January 2025

Happy New Year! We are thrilled to continue supporting the growth and success of our local businesses in 2025.  

Stay informed about the latest developments in Commerce City’s business community. This newsletter will provide you with valuable insights, upcoming events, and essential resources to help your business thrive. Join us as we work together to build a stronger local economy.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Celebrating local success through Open Rewards

Did you know that supporting local businesses through the Open Rewards Program has made a significant impact on Commerce City’s economy? By shopping locally, you are contributing to a stronger, more vibrant community and earning rewards along the way, let’s make 2025 the year of shopping locally! Together, we can continue to grow our community while rewarding your everyday purchases.

Elevate Commerce: Empowering Local Businesses

Start 2025 with the tools and support your business needs to succeed! Elevate Commerce offers access to valuable resources, partnerships, and growth opportunities right here in Commerce City. Visit our website today to discover how we can help your business thrive!

Colorado Secure Savings

Over 40% of Colorado’s Workforce lacks access to a retirement saving plan. The Colorado Secure Savings Program offers businesses an easy way to help employees save with portable Roth IRAs. 

Business Appreciation Awards 2025



Commerce City’s Business Appreciation Awards are just around the corner! Each year, we recognize businesses, individuals, and organizations that contribute to the economic vitality of our city at the Business Appreciation Awards Breakfast.

Stay tuned for the opening of nominations across multiple award categories and visit our website to view past winners and award details. Questions? Email redefiningcommerce@c3gov.com

Colorado Companies to Watch

This prestigious awards program celebrates 50 outstanding second stage companies annually for their immense contributions to Colorado’s economy through job creation and revenue growth.

Nominations for 2025 are now open! Show your support by nominating or applying before the deadline on Friday, Jan. 31. 

PROGRAMS

Grant Opportunities for Nonprofits in Commerce City

The Quality Community Foundation (QCF) invites nonprofits to apply for the 2025 grant cycle to support programs and services that enhance the quality of life for Commerce City residents. Grants of up to $7,500 are available for Program/Project initiatives, while General Operating Grants offer up to $5,000. These funds support critical services, including emergency housing, health care, senior programs, food banks, and more.

Important Dates:

• Applications Open on Tuesday, Jan. 21
• Applications Due on Friday, Feb. 28
• Virtual Q&A Session on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nonprofits can join the Q&A session to ask questions and learn about the application process. Take advantage of this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our community! 

Funding & Financing Opportunities for Colorado Businesses

The Colorado Energy Office provides grants, loans, rebates, and other financial programs to help businesses, industrial entities, and non-profits transition to clean energy.

These opportunities aim to support Colorado’s shift toward sustainable energy solutions.

Take advantage of these opportunities and make a lasting impact on our environment!

Maximize your business potential with Enterprise Zone incentives

Did you know that most businesses in Commerce City qualify for the Colorado Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program? If your company is in an enterprise zone area, you could be eligible for valuable state income tax credits and sales tax exemptions designed to help your business grow and succeed.



You can now pre-certify for the Colorado Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program for the upcoming year. This program offers state income tax credits to encourage job creation and investment in economically distressed areas of Colorado.

PARTNER CORNER

Startup Orientation: Essentials for Launching Your Business

Thinking about starting your own business or improving your startup plan? Kickstart your entrepreneurial journey with expert advice from Jesse Esparza, SBDC Certified Advisor at North Metro SBDC. On Monday, Jan. 27 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in a hybrid format at 327 E. Bridge St. Brighton, CO. This presentation is hosted by Anythink Libraries. 

This session is designed to provide a solid foundation for building your business in Colorado.

• Choosing the right legal structure
• Registering your business
• Tax and licensing essentials
• Branding, marketing, and business planning

Strengthen Your Skilled Trades Business in 2025

Join the FREE "From Tax Basics to Loan Ready" series to improve your finances and access capital (limited to 60 participants).

Session Dates:

• Jan 23: Business Tax Compliance Demystified (Virtual)
• Jan 30: Accounting Essentials Unleashed (Virtual)
• Feb 15: Becoming a Bankable Business (In-Person, Aurora)

Why Attend?

• Loans starting at $10,000 through B:Side Fund
• One-on-one guidance & lender connections
• Bilingual support and free childcare for in-person sessions

Navigating Industry Reports: Finding the Data That Matters

Enhance your research skills and gain valuable insights to drive your business decisions on Wednesday, Jan. 29 from noon to 1 p.m. Join this exclusive virtual webinar with Jay Ballenberger, SBDC Market Research Specialist, to learn how to identify and evaluate the most valuable industry data.

• Embrace iterative research and refine your approach.
• Locate reputable industry reports and assess their reliability.
• Identify key metrics and understand their importance for deeper analysis.

Grow with Google: Unlocking Visibility: Know Your Customer, Grow Your Brand

Learn to create effective target people, conduct essential market research, and boost customer loyalty with actionable communication strategies on Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 10 to 11 a.m., virtually for free!

In this session, you will learn:

• The most effective and accurate ways to compile your target persona
• What market research you need to conduct and know the answers to
• Effective communication to increase customer loyalty and reviews

Contact Rachel Duke at rduke@region10.net or 970-765-3140.

THINGS TO KNOW

Economic Development Strategic Plan

Commerce City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan was approved in October and outlines our vision for growth and community support. Haven’t reviewed it yet? Look to see how we are shaping the city’s future and our goals for a stronger economy.