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September 8, 2023
The Fort Collins Area Chamber and our regional partners offer this weekly email that showcases tools and resources to support business.
Additional resources can be found at NoCoRecovers.com.
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Inclusion in the Workplace
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
7:30 -10:30 a.m.
The Lyric, 1209 N. College Avenue
Quick Link to Register
Please join Verizon and Alpine Bank, in presenting Inclusion in the Workplace.
The theme for this event is for you to hear from other businesses their journey in helping their employees to have a sense of belonging through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Join Joshua Miller, Manager of Municipal Affairs & Community Engagement for Verizon Global Services, as he shares the journey Verizon has been on in this work. Learn also about the success of their employee resource groups.
We have then assembled an amazing panel who will share their hurdles to success, provide advice and recommendations, and even action items you can take for your business. Our panel members are:
- Rachel Bryan, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist - Internal Programs, New Belgium
- Sean Choi, Director of Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Senior Vice President, First Bank Holding Company
- Laura Valdez, Executive Director, Nonprofit Partner, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
- Lidia Varela, High Country Beverage, and Latino Chamber
Join us for breakfast and important conversation! $10 for registration
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Navigating Success with Small Business #FCSmallBiz
7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Foothills Mall (near Fireplace), 215 E. Foothills Pkwy, Ste. 220
Quick Link to Register
The Fort Collins Area Chamber and Alpine Bank are proud to celebrate September Small Business with two presentations designed to help your business navigate success. The cost to attend this event is $20. Please join us!
Event details and more information about small business September can be found here.
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NoCo Housing Now Summit – Register Now!
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Friday, September 15, 2023
Budweiser Event Center
Topic: Proposition HH: Getting past the headlines
Passed in the waning days of the 2023 legislative session, this measure asks Colorado voters to make significant changes in how property taxes, educational funding, and TABOR will be treated going forward. The nuance of these intersections are complex. The implications are equally daunting. Come learn more from our panel of experts from both sides of the issue.
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Construction Begins on the Western Backbone Project | Starting Monday 8/28. Traffic impacts are expected as work on waterline installation gets underway. The Fort Collins-Loveland Water District will be installing a water line as part of our ongoing system improvements. This 0.5 mile is the first phase of a 4-mile multi-phase project. | |
FRCC Day at the Rockies
Join FRCC on Sunday, September 17th for a Rockies game. Discounted tickets are available and a portion of your purchase will go to the Foundation supporting student scholarships!
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Youth Climate Action Event - Make a Move
Saturday, September 23rd
9 am - 3 pm
Old Town Square, Fort Collins
At the 2nd annual Youth Climate Action event you can be one of 75 local youths between the ages of 15-25 to participate in various service-learning projects that connect you with nature and teach you about the power of giving back to the community. This next-generation climate awareness event is youth-developed, youth-driven, and youth-led.
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Colorado Pathways Conference
The annual Colorado Pathways Conference will be held September 19 and 20 at the Tivoli on the Auraria Campus. This is a great event for secondary and postsecondary educators, advisors, counselors, workforce development professionals, employers, education-to-workforce investors, foundations, and other advocates interested in learning more and/or amplifying the need for industry-informed career-connected pathways.
Participants will hear from presenters across several strands: education and skills alignment, partnership and collaboration, data and technology, policy and communications, employer focused innovative solutions, and learner voice and support.
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Sponsor the 2023 Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Support the Larimer County Conservation Corps' local conservation efforts by sponsoring the Wild & Scenic Film Festival! This event hosts approximately 400 Fort Collins community members who are active in the outdoor and conservation community. Learn more about the event and sponsorship opportunities in the 2023 WSFF Sponsorship Opportunities Packet.
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Resources for New Immigrants & Refugees | Sponsored by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor, this page contains curated resources to help you provide training and employment services to job seekers who may have recently resettled to the U.S. and/or are from underrepresented populations who may use English as a second language. | | |
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The World Trade Center Denver Training Catalog is live!
The World Trade Center Denver's local and global network unlocks the best trade services and connections in the Rocky Mountain region and the world, providing award-winning content and expertise.
Take a look!
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Small Business Apprenticeship Support Grant
The Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) is providing financial incentives of up to $50,000 in grant funding to small businesses to expand administrative support for launching new or expanding existing Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs).
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Art to Live Grant Now Live!
Art to Live is a grant for individual artists living in Fort Collins whose artistic and creative opportunities were negatively impacted by Covid-19. The goal of Art to Live is to financially support and foster working artists in Fort Collins, who then offer free opportunities for community residents to experience art.
The grant is for a total of $3,000, with $2,500 disbursed after submitting a W9 and signed contract. The remaining $500 will be disbursed after proof of completion of a free public presentation of the grantee’s art. Public presentations must be completed within 8 months of signing the contract.
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Climber Loan Fund
The CLIMBER (Colorado Loans to Increase Mainstreet Business Economic Recovery) Loan Fund is a statewide program that will provide up to $250 million in working capital loans to Colorado small businesses through 2024. It will promote small businesses recovery, save jobs, and help support the Colorado economy.
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Partner with Northern Water and Get Funding for Your Landscape Project
In 2018, Northern Water launched a Collaborative Water-Efficient Landscape Grant Program to promote water-efficient, Colorado climate-friendly landscapes. This program helps expand our education and outreach efforts in the communities we serve. Grants awarded help fund new or redevelop landscapes based on the principles and best practices displayed in our Conservation Campus and Gardens. We also provide signs and other materials so the project can serve as a landscape efficiency education site.
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Grant opportunity – Digital Navigators
Comcast is pleased to join the Office of the Future of Work (OFW) at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and Serve Colorado / AmeriCorps in the Colorado Lt. Governor's Office to support a statewide Digital Navigator Program. There is an exciting opportunity for community organizations to apply for grant funds to support AmeriCorps members working as Digital Navigators in digital inclusion programs across Colorado! Please see the Request for Applications (RFA) and full program details here.
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Manufacturer's Edge Launches New Grants
Program to Help Boost Your Business!
Unlock funding opportunities and take your business to the next level!
Are you a small manufacturer in Colorado looking for opportunities to recover from recent economic challenges? The Manufacturer's Edge Small Manufacturing Recovery Grants program is here to help. Their program offers multiple grant opportunities, including some that are tailored to meet the specific needs of rural manufacturing communities.
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Colorado Manufacturing Network
Join the Colorado Manufacturing Network and help us build the Colorado manufacturing base into a hyperconnected, secure, and resilient ecosystem of local and regional suppliers who can more easily connect and interact with the government and industry organizations that rely on them.
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Skill Advance Colorado Job Training Grant
The Skill Advance Colorado Job Training Grant (formerly the Colorado First and Existing Industry Grant) helps businesses and nonprofits create customized job training for employees.
This training:
- develops Colorado’s workforce
- builds workers’ transferable skills
- improves workers’ resumes and long-term employment opportunities
- helps Colorado businesses remain competitive
The funds are broken down into Colorado First funds and Existing Industry funds.
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Sign Your Business Up for Work-Based Learning Reimbursement Program
In partnership with the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, the Work-Based Learning Incentive Program (WBLIP) is a state-funded program offering financial reimbursements of up to $10,000 to businesses to create or expand high-quality work-based learning programs. Additional incentives are available, including for small and/or rural businesses. This program ends in May 2024.
WBLIP will provide funding to assist with the expenses for developing or expanding existing work-based learning programs, including but not limited to training costs.
This program for students and job seekers creates opportunities to learn ABOUT work THROUGH work and AT work.
For more information and to sign your business up for Work-Based Leaning and this reimbursement program, contact: Heather Everett – WBLIP Manager: heveret...@outlook.com
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Business K-12 Work-Based Learning
Work-based learning (WBL) allows high school students to participate in meaningful work related to their anticipated career pathway(s). While individuals are still in high school, they receive school credit and real-world job experience.
WBL Coordinators are teachers at high schools who help students navigate their unique journey. Students are utilizing an electronic platform called Xello to research career pathways and connect them to WBL opportunities offered by businesses in the community.
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Zero Cost Training for In-Demand Jobs
Through your local community or technical college, you can get free training in nursing, firefighting, and other rewarding fields that move Colorado forward. Starting in August 2023, students who enroll in an approved training program will have their tuition, fees, course materials, and other costs covered. Learn more about which training programs are covered by clicking the link below.
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Manufacturing Supervisor Training Program
This two-part program is for manufacturing supervisors wanting to deepen their understanding of and ability to address common management questions. Parts 1 and 2 can be taken separately or combined into a full program. Whether you are new to supervision or want to round out your knowledge base, this program will help increase your ability to successfully manage your team.
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Colorado Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program |
The Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program uses federal Homeowner Assistance Funds to help homeowners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, get caught up on past-due housing/mobile home payments, property taxes, lot rent, insurance, and housing utilities.
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Civil Construction Academy
The Civil Construction Academy is a no-cost, entry-level construction training program hosted by the Colorado Contractors Association.
Each four-week program includes a Hiring Fair where program participants can meet face-to-face and interview directly with Colorado construction firms that are hiring.
This program is made possible through grant funding via the State of Colorado, and we are excited to offer this introductory career training to support the next generation of the construction workforce.
Each four-week program includes
- Four industry-recognized credentials:
- NCCER’s Construction Site Safety Orientation
- OSHA 10-Hour Card
- American Red Cross First Aid, CPR & AED
- CDOT Flagger Certification
Additional benefits:
- $50 per week stipend available – up to $200 total
- $250 voucher for purchase of work boots given to all program graduates
- Hiring fair on final day of class with construction firms eager to employ work-ready individuals
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Unstoppable Women’s Business Conference
October 10, 2023
Empowering Women Through Business Education and Encouragement.
Join us in empowering the Unstoppable Women Entrepreneurs of Northern Colorado. We are excited to bring you a day of education and encouragement. Listen to inspirational women presenters explore what makes an entrepreneur unstoppable.
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NOCOM Manufacturing Trade Show Booth Registration is Open
Northern Colorado Manufacturing Partnership is pleased to host the 2023 manufacturing trade show at The Ranch in Loveland on October 11th, showcasing Colorado’s expanding manufacturing sector, connecting suppliers, manufacturers and public partners.
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SAVE THE DATE: Construction Con 2023
Northern Colorado Construction Sector Partnership (NOCO CSP) will hold its second-annual Construction Con event at the Ranch Events Complex in Loveland on October 25, 2023. The event will be a hands-on, immersive construction experience provided to high school students from different schools in Northern Colorado. It will provide the opportunity to explore the multitude of career opportunities and different pathways into the industry.
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Help Your Business Thrive with Aims 2023 Opportunities
Aims Community College can help your business thrive with their 2023 opportunities. Join Aims for upcoming public seminars and on-demand training topics such as Project Management, Value Stream Mapping, Keeping and Retaining Employees, and more!
How ergonomic is your work environment? An ergonomically correct workspace may prevent sprains, strains, musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive motion injuries. Learn how to recognize and prevent ergonomic issues as well as helpful tips on how to improve your workspace.
Learn how several local companies are partnering with Aims to provide onsite courses in English as a Second Language in the Workplace or Conversational Spanish in the Workplace to sustain a safe workplace, improve communication, reduce miscommunication and enhance overall morale and job satisfaction.
According to a survey by Markstein, an integrated communications agency, 70% of consumers want companies they support to address social issues. In addition a recent McKinsey & Company survey shows that 44% of women, 46% of people of color and 50% of the LGBTQ+ respondents turned down a job offer because the company did not display an inclusive mindset. Attend this informative session to learn three actionable takeaways to ensure that your marketing content makes everyone feel visible, welcome and included.
Through a hands-on, interactive manufacturing simulation, learn how implementing Lean principles and tools may help you make significant process improvements. In the simulation, you will look at a typical manufacturing process, identify inefficiencies, decide what Lean tools might make a positive change and then see how effective small changes might be to a process. No matter what type of industry you work in, come and learn about the benefits of Lean tools in a fun way!
Transitioning from a highly skilled and trained employee to a supervisory role may be an unexpected and challenging journey. Attend this engaging session to explore key concepts essential for new supervisors as well as those with a few years of experience. You will gain insight into creating and maintaining a motivated work environment, understanding the three main reasons employees fail to meet expectations and applying effective techniques for defusing difficult situations.
Learn how Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may help you automate tasks, optimize decision making, drive efficiency and maximize productivity. Attend this informative session and unlock the potential of AI for business success and growth in the digital age.
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Colorado Business Support Programs
Our Business Funding and Incentives Division has partnered with eight lenders to launch the Colorado Startup Loan Fund. The Fund provides loans under $150,000 and micro-loans to business owners who have had trouble securing financing, need a smaller-than-average loan to get up and running or haven’t borrowed money before.
The program is currently open. This programming is tailored to business owners who are interested in learning more about the formation of an employee-owned company. Learn about the different structures, the funding opportunities available, and the steps to convert. Employee-owned businesses promote a higher quality of life for employee-owners including higher wages, less turnover, access to better benefits, and job security. For the business owner, they get the benefit of a more engaged workforce, a guaranteed succession plan, and a way to attract and retain top talent.
To learn more about the benefits and employee ownership options, the Employee Ownership Office has produced an introductory course. This is a free online course available 24 hours, 7 days a week accessible to small business owners interested in investigating employee ownership. To get started with this introductory course, available for 2 weeks, please click the link to register: Introduction to Employee Ownership.
The Cash Collateral Support program helps small and medium-sized businesses in Colorado access loans that they would otherwise not get because they do not have enough collateral. This credit enhancement uses small amounts of public resources to encourage private lenders to loan money to businesses. The program provides a cash deposit as collateral for a business loan or credit facility when the business cannot meet the lender’s collateral requirements. Lenders can apply for up to 25% of the loan amount or $250,000, whichever is less, in collateral to support business loan applications. The maximum loan size for this loan is $10 million.
This program provides business support and small grants to help businesses legally establish themselves through three required pathways. Minority Business Office consultant, Natalia, is available via virtual office hours to answer any questions you may have. Registration for training is on-demand and the reimbursement grant is open and accepted on a rolling basis.
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Upcoming Workshops at the SBDC
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