September 2023

Our Small Business Equity Restaurant Equipment and Refrigeration Grant, which previously was limited to small businesses and non-profits in spaces 2,500 sq. ft. or less, is now also open to any non-profits that serve low-income populations, regardless of square footage.

Through this program, PACE advisors will work with you to assess and replace any equipment from 2009 or earlier, as well as assist with removal and disposal. The grant will pay for about 70% of equipment costs and 100% of delivery and installation fees, and covers refrigerators and freezers with doors, merchandisers, dishwashers, ice machines, and lighting (if replacing T12 fluorescents).

If you don't see your equipment type listed, please make a note in your application and our team still may be able to help. We look forward to working with you!

EcoCycle has published a Sustainable Serviceware Guide to help Boulder County food businesses reduce waste and make easier decisions that follow all the new and upcoming rules including compost requirements, Styrofoam bans, and more.

Topics covered by the guide, and that our advisors can help with, include:

Wondering where your recycling goes once it leaves your business? Bring your staff on a free guided tour of the recycling center and find out! You’ll learn the county’s history of recycling, see the sorting in action, and learn about the technology used in the plant.

Group guided tours are available Mon-Fri, 9am-3:30pm and need to be scheduled at least two weeks in advance by contacting cvalenza@bouldercounty.gov. Learn more about Recycling Center tours here.

Businesses that generate small quantities of hazardous waste and are classified as “very small quantity generators” (VSQGs) can take their hazardous waste to the Hazardous Materials Management Facility at 1901 63^rd Street in Boulder.

Dropping off your materials is easy! Please schedule an appointment in advance, and be prepared to pay a fee for business waste. Find more information about what constitutes hazardous waste and check to see if you are a VSQG here.

"Let's Talk, Boulder", the City of Boulder's new podcast, recently published its 5th episode, which focuses on the concept of a circular economy. The episode digs into what circularity means, the impact of sustainable deconstruction, and how the city is working to lead the way in this space (from Alpine-Balsam to Producer Responsibility). Listen to the Podcast on Podbean, or wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Through an online survey that closes Monday, October 16 at 12 noon, employers and workers are invited to share feedback with the Boulder County Commissioners on the county’s ongoing approach to Boulder County's minimum wage in future years. Currently Boulder County has decided to move forward with a wage (enabling legislation) to begin January 1, 2024. Our regional partners are considering joining on January 1, 2025. Boulder County will use this input to consider the annual increases.

 

The online survey is available in English and Spanish. Feedback will be shared with other local governments in Boulder County.

Mia joined PACE in August as our newest Bilingual Business Sustainability Fellow. They are working with food service businesses in the City of Boulder on all things sustainability, and can support businesses like yours with:

Mia is providing outreach to City of Boulder food businesses now, in both English and Spanish. If you’d like to set up an appointment with Mia or just say hello, please contact them directly at 720-864-6513 or mbelting@bouldercounty.gov.