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Downtown Fort Collins | April 10, 2026
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Hi, John,
Summer is right around the corner, and downtown is about to pick up speed. Now’s the time to get ahead by taking advantage of opportunities like the Downtown Gift Card Program and seasonal hiring resources, and by strengthening your team's situational awareness through real-world training scenarios that build confidence and help staff stay on top of their game. Dive in and check out what’s ahead!
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Get Set for Summer with the Downtown Fort Collins Gift Card Program
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Summer will be here soon, which means more people will be out and about downtown. The Downtown Fort Collins Gift Card Program is an easy way to bring more of that foot traffic to your business - and it won’t cost you a thing.
The program helps keep spending local and gets your business in front of folks who are specifically looking for places to shop, eat, and explore downtown.
Why join now?
- No cost and no special equipment required
- Increased visibility on DowntownFortCollins.com
- Inclusion in DDA promotions and giveaways
- A direct way to encourage local spending
- Hands-on support from the DDA team
Get set up now, and you’ll be ready to roll when summer kicks off. Don’t miss out on an easy win!
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Summer Sales Voting:
Only a Few Days Left to Share Your Feedback
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We’re closing in on Summer Sales planning, but we’re still missing a big piece of the puzzle - your input.
So far, we’ve received 29 responses. For context, 79 businesses participated in 2025. The promotion dates work best when they reflect the businesses involved, and we need more voices at the table.
Downtown Summer Sales is a key driver of foot traffic and a great opportunity to move seasonal inventory. Help us land on dates that work for you and your neighbors.
Voting closes Wednesday, April 15 - don’t sit this one out!
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Situational Awareness:
Stay One Step Ahead
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A quick reminder that our upcoming Situational Awareness Training is approaching, and spots are limited.
With the busy summer season right around the corner, this is the perfect time to get new or seasonal staff up to speed - or give your current team a solid refresher if they’ve attended in the past.
Led by Chad Olms of ARX Security Consulting, this isn’t a lecture - it’s an interactive, real-world session designed specifically for downtown businesses. You’ll walk through common scenarios, learn how to spot subtle warning signs before situations escalate, and build habits that help you stay aware without feeling on edge. The training focuses on keeping you and your team confident, prepared, and ready to respond calmly when something feels off.
Details:
📅 Tuesday, April 28
⏰ 3:00 - 5:00 pm
📍 Elevations Credit Union - 2nd Floor Community Room
💲 $15 per person (non-refundable)
Attendance is capped at 25 participants - be sure to grab your spot and consider sending team members as well.
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Tuesday Talent Series - Build a Flexible Workforce the Right Way
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Hiring flexibility is top of mind for many businesses - but it comes with real legal considerations.
This upcoming Tuesday Talent Series session breaks down how to properly classify employees vs. independent contractors under Colorado law, helping you avoid costly missteps while building a workforce that works for your business. From wage requirements and tax implications to liability and compliance risks, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of what’s at stake and how to get it right.
Session Details:
📅 Tuesday, April 28
⏰ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
📍 Online
💲 Free to attend
You’ll walk away with clear, practical guidance you can put into place right away.
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Small Businesses. Big Impact.
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National Small Business Week is almost here! It’s a great time to celebrate everything you and other business owners do every day.
For over 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has been behind this nationwide event, shining a light on the creativity, grit, and community spirit of small businesses.
This year’s celebration (May 3 - 9) has a lot to offer - check out award winners, find new resources, and drop by the free two-day Virtual Summit on May 5 - 6. Want more info, looking to sign up, or just curious about past winners? Hit the button below, get inspired, and give yourself a well-deserved shoutout!
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Interested in learning more about the latest DDA projects and initiatives?
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Created in 1981, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) uses tax increment financing (also known as TIF) to stimulate redevelopment in the central business district. The Authority focuses on projects that benefit the entire community. The DDA is here to help support and enhance our vibrant downtown. For transparency and your convenience, you can find key information such as board packets - which include Business Marketing & Communications (BMC) monthly updates - as well as city sales tax reports directly on the DDA website.
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Copyright © 2026 | Downtown Development Authority, All rights reserved.
Business Marketing & Communications Program
19 Old Town Square, Suite #230, Fort Collins, CO 80524
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