November 2026

Stay informed about the latest developments in our business community with valuable insights, upcoming events, and essential resources to help your business thrive. Together, we are building a stronger local economy and supporting local businesses every step of the way. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commerce City Promise receives IEDC Silver Award in New Orleans

In late October, at the IEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans, Commerce City accepted a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award in the Postsecondary Education Partnership category. The award recognizes Commerce City Promise, our partnership with the Community College of Aurora that gave residents no-cost access to short-term credential programs. It was a special moment to celebrate on the national stage during IEDC's 100th anniversary. Thank you to everyone who made this program possible!

Restrictions for food trucks eased in Commerce City

After hearing from food truck operators that some city rules made it hard to do business locally, Commerce City reviewed its mobile food vending regulations and looked at best practices from neighboring cities. On Oct. 19, City Council approved Ordinance 2798, which gives mobile vendors more flexibility. 

Shop local and earn cash back on Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 28, and Commerce City's Open Rewards program makes shopping local even more rewarding. Customers earn cash back when they shop at participating Commerce City businesses. All you need to do is download the free Open Rewards app, link a card or upload a receipt, and start earning. Rewards can be spent at other local businesses, keeping dollars right here in our community.

 

Business owners: make sure your business is on the Open Rewards map so holiday shoppers can find you. It's free for customers, and it's a simple way to bring new people through your door this season.



Are you a new business that wants to join the list of places residents receive cash back? Click here to register for free.

Vendors wanted for Merry Market at Holiday Tree Lighting event

Do you sell crafts, jewelry, or baked goods? Vendors are invited to set up a booth at the city's Holiday Tree Lighting on Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.


This annual family-friendly event brings hundreds of community members to the Civic Center (7887 E. 60th Ave.), where you can expose them to your product.

A roadmap to make Colorado easier for business

On Oct. 14, the Governor's Competitiveness Council delivered its roadmap to Governor Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). The recommendations focus on six areas, including simpler regulations, access to capital, workforce, and affordability. More than 80% of the businesses that took part in the statewide listening sessions were small and medium-sized companies, so the voices of businesses like yours helped shape it.

DEVELOPMENT

This month, Commerce City continued moving forward with impactful projects that strengthen our community and local economy.

Candy Cloud Commerce City

Candy Cloud, a new specialty drink café, is now open at 15421 E. 104th Ave. This new local business brings jobs to our community and a fun new place for families and neighbors to gather, with lemonade, energy drinks, dirty sodas, soft serve, and snacks. We were happy to meet the owner and thank them for choosing to invest in Commerce City.


We have already heard positive feedback from the community and can't wait to hear about your experience

Anythink Reunion Express Library

Congratulations to Anythink Libraries on the grand opening of the Reunion Express Library, its new fully self-service branch in Reunion. Unlike a traditional library branch, an Express Library is a compact, self-service space designed for quick visits and busy schedules. Now available for families to visit at 15400 E. 103rd Place, open 7 days a week.

Visiting JFW Corp.'s new facility

Our Economic Development team visited JFW Corp. at its new facility at 5400 Forest Street. It was great to see this local business grow and invest in Commerce City. Thank you to the JFW team for welcoming us and showing us around! Commerce in Motion is our way of visiting local businesses, celebrating their milestones, and learning how we can support their growth.

PROGRAMS

Need money for your business?

There is still time to sign up for SBDC Day in Commerce City: Get Ready for Funding! The City of Commerce City and the Colorado SBDC Serving North Metro Denver are hosting a free, interactive workshop in the Derby District on Thursday, Nov. 19, from noon to 1:30 p.m.



Learn your funding options, hear directly from lenders (SBA, Huntington Bank, and Colorado Enterprise Fund), ask your questions, and connect one-on-one with SBDC advisors. All small business owners and entrepreneurs are welcome. Offered in English and Spanish.


Click here to schedule an advising appointment 

Planning for the Future? Colorado's Employee Ownership Tax Credit

Thinking about retirement or selling your business someday? Selling to your employees is one way to keep your business, and its jobs, in Commerce City. In October, Colorado's Office of Economic Development highlighted how its Employee Ownership Tax Credit is helping Colorado businesses make that transition, including Rocky Mountain Steel, which became 100% employee-owned.

Free legal help for your business

Have a question about a contract, your business structure, a trademark, or hiring an employee? Mi Casa Resource Center offers free 30-minute consultations with volunteer lawyers on the second Tuesday of every month, 6–8 p.m., at 345 S. Grove St. in Denver. Appointments are required.

Tax credits for costly equipment: Up to 75% back for food retailers and farms

Is your small grocery store, carnicería, or farmers market buying costly equipment this year to expand access to healthy food, like refrigeration, shelving, or scales? You could get back 75% of the cost through Colorado's Community Food Access Equipment Tax Credit. Many Commerce City neighborhoods qualify.

PARTNERS

Commerce City Chamber 10th Anniversary Celebration

Help the Commerce City Chamber of Commerce celebrate 10 years of supporting local business on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.!


Join them for an evening of food, networking, and fun at KeyBank, 6565 E. 73rd Ave., where the Chamber first began. This event is free to the public.

Hiring in health care? Healthcare Connect Job & Resource Fair

Adams County's Workforce & Business Center is hosting a free healthcare job and resource fair on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Adams County Human Services Center. Healthcare employers and training providers can reserve a table to promote open positions and career pathways, and job seekers of all skill levels are welcome.



Employers, contact the Business Services team at 720-523-6890 or businessservices@adamscountyco.gov.

Train your employees with state funding: Skill Advance Colorado

Skill Advance Colorado offers state-funded grants for customized employee training. Colorado FIRST covers training for new hires at new and expanding businesses, and the Existing Industry program supports upskilling current employees at established businesses. Businesses apply with help from a local community college representative.

Take Advantage of Xcel Energy Rebates for Your Business

Whether you're planning equipment upgrades, expanding your facility, or looking to reduce operating costs, Xcel Energy offers rebates, incentives, and advisory services that can help businesses save energy and money. Need help getting started? Contact the Business Solutions Center at 855-839-8862 for assistance identifying programs that may be the best fit for your business and navigating the rebate process. Visit xcelenergy.com/business to learn more.

DATA CORNER

Finding good workers is small businesses' number one challenge

Did you know? According to NFIB's latest Small Business Optimism survey, released Oct. 14, finding qualified workers is now small business owners' top concern (26%), ahead of inflation (20%). About one in three owners (32%) have job openings they can't fill. If your business is hiring, free resources like the Adams County Workforce & Business Center and Skill Advance Colorado can help you find and train the right people.


Source: ColoradoBiz