Connecting Colorado is your gateway to Colorado's top talent and services.

When you are ready to hire talented professionals, Business Services Representatives at Arapahoe/Douglas Works! can help your business hire, train, and retain staff with connections to these no-cost services:

• Free job postings with immediate candidate matching in Connecting Colorado.
• Help with offsetting training costs through On-The-Job Training mentorships, Work Experiences (paid Internships), and Apprenticeship programs.
• Hiring events and job fairs.
• Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credits when hiring WIOA participants and Veterans.
• Federal Bonding for hard to place jobseekers.

Email Business Solutions to learn more!

Colorado Statewide Minimum Wage Will Increase Effective January 1, 2027

• Standard Minimum Wage (Arapahoe and Douglas County): $15.71 per hour
• Tipped Worker Wage: $12.69 per hour (based on a fixed $3.02 tip offset)

Employers must pay the highest rate that applies to the specific work location:

• Denver: $19.84 per hour
• Edgewater: $19.84 per hour
• Boulder (City and County): $18.17 per hour

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the sustainable living wage in Arapahoe County, Colorado is $27.09 per hour for a single adult with no children, which equates to an annual pre-tax salary of $56,347.

The sustainable living wage in Douglas County, Colorado is estimated to be $30.40 per hour for a single adult with no children, which equates to an annual salary of approximately $63,232 before taxes.

The required self-sufficiency wage varies depending on household composition.

State data on how Colorado housing rates compare to income is reported HERE.

Apprenticeship Monthly Exchange Meetings

The Apprenticeship Monthly Exchange is a collaborative space where businesses and community partners can come together to learn from each other, share best practices, and spark new ideas. Our monthly virtual meetings will feature guest speakers and include resources and tools to help you develop, expand, and manage registered apprenticeship programs.

The Colorado Apprenticeship Hub welcomes anyone interested in developing, expanding, administering, or supporting Registered Apprenticeships and Pre-apprenticeships in Colorado. The virtual meeting series takes place on the second Wednesday of each month. Please click on the link below to attend.

Octover 14, 2026 01:00p.m., 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Register via Zoom

September 2026 | Colorado Economic & Revenue Forecast

This report presents the budget outlook based on current law and the September 2026 forecast for General Fund revenue, cash fund revenue, and the state TABOR outlook. It also provides a preview of the school finance outlook, which is presented in full in the December forecast. Finally, it details expectations for the U.S. and Colorado economies and provides economic indicators for nine regions of the state. Access the full report HERE.

Highlights:

• Economic Outlook - page 69
• Labor Market - page 74
• Metro Denver Economic Indicators - page 98

South Metro Enterprise Zone Program

Colorado's Enterprise Zone program can offer meaningful state income tax credits for eligible business activities, employee-related costs, training, research, rehabilitation, and qualified contributions.

The program encourages private investment and job growth in economically distressed areas by offering state income tax credits for eligible business activities and certain community contributions. Use the flyer to understand the process.

Questions about eligibility or filing? Contact EZ@aurorachamber.org. For time-sensitive questions about eligibility, documentation, or filing, please consult your tax professional.

Save your business time and valuable resources with no-cost services from Arapahoe/Douglas Works! We can meet your unique business needs to help you hire, train, and retain your workforce.

Connect with a member of our Business Team!

Discover trending topics that help your business thrive!

Discover Business Services

Join this popular webinar for an overview of services the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Business Services team can offer you. Topics include job postings, email blasts, screenings, hiring events, job fairs, recruiting military veterans, work-based learning, business information, labor market information, use of facilities, business education, rapid response services, and assessments.

The next session will be held on October 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Register on Zoom.

Direct inquiries to Sarah at spompeii@arapahoegov.com.

A/D Works! in Partnership with Aurora Public Schools Host Career Expo

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 — Middle School (grades 6–8)

Thursday, November 5, 2026 — High School (grades 9–12)

9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (lunch provided)

Gaylord of the Rockies Resort and Convention Center

6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd.

Aurora, CO 80019

Introduce students to your industry, share your career pathways, and help inspire the next generation of talent! Interested businesses can email Kelsey at kklaus@arapahoegov.com by October 23, 2026.

Veterans and Spouses Networking Event

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Veterans Team held the third quarter Veterans and Spouses Networking Event on September 10,2026 at the Arapahoe Community College Sturm Collaborative Campus in Castle Rock. The event hosted 19 veterans and their spouses for an opportunity to practice the delivery of their 30-second elevator pitch to eight employers for real-time constructive feedback. The event concluded with a networking session, allowing attendees to engage in one-on-one job search discussions with employers from a wide range of industries.

The local Regional Veteran Employment Representative (RVER), Martin Bangert, offers this event quarterly, alternating between virtual and in-person formats.

3rd Annual Workforce Colorado Career Fair 

What began as a metro initiative has evolved into a highly successful statewide collaboration, bridging the gap between local talent and businesses across Colorado. The hybrid format blends the flexibility of virtual networking with the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction.

The virtual fair was held on September 3, 2026, hosting 44 employers and drawing 644 participants throughout of the state.

On September 16, 2026, seven Workforce Centers across Colorado simultaneously hosted in-person career fairs to bring employment opportunities directly to local communities. At the local level, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! hosted 17 employers and welcomed 178 job seekers eagerly pursuing new careers.

In addition to direct hiring opportunities, attendees benefited from two resource tables, including a specialized table hosted by Meg Parcel from Career Services, providing job seekers with expert resume insights and career guidance.

Unlock the Power of AI for Your Business

A virtual AI workshop was held on September 17, 2026 in collaboration with the Digital Transformation and Innovation Team at the African Chamber of Commerce Colorado. We extend a huge thank you to their team for facilitating such an engaging and interactive session for our local business professionals and entrepreneurs. The workshop provided practical insights into several AI platforms, including ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Canva AI, NotebookLM, and Perplexity AI, with a focus on practical business applications that can improve productivity and support organizations to enhance their knowledge and expertise. Following the presentation, attendees received an opportunity to receive a free Google AI Essentials Course.

Task Force Members Wanted

Do you have an interest or expertise in:



• Marketing/Outreach/Engagement 
• Young Adult Engagement 

The Board is seeking task force members to collaborate with other stakeholders to guide strategies and support the local workforce system in expanding knowledge, services, resources, and/or program outcomes. Learn more and apply.

Are you interested in attending a Board meeting? Contact Sydney at sgolditch@arapahoegov.com.

County Offices will be closed on Monday, October 5 in observance of Arapahoe Day.

A few facts that make the County attractive for business

• We’re a hotspot for important industries like tech, healthcare, IT, and aerospace and aviation—all of which have added jobs and experienced growth since 2021.
• Small businesses thrive here! In fact, 95% of Arapahoe County businesses have fewer than 50 employees. 
• The Centennial Airport is both the second largest and second busiest general aviation airport in the United States, helping to propel the economy in the County and beyond. 
• Arapahoe County hosts the Denver Tech Center, home to national and international corporations. 
• Craig Hospital, a top-rated and nationally recognized hospital is located in Arapahoe County’s city of Englewood. 
• Arapahoe County has a long and proud tradition in education. Littleton and Cherry Creek are considered elite school districts. The County also offers two community colleges: Arapahoe Community College and Community College of Aurora and vocational schools such as Pickens Tech. Institutions like these provide much-needed skilled workers. 
• The County has 73 miles of new trails, 160 parks, and 31,000+ acres of open space. 

Retention is The Best ROI

Through the Spark DC business appreciation program, we meet with local business owners to listen, gain insight, and tackle your biggest challenges. A strong economy doesn't just come from recruiting new companies—it comes from supporting existing companies like you. When local businesses thrive, the whole community grows.

Together, we’ll spark more success stories. We want to meet with you!

Email kcarter@douglasco.gov to arrange a meeting.

Restaurant Resilience Summit: Beyond the Menu

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Metropolitan State University of Denver 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Hospitality Learning Center

1190 Auraria Parkway, #B

Denver, CO 80204

Free parking

In today’s challenging restaurant industry, what does it take to thrive? This free event will bring restaurant owners, operators, managers and hospitality professionals together to discuss industry challenges, learn from successful operators and build valuable industry connections.

Colorado Business Roundtable Zoom Briefing:

Colorado's 2026 Ballot - What Business Leaders Need to Know

Join the Colorado Business Roundtable for a virtual briefing on the statewide ballot initiatives appearing on the November ballot. This briefing will focus on the measures most important to Colorado's business community. Colorado voters will face consequential decisions this November on taxes, transportation, education, energy, conservation, and the state's broader economic direction. This briefing will bring together political, economic, and issue experts to help Colorado business leaders understand key provisions on the ballot, the political environment surrounding it, and what the outcomes could mean for Colorado's competitiveness. Open to the public.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Register here

Hosted by the South Metro Denver Chamber Economic Development Group 

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

7:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Axis Tower Auditorium

5613 DTC Parkway

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Learn more and register.

Made in Englewood Manufacturing Summit 2026

Dont miss this half-day event created for business owners, executives, and decision-makers across the manufacturing industry. The program brings together local experts, business resources, and community partners to share practical insights on the financial, operational, workforce, and market challenges manufacturers face.



Whether your business is established in Englewood or exploring opportunities in the area, the summit is designed to provide useful perspective, valuable connections, and resources that can help strengthen your business.

Thursday, October 22, 2026

7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Englewood Civic Center, 2nd floor

1000 Englewood Parkway

Englewood, CO 80110

REGISTER HERE

City of Aurora 2026 Contractor Education and Networking Summit

Informational event for contractors, consultants and suppliers

Join the city’s Finance Department for an informational event designed for contractors, consultants and suppliers to learn about the process for bidding on city contracts and upcoming procurement opportunities.

Connect with various city departments at informational tables and learn about future contracting opportunities. Representatives from Colorado APEX Accelerators, the Center for Community Wealth and the Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center will also be on-site to support businesses pursuing government contracts.

Thursday, October 22, 9 a.m. to noon

Hyatt Regency Aurora Denver Conference Center, 13200 E. 14th Place

Free to atttend

Register to attend: AuroraGov.org/CENS2026

62nd Annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum

December 7, 2026

12:30-5:30 p.m.

Grand Hyatt Denver

Curious about forthcoming changes to Colorado's economy?

Join us for this free half-day program to gain valuable insight into Colorado's economic future as well as forecasted industry-specific impacts.

The Colorado Business Economic Outlook provides professionals across nearly every industry in the state with a forecast of Colorado’s economy by sector. The event is free and open to the Colorado business community, but registration is required. Learn more.

Share Your Feedback: Governor’s Office Survey Extended Through Oct. 2

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis' Office wants to hear from you about the development of the Unified Postsecondary Talent Development System. 

Take a moment to share your feedback using their online survey. In addition to your own response, share the survey link with:

• Businesses and employers.
• Those who deliver services.
• Participants in workforce programs.

The Governor’s Office's goal is to gather responses from all 64 counties, and your assistance is vital in reaching that target. More information about this work can be found on the Governor’s Office Reimagining Colorado's Postsecondary Talent Development System  webpage.

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is a proud partner of the American Job Center network. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! programs are federally funded with $18,730,452.65 (~78 percent) through the U.S. Department of Labor. Additionally, ~22 percent ($5,326,786.07) is financed by non-federal sources.