean Fleet Vehicle and Technology Grant Program is now open and will close on June 21st. The competitive statewide funding can be used for new vehicles, vehicle conversions, and clean fleet technology. An organization must complete separate applications for each project to be considered for the three potential funding opportunities. Learn more here!

Certifiably Green Denver's Equity Funding 

The Equity Fund is now open in Denver to provide funding up to $10,000 in upfront funding to implement sustainability practices such as waste reduction/diversion, sustainable transportation, water conservation, energy efficiency, and more! The funding is meant for small, minority, and women-owned businesses. Funding will be released on a rolling basis starting in April. Apply today!

CGBN Direct Installation Mini-Grants: Available to all our members!

While funding lasts, members can apply for the installation mini grants to purchase resource-saving items for businesses. As a CGBN business, you can select items from the list in the order form below. We recommend each business limit orders to $400 or less (estimated pricing listed in the order form). Items must be installed within six months of receiving the order. You are responsible for any installation costs (CGBN will only cover the cost of the item itself and shipping), and you agree to communicate with CGBN to verify the installation of items. Please click here to begin the product request! 

🤑2024 Equity Funding is now OPEN!

We are now taking applications for this year’s Equity Funding. Women- and minority-owned small businesses can get up to $10,000 for projects. These projects should have the goal of reducing waste, energy, or water use in their operations. Learn more!

💲2024 WomensNet's Grants (6 types - 1 application!)  - $10,000 winner each month✨

🤑Building Electrification Rebates The city has multiple rebates to help those considering building electrification.

💰Reuse Denver Incentives for Retail Food Establishments

 If your application is accepted, you will receive support from the Reuse Denver program partner, Diversion Designers, and up to $600 worth of reusable food service ware (i.e., bowls, cups, and plates).

💸Energize Colorado has opened applications for their Energize Community Program, which includes funding and education statewide.  Learn more and apply here.

💸Prairie Rose Development is the only organization in CO that offers 0% interest loans to entrepreneurs looking to grow their business. Learn more here.

💲Charitable Impact Loans  Offered in partnership with The Community Impact Fund, these 0% interest, non-credit bearing loans with flexible payback terms are focused on those facing unexpected financial hardship or high-interest debt. 

If you appreciate the policy work we do to level the playing field for values-driven business owners, or the events we host to build the GBC community and support our members on their journeys to running even better businesses, please consider making a financial investment in our work today!

Exclusive Member Offers

Many thanks to everyone who joined us and otherwise contributed to the success of last week's 2024 Good Business Colorado Awards Celebration: Cultivating Success.

We hope those of you who were there had a chance to visit with old friends, make new connections, and find inspiration from the award recipients and all we accomplished together at Good Business Colorado! 

THANK YOU to everyone who pitched in to help us meet our $6,000 event donations goal! If you haven't yet had a chance to fulfill your pledge, or if you weren't able to make it Saturday but want to make a financial investment in Good Business Colorado, you can click here to make a donation online, or you can mail a check, made out to Good Business Colorado to PO Box 1964 Wheat Ridge, CO 80034.

CONGRATULATIONS again to our 2024 Award Winners and Nominees!

2024 Good Business Colorado Award Winners

Congratulations again to all our 2024 GBC Award Winners! We hope you enjoy watching the video messages from the Award Recipients who could not join us live, and seeing the below pictures of award winners, taken by GBC member and event photographer extraordinaire Rebecca Todd with TruBlu Images. You can view the full gallery of event pictures here. 

Legislative Rock Star Award:
Mandy Magill, Rooted in R.E.A.L.

Legislator of the Year:
Senator Cleave Simpson

Partner of the Year:
Western Colorado Alliance for Community Action

Gold Star Policy Champion:
Rachel Robinson, The Ray Of Justice Legal Services
& Holistic Care

Leveled Up Action Award:
Jarrod Ferstl, Intellicents

Jarrod's Award was accepted by a partner in a new venture, Mandy Magill, which was fitting since the two first connected and dreamed up the new business at the GBC 2024 Day at the Capitol. Click here to read Jarrod's acceptance speech.

Equity Accelerator Award:
Berenice Garcia Tellez, Monarca Group

Collaboration Catalyst​ Award:
Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute 

The Rock Award:
Jervis DiCicco, ProsperBridge

Backbone Award:
Katharine Knarreborg, Merlin Instrument Company

The Spirit of GBC Award:
Brian Loma, Cut the Plastic

The 2024 GBC Members' Choice Award:
The Ray Of Justice Legal Services & Holistic Care

The 2024 GBC Members' Choice Award Winner was selected by Award Event attendees.

Congratulations to all the 2024 GBC Awards Celebration Nominees:

Many thanks to the Master of Ceremonies
and hostess with the mostest
Dianne Myles, CEO of Dope Mom Life 

And a HUGE Shout-out is due to the
2024 GBC Awards Event Planning Committee

Alisha Harris, Creative Director, Original Account Strategies 

Alissa M. Trumbull, Owner and Carb Lover, A Kitchen Mouse

James Kamau Truitt "Tru", Founder, Trulvl, Inc. 

Helena Karchere, Director, Bailey Program for Family Enterprise at DU

Jennifer Grindeland, Founder, The Working Well

This event would not have been possible without the generosity of the following event sponsors

2024 Good Business Colorado Awards Celebration Event attendees enjoyed the delicious food, provided by GBC members Flavor of India, and SAME Cafe, as well as I Heart Mac and Cheese and The Cake Bar.

And had the opportunity to visit with GBC Member Showcase Exhibitors A Free Press Clothing & Apparel, Angies Natural Nibbles, Humagined, Flourishion Consulting, Slow Integration Coaching and Shop BIPOC, and YellowDog.

Kids and adults made DIY frozen ice drinks with GBC member Big Wheel Beverages, and engaged in the Each & Every arts and crafts activity to uplift people for their unique contributions to humanity.

Some event attendees won big - like GBC member Erik Elkins, with WideFoc.Us Social Media who won the grand prize drawing of $1,000 in airfare for earning 20+ points playing the Policy Passport Program.

While other attendees won smaller prizes for completing a "Pledge to Vote" card.

The 2024 Awards Celebration also afforded attendees the opportunity to learn more about our equity work from GBC's DE&I Committee Facilitator Celesté Martinez.

And GBC's 2023 sustainability assessment, conducted by GBC member Randi Zimmermann of Odyssey Event Sustainability.

And we heard about the upcoming Electric Avenue Event Series from the Project Creator and Implementer Rob DuRay with Switchboard. 

All in all, we hope everyone left feeling inspired, supported, and a part of a truly special Good Business Colorado community!

With utmost gratitude and appreciation for all you do to make Colorado more equitably prosperous and sustainable,

Debra Brown 

Director of Membership & Programming

Good Business Colorado

And the Good Business Colorado Team:

Angelique Espinoza, Director of Policy

Odette Tisseglo, Develpment & Marketing Manager

Debra Brown, Director of Membership & Programming

Doni Clemons, Policy Associate

Melly Nguyen, Policy Passport Program Coordinator

Dayle Wickizer, Fractional Operations Officer

We're in the final sprint of the 2024 Colorado Legislative session, which ends next week! See the below policy section to learn more about how YOU can help get GBC's top policy priorities across the finish line.

May is also Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Click here for a list of events around Colorado. If you are part of the community and a GBC member and you do NOT get an email from Odette on MONDAY inviting your business to be spotlighted in an upcoming GBC newsletter, it means we do NOT have your proper demographic information. So please contact Odette to be included in our AAPI GBC member shout-outs!

Speaking of demographic information, at our upcoming May 18th Awards Celebration: Cultivating Success, our Demographics Task Force will be sharing their work and action plan for ensuring we are using the demographic information we collect to recruit and elevate members that bring a wide range of identities to the community, without tokenizing them.

At the 2024 GBC Awards Celebration, we will also be piloting a Member Showcase to highlight the incredible things our members are working on. We're looking for 4-6 businesses interested in participating. Each business will have 1/2 of a table to share your work, pass out swag or literature about your services, and connect with event attendees. You are also welcome to bring product to sell. If you're interested in participating, please register for the event if you haven't already and then fill out our member showcase interest form. You will hear from our team no later than the Monday prior to the event regarding whether or not you've been selected to join this year's pilot program. 

We also wanted to do a last call for proposals to offer catering services for the May 18th GBC Awards Celebration at CrossPurpose (3050 Richard Allen CT. Denver, CO 80205),If you are available and interested in catering, we would love for you to throw your hat in the ring by sending Debra an email with a menu with pricing, or a per person cost or minimum spend for 100 - 200 people by Monday, close of business.

Read on for details on the family-friendly, not to be missed awards event, an introduction to our newest mebers information on new funding and support resources, and more!  

Welcome New Members!

Referred by Randi Zimmerman

Referred by The Ray Of Justice Legal Services & Holistic Care

Thank You for Renewing Your GBC Membership!

Awakening
Bodhi Bridge
Bossed Up
Champion Charter Bus Denver
CherylGarcia.com
Fuel & Iron Realty
Hunger Free Colorado
Intentional Communications
Journey Employer Solutions

Lighthouse
Mobilize

New Motion Wellness
Partners in Business Excellence LLC
Pote Law Firm
TruBlu Images
Undestructable
Wana Brands
Wise Choice Tattoo Removal
Woody's Wood Fired Pizza

ACTION ALERTS! It's almost over...

Just 5 DAYS LEFT to take action to make your values real in the world AND earn prizes!

The 2024 legislative session ends on May 9th, and so does the Policy Passport game. Next week we'll roll out the prizes page and if you are playing you can "spend" your points on the cool stuff we have assembled :). We may be reaching out to you several times as our bills head into the home stretch and we do all we can to leverage last minute opportunities to get them across the finish line.

Here's ACTION you can take right now to earn points and make a difference:

HEALTHCARE: Send an email to your State Senator in support of a bill to Analyze Universal Healthcare Payment Plan | FACT SHEET (5 Policy Passport points) 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Send an email to your State Senator in support of the Transit Oriented Communities bill | FACT SHEET (5 Policy Passport points)

CLIMATE: Sign on to our letter of support for a bill to minimize and the impacts of pollution from oil and gas | FACT SHEET (1 Policy Passport point)

POST SESSION STORIES AND SUCCESSES WEBINAR

May 14 | 12-1PM | Webinar

To wrap up the 2024 Colorado State Legislative Session we are doing a fun, fast, fulfilling webinar to hear from GBC and RMMFI community members about their empowering experiences of engaging on legislation. Get the updates you need to know on bills that will impact you and your business, in an engaging format with time for a conversation about how it went and how you think we can do better!

Members in the News

You'll find the details of our upcoming events below, and you can view detailed event information on the GBC website. 

What:  Grant VEST Info Webinar

When:  Monday, May 6th from 4:00 - 5:00 PM 

Where: Sign me up for the GrantVEST webinar!

What:  GBC & RMMFI 2024 Legislative Stories and Successes Event

When:  Tuesday, May 14th 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Where: Online via zoom

What:  GBC Awards Celebration: Cultivating Success

When:  Saturday, May 18th from 5:30 - 8:30 PM 

Where:  CrossPurpose (3050 Richard Allen Ct. Denver, CO 80205)

The Good Business Colorado Awards Celebration harnesses the unique spirit and mission of the organization, distinguished by its extraordinary members. This event is far more than a fundraiser; it is a vibrant gathering for the GBC community, offering a space to honor and rejoice in our collective achievements. The GBC Awards Celebration embodies our commitment to empowering our values-driven business members to engage in impactful advocacy work and providing educational programming to support our members on their journey to being even better.

I can't wait to attend the 2024 GBC Awards Celebration!

What:  2024 Northeast CO Entrepreneur Pitchfest Finals

When:  Thursday, May 23rd, 10:30 - 1:30 PM MST

Where:  Hays Student Center, 721 Landrum Lane Sterling, CO

I will join GBC at the NECO Pitch Competition!

What:  March for Childcare

When: Saturday, May 18th  from 9:00 - 11:00 AM

Where: Roosevelt Park 700 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont, CO 

I'll join GBC at the March for Childcare!

What:  Good Business Colorado Community Building @ Frame de Art

When:  Thursday, May 30th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Where:  Frame de Art (3065 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO 80113)

Sign me up for this FREE community building event!

What:  Electric Avenue – Bar Bite Battle

When: Saturday Jun 8th 2024 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM 

Where: Stanley Marketplace (2501 Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80010)

Sign me up for this FREE Electric Avenue Kickoff Event

You'll find the details of our upcoming events below, and you can view detailed event information on the GBC website. 

What:  Grant VEST Info Webinar

When:  Monday, May 6th from 4:00 - 5:00 PM 

Where: Sign me up for the GrantVEST webinar!

What:  GBC & RMMFI 2024 Legislative Stories and Successes Event

When:  Tuesday, May 14th 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Where: Online via zoom

🏆What:  GBC Awards Celebration: Cultivating Success

When:  Saturday, May 18th from 5:30 - 8:30 PM 

Where:  CrossPurpose (3050 Richard Allen Ct. Denver, CO 80205)

The Good Business Colorado Awards Celebration harnesses the unique spirit and mission of the organization, distinguished by its extraordinary members. This event is far more than a fundraiser; it is a vibrant gathering for the GBC community, offering a space to honor and rejoice in our collective achievements. The GBC Awards Celebration embodies our commitment to empowering our values-driven business members to engage in impactful advocacy work and providing educational programming to support our members on their journey to being even better.

I can't wait to attend the 2024 GBC Awards Celebration!

What:  2024 Northeast CO Entrepreneur Pitchfest Finals

When:  Thursday, May 23rd, 10:30 - 1:30 PM MST

Where:  Hays Student Center, 721 Landrum Lane Sterling, CO

I will join GBC at the NECO Pitch Competition!

What:  March for Childcare

When: Saturday, May 18th  from 9:00 - 11:00 AM

Where: Roosevelt Park 700 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont, CO 

I'll join GBC at the March for Childcare!

What:  Good Business Colorado Community Building @ Frame de Art

When:  Thursday, May 30th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Where:  Frame de Art (3065 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO 80113)

Sign me up for this FREE community building event!

What:  Electric Avenue – Bar Bite Battle🍻

When: Saturday Jun 8th 2024 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM 

Where: Stanley Marketplace (2501 Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80010)

Sign me up for this FREE Electric Avenue Kickoff Event

SAVE THE DATES:

June 15th - Family Friendly Environmental Stewardship event with OneCanopy

Friday, July 5th - Electric Avenue – Christmas in July

Saturday, July 20th - Electric Avenue - Pueblo Plate-up 

Wednesday, August 7th - GBC + Latino Chamber of Commerce of Pueblo Coffee Break
Monday August 19th - Friday 23rd - West Slope Startup Week in Durango

📆Member & Community Events📆

What: Navigating the Small Business Retirement Plan Landscape for Colorado Business Owners presented by the State of Colorado and Shelton Capital

When:  Tuesday, May 7th, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM 

Where:  Online - register here!

What: Rocky Mountain NEWH Neurodiversity Presentation Thinking Differently  - A Conversation Around Neurodiversity and Cultural Identity

When:  Thursday, May 9th,  4PM - 6PM MST

Where:  Elements, 2501 Blake St., Denver CO

Learn more!

What: Lighthouse Collaborative Event - Fundraising Strategy Workshop

When: May 15th, 8:30 am - 12:00 PM

Where: 1196 South Broadway Denver, CO

Register here

What: Garden Place Academy Spring Carnival 

When: May 16h, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Where: 4425 Lincoln St. Denver, CO

Free Entry!  There will be games, food, music and more!

What: CrossPurpose, a nonprofit institution committed to navigating Leaders (participants in our programs) from generational poverty to generational wealth, is scaling across the Denver Metro area and we want to invite you to be a part of our CP family! 

Invitations to engage:

Wednesday, May 15th SM GRaduation event

Volunteer at Mock Interviews on May 8th

Attend NM's 1st Graduation on July 10th!

What: NOCO Biz Connect FREE Water Business Solutions Workshop

When: May 29th, 8:30AM - 10AM MDT

Where: 700Wood Street Fort Collins

Learn what water efficiency resources and incentives are available to your business, and share your thoughts about conservation programs.  Spanish interpretation available.

Register here!

What: Impact Sustainability Fellowship

Partner with CSU’s Impact MBA program to host Corporate Sustainability Fellows at your business! Every summer, Impact MBA and dual degree Impact MBA/Masters of Finance students work to identify, analyze, and address sustainability issues within the
public and private sectors.  I want to learn more!!

What: Lyme Awareness Month

When:  Month of May

Where: Soul Tribe Yoga - online/in person

All activities are welcome to patients with Lyme and other tick-borne diseases

Register here!

🌎 What: Ponte las Pilas" (Plug it In) Roadshow Fort Collins

When: June 2nd, 2 PM - 4 PM

Where: Fort Collins Senior Center

Click here to learn more and register for an event near you! 

What:  Hike to End Hunger

When: June 8, 2024

The Hike to End Hunger is Hunger Free Colorado’s most anticipated annual event, inviting

participants across Colorado to hike in solidarity to spread awareness about hunger in our state while raising funds to ensure every Coloradan has access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food. Learn more here!

🏆NOMINATIONS!!

✔️Colorado's Top 100 Woman-Owned Business

Deadline May 8th, 2024

For more than a decade, ColoradoBiz has celebrated the essentiality of women in Colorado’s business landscape with our Top 100 Woman-owned Companies list.

✔️Colorado's Best readers' choice nominations

Deadline May 15th, 2024

✔️ColoradoBiz Top Company Awards

Deadline June 2nd, 2024

💚Community and Partner Resources💚

💻The Office of the Future of Work (OFW) is excited to share that they have 35 Digital Navigators!  These wonderful individuals are helping the community with affordable home internet service, low or no cost devices, and foundational digital skills.  Click here to view the list of the Digital Navigators in your area.

🍎 DEADLINE May 9, 2024 - EforAll Summer 2024 Accelerator Program

The Accelerator is a free, one-year program offered twice a year in EforAll communities. It provides immersive business training, mentorship and access to an extended professional network. Anyone with a dream to start or grow a business is encouraged to apply here.

💔 Griefhab has support groups on EVERY holiday Including Mother’s Day. Don’t go through difficult days alone. Join others who understand!! sam@samantharuth.com for info/links to join 

💲Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center (RMEOC) - Social Coop Academy

A series of weekly sessions learning about examples of social coops to understand their impact on the care economy.  Register here.

🏫 DPS Seeks Partner Orgs for Summer Internships 

Denver Public Schools is looking for organizations in Metro Denver to host high school students this summer through the district's Launch Internship Program! The session runs June 10 - July 19, with students working 110 hours over the six weeks. DPS Launch interns can support your team with business operations, digital marketing, IT/Tech support and more. DPS staff will assist intern supervisors with program planning and intern selection, as well as continue to support the student/organization matches during the term. Learn more.

🎒 Legal Clinic Workshop Series - Starting May 11, 2024

The African Chamber of Commerce is collaborating with the Community Economic Development Clinic at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law to host the first of their Legal Clinic Workshop series. This workshop series aims to empower and equip entrepreneurs with essential legal knowledge to propel the trajectory of your businesses. Learn more.

💯QucikBooks training for business owners!

5/4/2024 - 6/22/2024, Every Saturday 11:30-1:00

The African Chamber of Commerce

Sign up for our 8-week training class to help small business owners take control of their bookkeeping needs using QuickBooks Online. The class will have 1.5 hours of live sessions, which include a lecture and a one-on-one section to ensure the active engagement of all participants. Additionally, the instructor will provide weekly video supplements.

Click Here to Sign Up Today.

💟 Free webinar!   Stress Mastery: Insights and Strategies.  Start by taking a free assessment and get a link to the webinar with your stress results

🌱 The Community Impact Fund Are you seeking a value-driven way to enhance your employee benefits offerings and/or take a more innovative approach to your community impact while serving your bottom line financially? Learn more by visiting The Community Impact Fund and click here to schedule a discovery call with Courtney Lussenhop, Director of Impact. 

❔Are you interested in making Neurodiversity a key part of your business planning? 

At DIRT, we're all about helping businesses like yours grow by embracing new ideas. We offer custom support to make your workplace more inclusive, from one-on-one coaching, lunch & learns, and to help with planning accessibility and accommodations in your hiring and retention. Get Started with DIRT!"

✔️Over the past year, Colorado has experienced an increase in new arrivals. Colorado currently has 2 job openings for every 1 unemployed person. These new arrivals are beginning to receive their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and are really wanting to get to work. Employers are legally able to permanently hire individuals who are authorized to work by the federal government and are in need of talent. Click here to learn more

👨‍🏫Workplace support - ELL: free workforce-specific English language classes for working people in Colorado.   Click here to learn more!

Arboretum Coffee is excited to explore potential business partnerships with members of Good Business Colorado! There are many ways we can partner where your business can play a pivotal role in supporting Arboretum Coffee's mission to empower refugees and immigrants through meaningful job-training and social integration. Your company could collaborate through small, creative fundraising events or activities, contribute through sponsorship of our community events, engage in awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of community support for our mission, offer professional services like marketing and SEO services, or engage in shared revenue initiatives, where a portion of your sales is donated to support our cause. In addition, opportunity is through joining our Business Leader Committee to help steer these efforts. Your partnership not only supports Arboretum Coffee but increases brand visibility and aligns your brand with impactful, socially responsible initiatives. Email hannah@arboretumcoffee.org if you're interested in exploring partnerships together. Together, we can cultivate a thriving, inclusive community.

💲Funding Opportunities💲

💸DEADLINE FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2024 - $5,000 Grant

CEDS Finance Small Business Grant Program - Grants of $5,000 will be awarded to underserved small businesses based on the eligibility criteria, with a priority on low-income status. Applications will then be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until all grant funds are disbursed.   Apply now

🤑2024 Equity Funding is now OPEN!

We are now taking applications for this year’s Equity Funding. Women- and minority-owned small businesses can get up to $10,000 for projects. These projects should have the goal of reducing waste, energy, or water use in their operations. Learn more!

💸WBLI Employer Program Businesses can get up to $10,000 through Work-Based

Learning Incentive Program.  Program runs through May 2024. For more information click here.

💲2024 WomensNet's Grants (6 types - 1 application!)  - $10,000 winner each month✨

🤑Building Electrification Rebates The city has multiple rebates to help those considering building electrification.

💰Reuse Denver Incentives for Retail Food Establishments

 If your application is accepted, you will receive support from the Reuse Denver program partner, Diversion Designers, and up to $600 worth of reusable food service ware (i.e., bowls, cups, and plates).

💸Energize Colorado has opened applications for their Energize Community Program, which includes funding and education statewide.  Learn more and apply here.

💸Prairie Rose Development is the only organization in CO that offers 0% interest loans to entrepreneurs looking to grow their business. Learn more here.

💲Charitable Impact Loans  Offered in partnership with The Community Impact Fund, these 0% interest, non-credit bearing loans with flexible payback terms are focused on those facing unexpected financial hardship or high-interest debt. 

If you appreciate the policy work we do to level the playing field for values-driven business owners, or the events we host to build the GBC community and support our members on their journeys to running even better businesses, please consider making a financial investment in our work today!

Exclusive Member Offers

It's April, which is always an exciting time for Good Business Colorado, but this year it is an especially wonderful Spring kick off as many seeds that we previously planted are coming to fruition!

First and foremost, after an extensive search process, we will be welcoming our new Executive Director to the GBC team, and Debra will finally get to make her move to Director of Membership & Programming! Stay tuned for a proper introduction when she starts the week of April 15th.  

The ideas GBC members presented to legislators as part of our 1st ever Policy Pitchfest are making their way through the legislature, and our first ever Policy Passport Contest is kicking into high gear! Read below for details and if you haven't yet joined the competition, it's not too late! 

This week we also got to kick off our statewide member visits with a trip to Durango, where we also participated in the Downtown Colorado INC annual conference. The month is packed with more fun and educational GBC and partner events, all of which you can read more about below. 

April is also "Autism Acceptance Month." and in addition to hosting an event in partnership with DIRT Coffee (details below) we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the work of two of our GBC DEI&B Task Force (formerly the Demographics Task Force) members - Chrysta Bairre with She Goes High and Jessi Burg with Outdrow Your Garage. For the past 6 years, She Goes High has held an annual strategic retreat in Estes Park where women business owners can think deeply about their business and how to achieve their goals, and envision a business that meets their needs - whatever those needs are. This year, Chrysta and Jessi Burg are co-facilitating the retreat. Both women identify as neurodiverse. As a result, diverse needs are at the center of every conversation. Jessi's background is in experiential education, and she likes to move. Chrysta has days with limited mobility, and too much movement wears her out. For some, this might be a dire situation of competing needs. Instead, Chrysta and Jessi have movement activities that are optional, stationary activities that allow for deep focus or playful creativity, and built a workbook that can be filled out electronically or on paper. Accessibility and equity are at the center of the conference's design, from planning to implementation. Keep an eye out for more information on lessons that can be taken from this equity-centered event!

Welcome New Members!

Thank You for Renewing Your GBC Membership!

Lyons Educational Consulting

Rent-A-Theme Entertainment

Relish Studio

Good Bones Consulting

Move Up Mortgage

Switchboard Strategies

Golden Real Estate, Inc.

San Juan Hand Therapy

The Wellness Center

Partnership for Community Action - PfCA

Durango Compost Company

Unbound Inbound

Bonacquisti Wine Company

Wallaroo Hat Company

Shelton Capital Management

The FBB Group, LTD.

Foote Law Firm

Avid4 Adventure

Housefish

John P. Morse, CPA, LLC

Vista Caballo

Regan Byrd Consulting

Mosby Employment Services

Intentional Results

Featherbuilt

Lighthouse

Wana Brands

Take a Look at Colorado's Budget

The Colorado state legislative session is in full swing, and the state budget is making its way through the process. The budget bill (or long bill) has seen amendments in the House and in the Senate and is expected to clear the Senate today. Next week a group of Senators and Representatives from both parties will work on reconciling the differences between what passed in each chamber.

90 second KOAA 5 YouTube VIDEO 

If you are interested in learning more about Colorado's budget, and how TABOR makes us special, check out these resources:

• TABOR Explained (in two minutes)

• Colorado Fiscal Institute 2024 Forecast Five Fiscal Madness

• Podcast: Lawmakers’ $1.5B tax credit battle royale: Spending limits make it hard for the legislature to put new priorities in the budget. But the tax code is another matter altogether. By Andrew Kenney and Bente Birkeland

Join Our Scavenger Hunt at the Capitol!

We're taking the Policy Passport Program back to the Colorado State Capitol for another fun and informative scavenger hunt - don't miss out on the action!

Fri Apr 26th 2024, 9:00 am - 11:00 am MDT

Details and Registration

Action Alert for Affordable Housing
HB24-1313 Transit Oriented Communities is a bill to promote denser and more affordable housing near transit, jobs, and other resources. This type of housing product is sorely needed in Colorado to accommodate the needs of the workforce, make transit more efficient, and reduce overall carbon footprint. Your legislator needs to hear from you about why affordable housing is important to you and your business! (and earn 5 Policy Passport points!*)

Email or Call your legislator 

*not playing the Policy Passport game for points and prizes yet? There is still time to join!

Learn More

Members in the News

Jamie Blanchard-Poling, Compost Queen, Waste-management firm opens new facility, HQ in Fort Collins

Elishevah Sepulveda, Seppy's Kosher Baked Goods: Sharing Challah - Pueblo staple, kosher classic:  Seppy's Challah Breads makes move from digital storefront to brick-and-mortar

Yellow Dog - Colorado business to host month-long "Period Positive Hygiene Drive" for Women's History Month Colorado business to host month-long "Period Positive Hygiene Drive" for Women's History Month

Dayle Wickizer, Fractional COO with Intentional Results.  Conversations with founders of FoCo business. Listen here! 

 What:  Good Business Colorado Community Building @ Frame de Art

When:  Thursday, April 11th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Where:  Frame de Art (3065 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO 80113)

If you are looking to make meaningful connections with likeminded people in the Denver Metro area, this is an event for you! Whether you are new to the GBC network or a founding member, you're guaranteed to make new connections with other people who are working to make Colorado and the world more equitably prosperous and sustainable! We hope you will join Good Business Colorado and Frame de Art at this free and fun community building event!

Sign me up for this FREE Community Building Event

What:  April 26th - Policy Passport Scavenger Hunt @ the Capitol

When:  Friday, April 18th from 9:00 - 11:00 AM

Where: The Colorado State Capitol (200 E Colfax Ave, Denver CO 80203)

We're taking the Policy Passport Program back to the Colorado State Capitol for another epic scavenger hunt! Your mission, should you choose to accept it is to find 9 clues and complete the action for each clue. In the process of doing so, you'll earn the “Policy Passport Stamp” points, win prizes, meet elected officials and learn about how the laws that impact our businesses and communities are made! It's going to be fun and informative, and you definitely don't want to miss out on the action!

I'm down for a scavenger hunt at the Capital!

What: Neuro Diversity 101 (in person & online) + Networking @ DIRT Coffee

When: Tuesday, April 30th from 5:00 - 7:00 PM 

Where: DIRT Coffee Bar (5767 S Rapp St., Littleton, CO 80120)

Do you want to learn about ways to promote the neurodivergent community in the workforce? Are you looking to make meaningful connections with likeminded people? If you answered "yes" to either or both questions, this is an event for you! Join us in cel

As we continue lifting up the real life impact of Good Business Colorado's policy work, we are proud to share the following from the Women's Foundation of Colorado, our partner organization that has led the fight to pass legislation that closes the gender pay gap:

"The Women’s Foundation of Colorado is celebrating new research that shows the state’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act is working. Since the law was implemented in 2021, pay for women working full-time in Colorado increased from 78 cents to 85 cents for every dollar paid to similarly qualified men. Furthermore, Colorado reduced its gender wage gap more than three times faster than the rest of the U.S. California and Washington, which followed Colorado’s lead and passed pay transparency laws in 2023, are seeing similar results."

While this is certainly cause for celebration, we must remember that the pay gap varies significantly among different communities, and is particularly worse for women of color. You can learn more here.

Check out these Women-Owned GBC Businesses!

Let's persist in recognizing and honoring the remarkable accomplishments and impacts of women in history and our everyday experiences. Together, we can uplift, empower, and stand by women from every background.

• Let's celebrate the achievements and resilience of women throughout history and in our present-day lives.

• It's a time to reflect on the progress made and the ongoing journey towards gender equality.

• Join us in honoring the diversity and strength of women from all walks of life.

• Together, let's amplify women's voices, support their endeavors, and champion their rights.

• Women's History Month is an opportunity to learn, grow, and inspire positive change together.

Check out some of the cool HERstories: https://womenshistorymonth.gov/

"Nothing is more important than empathy for another human being's suffering. Nothing. Not a career, not wealth, not intelligence, certainly not status. We have to feel for one another if we're going to survive with dignity." — Audrey Hepburn, actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

This year's Women's History Month is particularly special for Good Business Colorado because we get to see the fruits of our labor with the full implementation of the FAMLI Program. 

For those of you who are newer to the GBC community, you may not know that GBC, alongside 9to5 Colorado and a large coalition of organizations fought for years to win a paid family and medical leave program that is adequate, affordable, and accessible for employers and employees alike. 

Please take one minute to listen to longtime GBC member Sonal Patel, with NayaCare share how meaningful it was for her to see the policy she advocated for come to fruition, and the impact it is having for the families she works with as a fourth trimester specialist. 

The FAMLI Program is but one of dozens of laws that have GBC's fingerprint on it because our women-owned businesses have leveraged their power as employers and entrepreneurs to advocated for policies that are good for their businesses, families, communities, and the environment. 

In addition to participating in policy making, the women of GBC continue to walk the talk with innovative and impactful business practices that enable them to do better - by their employees, the communities in which they operate, and the planet.

You can learn more about some of the many GBC women-owned, trailblazing companies below. In doing so, if you are inspired, we hope you will consider nominating a woman or throwing your hat in the ring for the Denver Business Journal's 2024 Outstanding Women in Business Award, ahead of the April 1st deadline. 

Support Women-Owned GBC BusinessesToday!

“The woman power of this nation can be the power which makes us whole and heals the rotten community, now so shattered by war and poverty and racism. I have great faith in the power of women who will dedicate themselves whole-heartedly to the task of remaking our society.”– Coretta Scott King

Welcome to March and Women's History Month! Did you know that 68% of GBC members are women?! If you are one of them, and would like to be featured in GBC Women's History Month communications, please send an image and verbiage to Odette - Odette@GoodBusinessCo.org.

We'll also be celebrating Women's History Month at Colorado Women's Day on March 8th, where we'll present the GBC Outstanding Woman in Business Award. You will find the details of this event, as well as a broad range of GBC member and community events below. 

Speaking of recognition, planning is in full swing for the 2024 GBC Awards Event on May 16th! Details coming soon but in the meantime, if you know you want to get the maximum exposure by sponsoring the event, please reach out to Debra for more information. 

And now, please join us in welcoming our new and renewing members, and don't forget to click  View entire message to view the full newsletter, which includes funding opportunities, job listings, member discounts, and a broad range of partner and community resources as well as policy updates you need to know! 

Welcome New Members!

Thank You for Renewing Your GBC Membership!

Care Deeply Consulting
Progressive Promotions
KOKORO
Colorado Capitol Watch
Legislative Base Camp
Frame de Art
She Goes High
Citrine Unlimited
CrossPurpose
Zova Marketing

Dragonfly Noodle
Zoe Ma Ma
National Charter Bus Denver
Power with Purpose
Conscious Impact Financial Planning
Herson Technical Management Consulting, LLC
Bounce Software LLC
Mosby Employment Services

Justin Chan Photography, LLC
Lyons Educational Consulting
Rent-A-Theme Entertainment
Relish Studio
Good Bones Consulting
Move Up Mortgage
Golden Real Estate, Inc.
The Wellness Center
Foote Law Firm

Members in the News

Kayvan Khalatbari, Sexy Pizza   More than $150M has been invested in Trinidad. Has it worked?

Tracy duCharme, Color Me Mine- Colorado’s paid leave program just launched. Here’s why that’s good for the state

Sexy Pizza, When you electrify a big pizza pie that’s amore. Here’s how one Denver restaurant is doing it.

Katharine Knarreborg, Merlin Instrument Company and Sonal Patel, NayaCare Colorado workers now have paid family and medical leave. Here’s what you need to know

PODCAST!!!   City Cast Denver, Sexy Pizza, How Electric Ovens Are Converting Fire-Loving Local Chefs

VOTE for Awards and Recognition

GBC Member Alisha Harris, creative director and founder of Original Account Strategies (OAS), is a Finalist for 2024 Business Awards -  Start-Up of the Year: This award goes to an emerging and fast-growing business that meets a marketplace need and infuses the spirit of entrepreneurism.

GBC Member Fuel & Iron Food Hall is among Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA)’s  2024 Business for the Arts Awards Honorees!

Denver Business Journal 2024 Outstanding Women in Business (Nominations close Monday, April 1, 2024) Outstanding Women in Business are leaders driving change, earning admiration, inspiring the community and delivering results.

Vote for Best Framing - Frame de Art

Vote for Best Wings - Fire on the Mountain

You'll find the details of our upcoming events below, and you can view detailed event information on the GBC website. 

What: Colorado Women's Day

When:  Friday, March 8th 2024, from 7:30AM-3:30PM

Where:  Denver Marriott West (1717 Denver West Marriott Blvd, Golden, CO 80401) 

We will be presenting the Good Business Colorado Outstanding Woman in Business Award

What: Design Rescue: Graphic design workshop @ YellowDog  

When: Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 from 3:00-5:00PM

Where: YellowDog Studio (3881 Steele St Ste 1242, Denver, CO 80205)

What:  GBC Monthly Member Orientation & Networking

When:  Thursday, March 21, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM MST

Where:  ONLINE - Learn more!

SAVE THE DATES:

 DCI's In the Game in Durango - April 2nd - 5th, 2024

 GBC Networking Event @ Frame de Art - April 11th, 2024

2024 Awards & Celebration Event - May 16, 2024

GBC Electric Avenue Event Series:

Stanley Marketplace - June 8th
Townhall Collective - July 5th
Fuel & Iron Food Hall in Pueblo - July 20th

We had an AMAZING Day of Action at the Capitol on Wednesday!

• 60 entrepreneurs, employers, and staff from Good Business Colorado, Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute, Small Business Majority, Center for Community Wealth Building, and B Local participated. [PHOTOS]

• 35+ elected officials met with participants.

• 9 lobby leaders supported their groups in navigating through the Capitol and meeting with legislators.

• 7 bills were on the agenda for these meetings to advance affordable housing, healthcare, childcare, workforce development, rural business support, and regenerative agriculture. [BILL SUMMARIES]

The Governor joined us for opening remarks and snapped a great pic with the group. We even had a scavenger hunt through the capitol to keep it fun, and participants earned Policy Passport* points for each clue!

If you missed it this year, look out next February for a repeat and make sure to join us. :)

*if you haven't gotten your Policy Passport yet to earn points and win prizes, including $1,000 in airfare for your next travel adventure...why not? Get yours now!