We are thrilled to cordially invite you to our Virtual Town Hall on September 5th at 9:00 AM (MT) via Zoom. This event marks an exciting moment as we introduce GBC’s new Executive Director, Yolanda Richard!

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.

To learn more about Yolanda’s background and experiences, please view her bio HERE.

What to Expect at Our Town Hall:

• Introduction to Yolanda Richard: Get to know Yolanda, hear her personal story, and understand her motivation for joining Good Business Colorado.

• Q&A Session: Engage directly with Yolanda as she addresses your questions and shares her initial thoughts and vision for our community.

• A Glimpse into the Future: Learn about GBC’s first steps towards intentional strategic planning and Yolanda’s mission to personally connect with our members in every region of Colorado!

• We Need YOU: Learn about all of our upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, and hear from our Board Chair about joining the Board of Directors!

This town hall is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow members, learn about our new leadership, and understand the future direction of Good Business Colorado. Your participation is crucial as we embark on this exciting new chapter together.

Come to Electric Avenue and kick-off West Slope Startup Week in style. Some of Durango's most daring chefs will be going wire-to-wire, making delicious green-chili centered lunches on all electric appliances. While they are busy sizzling on electric stoves & ovens, LPEA, 4 Core, Good Business Colorado, Good Food Collective and more will host an expo to share all things electrification. If you've been wondering how your business can "electrify," this is the event for you. You'll leave with a full belly and connections to incentives, vendors, financing options and anything else you need to get started. 

Let's Rock on Down to Electric Avenue! 

⚡️Welcome to Electric Avenue⚡️ This unique event series blends the excitement of live cooking competitions with the latest in electric kitchen technology, offering a unique look at the future of sustainable cooking.

Here’s what to expect: Local top chefs will be turning up the heat using only electric appliances, competing to create the best dishes right before your eyes. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see innovative cooking methods in action, and learn why moving towards electric kitchens is not just a trend, but a smarter, safer way to cook.

Alongside the culinary action, explore our electrification expo! You'll find the latest electric vehicles, E-bikes, and interactive displays from local utilities and tech companies, giving you a taste of the technology that’s driving our sustainable future.

Be sure to come early and stay late, there will be LOTS to explore!

Competition Theme: How Pueblo Can You Go? 

🎟️ Grab your ticket and join us for a day where flavor and future collide. Dive into Electric Avenue and experience how cooking is evolving right before your eyes.

⚡️Welcome to Electric Avenue⚡️ This unique event series blends the excitement of live cooking competitions with the latest in electric kitchen technology, offering a unique look at the future of sustainable cooking.

Here’s what to expect: Local top chefs will be turning up the heat using only electric appliances, competing to create the best dishes right before your eyes. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see innovative cooking methods in action, and learn why moving towards electric kitchens is not just a trend, but a smarter, safer way to cook.

Alongside the culinary action, explore our electrification expo! You'll find the latest electric vehicles, E-bikes, and interactive displays from local utilities and tech companies, giving you a taste of the technology that’s driving our sustainable future.

Be sure to come early and stay late, there will be LOTS to explore!

Competition Theme: Christmas in July

🎟️ Grab your ticket and join us for a day where flavor and future collide. Dive into Electric Avenue and experience how cooking is evolving right before your eyes.

The San Luis Valley Entrepreneurship Summit aims to connect entrepreneurs to one another and to resources to strengthen regional networks and opportunities to collaborate. The San Luis Valley Entrepreneurship Summit is for San Luis Valley entrepreneurs and partners and will be partially funded by local partner support.

These monthly events are intended for new and existing members to learn more about Good Business Colorado, member benefits and opportunities for engagement and meet fellow members/prospective members.

Agenda:

• Attendee Introductions - Everyone gets a chance to share their elevator pitch OR an upcoming event you want the group to know about

• Overview of GBC Programs and Member Benefits

• Policy 101 Speed Session - Because if you're not at the table, you're on the menu! 

• Q&A

⚡️Welcome to Electric Avenue⚡️ This unique event series blends the excitement of live cooking competitions with the latest in electric kitchen technology, offering a unique look at the future of sustainable cooking.

Here’s what to expect: Local top chefs will be turning up the heat using only electric appliances, competing to create the best dishes right before your eyes. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see innovative cooking methods in action, and learn why moving towards electric kitchens is not just a trend, but a smarter, safer way to cook.

Alongside the culinary action, explore our electrification expo! You'll find the latest electric vehicles, E-bikes, and interactive displays from local utilities and tech companies, giving you a taste of the technology that’s driving our sustainable future.

Be sure to come early and stay late, there will be LOTS to explore!

Competition Theme: Bar food

🎟️ Grab your ticket and join us for a day where flavor and future collide. Dive into Electric Avenue and experience how cooking is evolving right before your eyes.

If you are looking to make meaningful connections with like-minded 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! 

Join us at the Hays Student Center for an exciting event where budding entrepreneurs will showcase their innovative ideas. Witness the top entrepreneurs pitch their business concepts to a panel of judges and compete for the title of champion. This in-person event promises to be a hub of creativity and inspiration. Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness the next big business idea!

These monthly events are intended for new and existing members to learn more about Good Business Colorado, member benefits and opportunities for engagement and meet fellow members/prospective members.

Agenda:

• Attendee Introductions - Everyone gets a chance to share their elevator pitch OR an upcoming event you want the group to know about

• Overview of GBC Programs and Member Benefits

• Policy 101 Speed Session - Because if you're not at the table, you're on the menu! 

• Q&A

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.

Sponsors: 

Sustainable Environment Champion
Namaste Solar

Equitable Communities Champion
Connect for Health Colorado

Thought Leader
Colographic
Colorado Press Association

Advocate
Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, The Gill Foundation, Progressive Promotions, Zova Marketing, Meow Wolf, STEM Ecosystem, Colorado Gives Foundation, Hunger Free Colorado, Sustainable Advisors Alliance, Colorado Women's Day, Pote Law Firm, Switchboard, WideFoc.us 

For more information on becoming a sponsor, click here. 

To nominate yourself or a fellow GBC member for the Member’s Choice Award, click here.

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. We've had several legislators express interest in attending, so you can ask them your burning questions, too!

Join us for an information webinar to explore a new tool available to businesses looking for funding!

GrantVEST.ai provides commercialization intelligence and access to alternative capital for businesses. Through the platform, businesses can access the following reports, utilizing automated generative AI developed technology:

• IP Feasibility Intelligence to include prior art work research on new technology or freedom to operate with IP that is on the self. This removes 70-80 hours of research over a 3-6 week period. 

• Market Opportunity Intelligence to include market size, growth, competition, regulatory pathways and approvals. This removes 120 hours of research over a 4-6 week period. 

• Alternative Capital Assessment to include the American Seed Funding like SBIR/STTR, state and private incentives. 

All in all, GranteVEST provides businesses with intelligence on obtaining IP, understanding their old and new market opportunity potential, and access to alternative capital. GrantVEST is supported by the Department of Commerce, MBDA, Census Innovation Labs and Techstars. 

Event Sponsors:

This event is brought to you by the following organizations that work to support small business success: Good Business Colorado, Apex Business Consulting, the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Boulder County, Metro DEEP, and the Superior Chamber of Commerce.

The Superior Chamber’s Women’s Business Conference, SuperiHER, aims to empower and support women in business. The conference provides networking, professional development, and inspiration for women from diverse industries and backgrounds.

The conference addresses women’s unique challenges and opportunities in the workplace, providing insights and strategies to overcome barriers and thrive in their careers. Topics may include leadership development, work-life balance, entrepreneurship, business management, personal branding, marketing, and technology.

In addition to the educational and networking aspects, the conference provides opportunities for attendees to showcase their businesses or products through sponsorships or exhibiting at our Women’s Expo. Sponsors and Exhibitors allow participants to connect with potential clients, partners, or investors, expanding their professional networks and promoting their brands.

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 celebrating "Autism Acceptance Month", with a FREE, educational, and fun community building event. While the bulk of the event will be dedicated to purposeful networking, from 5:00 - 5:30 we will hear from DIRT about their work to reduce underemployment in the neurodivergent community by empowering individuals and transforming hiring practices.

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!

These monthly events are intended for new and existing members to learn more about Good Business Colorado, member benefits and opportunities for engagement and meet fellow members/prospective members.

Agenda:

• Attendee Introductions - Everyone gets a chance to share their elevator pitch OR an upcoming event you want the group to know about

• Overview of GBC Programs and Member Benefits

• Policy 101 Speed Session - Because if you're not at the table, you're on the menu! 

• Q&A

These monthly events are intended for new and existing members to learn more about Good Business Colorado, member benefits and opportunities for engagement and meet fellow members/prospective members.

Agenda:

• Attendee Introductions - Everyone gets a chance to share their elevator pitch OR an upcoming event you want the group to know about

• Overview of GBC Programs and Member Benefits

• Policy 101 Speed Session - Because if you're not at the table, you're on the menu! 

• Q&A

Need to resuscitate your graphic design work?

It’s YellowDog to the rescue! 

Whether you are in creative crisis or just looking for a little face-lift, everyone could use a little boost when it comes to designing your own brand collateral. Bring your DIY designs to the experts at YellowDog for a casual workshop to level up your visual impact. 

Submit your work in advance to be included in a slideshow that we’ll watch and workshop together (with snacks and drinks in hand). Our creative director and team of in-house designers will lead this peer-to-peer session, offering feedback to take your design from “nice try” to “nailed it.” 

This FREE event is perfect for:

• Good Business Colorado members

• Graphic designers 

• Marketing professionals who create their own collateral

• Entrepreneurs who do occasional DIY graphic design

• Canva queens convinced their latest design is either the greatest or worst thing ever created

• Anyone who has looked at their own designs a thousand times and needs a fresh eye

How it works:

Step 1: Submit your design art. Attendees are welcome to submit ONE graphic design to us at least two days before the event. We’ll select 10 designs to workshop together.

Step 2: Mix and mingle with other Denver creatives and GBC members over snacks before the workshop. While you’re here at YellowDog HQ, take a tour of our production area and learn how we can help you lower your impact when you print locally.

Step 3: Settle in for the workshop. You’ll have a chance to give friendly feedback on your peers’ designs and receive input on yours. Honesty (with a smile) is the policy - we’ll share constructive critiques to help us all improve. 

Kinds of graphics considered:

• Logos

• Banner ads

• Animations

• Graphics for social posts

• Website headers and icons

• Designs for small print: stickers, mailers, brochures, print ads, etc.

• Designs for big print: banners, posters, signs, etc.

• Anything else you have in the pipeline

To submit your graphic art to the slideshow, please email ONE file as a .png with a brief description of its use and context to jen@yellowdogdenver.com with “DESIGN RESCUE SUBMISSION” in the subject line.

About the Event Hosts:

YellowDog (yellowdogdenver.com)

YellowDog is a boutique design, print and marketing studio helping small businesses, nonprofits and corporate clients realize their vision through creative touchpoints. YellowDog is all about creating connections. We help our clients’ business or nonprofit stand out. 

This annual event was started nine years ago as a way for women in Colorado to participate in the globally-celebrated International Women's Day which was first marked in 1911.  Today, International Women's Day is supported by organizations, groups, governments and individuals worldwide committed to a more gender equal world.

In 2024, Colorado Women's Day will be held on Friday, March 8 at the Marriott Denver West. As in past years, the event will begin first thing in the morning with a set of informative seminars/workshops tailored to the needs of our state's women.  A Women's Day Marketplace will be open throughout the day where women can talk to business owners about products and services that are of interest to them. Past vendors have included clothing and jewelry designers, locally-made soap, food, art and handicrafts, as well as service providers.

The Colorado Women's Day lunch follows the morning workshops and includes a wonderful motivational speaker, and the annual Colorado Women's Day awards. In 2024, Colorado Women's Day is accepting nominations for young and adult women in 10 different categories.

Most years, the event has included a reception where women can meet their elected officials. Plenty of door prizes and networking is also on the agenda.

Colorado Women's Day is where women can become informed on different issues, learn about their own physical and mental health, and celebrate and be inspired by achievements throughout the year.

Feel free to attend any or all of the activities in this all-day event.

Join Good Business Colorado, Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute, Small Business Majority, and B Local for our 2024 Entrepreneur and Employer Day of Action! Speak up for a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Colorado together with other employers and entrepreneurs - no experience necessary! We’ll provide all the preparation and support you need to feel confident talking with state legislators about the issues that are important to you, your business, and your community. Activities include:

• Breakfast and orientation

• Morning address from legislator 

• Advocacy training: How to Take Action! 

• Taking Action! Engaging with Legislators in person

• Entrepreneur and legislator networking lunch 

• Afternoon Capitol Action: Testify in Committee (as the legislative schedule allows)

Register to receive additional details and sign up for specific activities. Limited travel stipends available for attendees outside the metro area. Please let us know if you need language or other special accommodations.
_____________________

Miércoles, 28 de febrero desde las 7:30 AM a las 3:30 PM en el Capitolio del Estado de Colorado.

Siéntase libre de asistir a cualquiera o a todas las actividades en este evento de todo el día.

¡Únase a Good Business Colorado, Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute, Small Business Majority, y B Local para nuestro Día de Acción del Empresario 2024! Hable en favor de un Colorado más equitativo, sostenible y próspero junto con otros dueños de pequeños negocios y empresarios, ¡sin experiencia necesaria! Proporcionaremos toda la preparación y el apoyo que usted necesita para sentirse seguro al hablar con legisladores estatales sobre los temas que son importantes para usted, su negocio y su comunidad. Las actividades incluyen:

• Desayuno y orientación.

• Discurso matutino de un legislador.

• Entrenamiento de defensa: ¡Cómo tomar acción!

• ¡Tomar acción! Interactuar con legisladores en persona.

• Almuerzo de networking entre empresarios y legisladores.

• Acción en el Capitolio por la tarde: Testificar en Comité (según el horario legislativo lo permita).

Regístrese para recibir detalles adicionales e inscríbase en actividades específicas. Hay estipendios de viaje limitados disponibles para asistentes fuera del área metropolitana. Por favor, avísanos si necesita ajustes de idioma u otras adaptaciones especiales.

Laura Delgado email: laura@rmmfi.org, 303-591-2865

These monthly events are intended for new and existing members to learn more about Good Business Colorado, member benefits and opportunities for engagement and meet fellow members/prospective members.

Agenda:

• Attendee Introductions - Everyone gets a chance to share their elevator pitch OR an upcoming event you want the group to know about

• Overview of GBC Programs and Member Benefits

• Policy 101 Speed Session - Because if you're not at the table, you're on the menu! 

• Q&A

In Colorado our legislative session is 120 days long. As they say with kids, the days are long but the years (months) are short. Before we know it, the session will be ending. Don’t miss your opportunity to advance gender, racial, and economic equity through systems change. Join us for a 90 minute training to hone your advocacy skills, learn about WFCO’s top policy priorities, and hear directly from experts about the cost of living in Colorado including renters rights and affordable housing, small business support, and a way to advance economic mobility for Black Coloradans. Current speakers include:

• Alison Friedman Phillips, WFCO Director of Programs, Policy &, Advocacy

• Sade Cooper, CEO of CHIC

• Debra Brown, Executive Director of Good Business Colorado

• Jack Regenbogen, Deputy Executive Director of Colorado Poverty Law Project

Want to learn more about CrossPurpose? 

Join us for an evening of refreshments and light hors d'oeuvres to learn more about CrossPurpose mission and ways to get involved.

• Schedule:

• 5:00 - 5:30pm : Snack & Chat
  When you arrive, please check in at the front desk in the lobby. During this time, you will mingle with Good Business Colorado members, CrossPurpose Staff, and CrossPurpose program alumni over refreshments and light hors d'oeuvres. 

• 5:30 - 6:30pm : CrossPurpose Presentation
  Hear from CrossPurpose staff about the mission, vision, and programs as well as directly from program alumni and the impact that CrossPurpose had on their lives. 
  

• 6:30pm-7pm : Q&A & Mingle
  Finish your evening off by getting your questions answered from CrossPurpose staff members and program alumni. 
  
  Arrival Details:
  Exterior: Our building does not have signage currently. It is a long, gray one story building with red pillars.
  Parking: Please park in the parking lot north of the CrossPurpose building. The front door is located by the red pillars.
  Check-In: When you arrive, please check in at the front desk in the lobby. We will be expecting you!

About the Event Host:

CrossPurpose: (crosspurpose.org)  

CrossPurpose is a non-profit organization abolishing relational, economic, and spiritual poverty through career and community development. 

Learn more about CrossPurpose by watching these videos

• The Heart of CrossPurpose

• Ten Years of Beautiful Stories

Join business leaders at the Lyric on February 1, 2024, to celebrate the launch of NoCoBiz Connect, our region's, fully bilingual, sustainable business program!

🍳Enjoy breakfast with colleagues and coworkers, or make a new connection. The first 100 people to arrive will enjoy a special gift. 🔗Register now and join the NoCoBiz Connect Journey from day one!

The event signifies a new era of sustainable business programming in Northern Colorado, replacing Fort Collins’s former program, ClimateWise. NoCoBiz Connect focuses on education 📚, networking 🤝, and recognition 🏆 for our business community while engaging more diverse businesses in sustainable solutions.

We look forward to seeing you at this landmark event! Register now!

🌍 Can't Make It? Stay Connected!

If you can't join us physically but are eager to learn about NoCoBiz Connect, reach us at admins@nocobizconnect.com.

🎉 Gran Inaguración del Programa Noco Biz Connect 🌱

¡Únanse a líderes empresariales en el Lyric el 1 de febrero de 2024, para celebrar el lanzamiento de NoCoBiz Connect, el nuevo programa regional de sustentabilidad para negocios , completamente bilingüe.

🍳 Disfruten de un delicioso desayuno con colegas o hagan nuevas conexiones. Las primeras 100 personas en llegar recibirán un regalo especial. 🔗 ¡Regístrense hoy y formen parte de la historia de NoCoBiz Connect desde el primer día!

El evento marca una nueva era en la programación de sustentabilidad para negocios en el norte de Colorado, reemplazando al antiguo programa de Fort Collins, ClimateWise. NoCoBiz Connect se enfoca en la educación📚, networking 🤝,y reconocimiento 🏆para nuestra comunidad empresarial, involucrando a un conjunto más amplio y diverso de negocios en soluciones sustentables.

¡Esperamos con entusiasmo verlos en este evento histórico! ¡Regístrense hoy!

🌍 ¿No pueden asistir? ¡Manténganse conectados!
Si no pueden unirse presencialmente pero tienen interés en conocer más sobre NoCoBiz Connect, contáctennos en admins@nocobizconnect.com.

Green Drinks is BACK for Fort Collins and the surrounding areas!! 

The Horse & Dragon Brewing Company team is partnering with local businesses and nonprofits to bring you an amazing bi-monthly networking event catered to sustainability enthusiasts and professionals. Come hang out with us and chat about things like climate policy, environmental justice, non-toxic materials, water restoration, climate anxiety, and other topics centered around sustainability and whatever you are passionate about. 

We believe that a successful transition to a net-zero economy requires creative solutions and there is no better way to facilitate those solutions than to bring people together. Green Drinks is a networking opportunity and a place for individuals to find community around sustainability issues in the Northern Colorado area. We welcome all regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political persuasion. We look forward to meeting you at our upcoming relaunch event. See details below!

We will be kicking off the Green Drinks relaunch at Horse & Dragon Brewing, a local gem that has set the standard for small business environmental impact work. They have also invited Good Business Colorado, Odyssey Event Sustainability, and the Sustainable Living Association to come share a bit about their environmental initiatives. So in addition to meeting great people, you can learn about a few Colorado-based organizations working to save the planet and how you can get involved. Come learn more and enjoy some snacks, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages!

ClimateCon! is a conference celebrating climate innovation and inspiring action. The inaugural conference will be on January 23rd at the CSU Spur campus in Denver. The conference will feature over 70 panelists (including GBC) across 30 breakout sessions. Learn more at www.climatecon.world.

About ClimateCon!:
ClimateCon! is a dynamic platform dedicated to driving action and fostering collaboration to address climate change. Through its conference series and year-round initiatives, ClimateCon! brings together thought leaders, experts, innovators, and change-makers from various sectors to accelerate the transition to a regenerative and resilient future. By showcasing actionable solutions and facilitating meaningful partnerships, ClimateCon! empowers individuals and organizations to make a tangible impact in the fight against climate change. Visit www.climatecon.world to learn more.

As an entrepreneur and/or employer, Colorado laws, bills, and budgets impact you! What do you need to know? What important bills are being discussed in 2024? How will you be impacted and how can you make your voice heard? Learn from Good Business Colorado, and Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute in this Policy 101 for Entrepreneurs and Employers, and 2024 Legislative Preview with Senator Julie Gonzalez, Senator Cleave Simpson, Rep Judy Amabile, and Rep Naquetta Ricks.