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. | | | | |
Commerce City wins regional and national awards
The Commerce City (C3) Promise program, which provides no-cost access to short-term credential programs, brought home back-to-back honors this month. First, the program received a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in the Postsecondary Education Partnership category.
Then, at DRCOG's 2026 awards celebration, held Wednesday, Aug. 26 at the Seawell Ballroom, the Commerce City Promise won a Metro Vision Award from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), recognizing the program for excellence, innovation, and collaboration in advancing the region's shared Metro Vision goals.
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Mercado de Derby: Two market dates left, including Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Mercado de Derby (Derby Market) is Commerce City's new Sunday tradition, which has two dates remaining this year: Sunday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Oct. 4, both 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the heart of Derby (E. 72nd Place between Monaco and Locust St.). Each market day blends local farmers, artisan and handmade goods, live music and entertainment (9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.), and a Family Kids Zone at the Yellow Rose Event Center (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
The market on Sunday, Sept. 20, will also feature a special Hispanic Heritage Celebration, part of Derby's Hispanic Heritage programming hosted since 2023. Interested in selling at the market? Vendor applications are open through Sept. 21.
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Thank you for an incredible turnout on SBDC Day
Our Economic Development team celebrated an incredible turnout and enthusiasm from local entrepreneurs and business owners at SBDC Day and the Startup Essentials Workshop, the team's first workshop of the year. A huge thank you to Jesse Esparza and the Colorado SBDC North Metro Denver team for presenting valuable content, and to everyone who showed up ready to invest in their business.
This is just the beginning; stay tuned for the next free SBDC workshop coming to Commerce City in November! Details coming soon.
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Save the date: Sales and Use Tax Seminar
Tax representatives from the City of Commerce City are ready to answer your questions and provide guidance on preparing your business's city tax returns efficiently and effectively, virtually, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon. *Spanish Interpretation available upon request.
For RSVP and questions, contact the Commerce City Tax Division at salestax@c3gov.com or 303-289-3628.
| | This month, Commerce City continued moving forward with impactful projects that strengthen our community and local economy. | | | | |
You are invited: Holiday Inn & Suites Commerce City-Denver Airport Ribbon Cutting
Save the date for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting celebrating the opening of the new Holiday Inn & Suites Commerce City-Denver Airport, 18201 E. 81st Ave.
Tour the property, network with local leaders and business partners, and enjoy catered appetizers and a champagne toast on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m.
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Anythink Reunion Express Library Coming This Fall
Anythink Library is opening its newest and most innovative location: the Anythink Reunion Express Library, located in the Reunion shopping district within Commerce City. The self-service branch will expand library access with extended hours, a convenient location, and customer-directed entry and checkout, meaning cardholders can place and pick up holds, check out books, and use computers and printers.
Registration for access (online or in-person) is required; new cardholders can sign up at any Anythink branch. Sign up for a Reunion Express card between Aug. 1 and Sept. 15 for a chance to win a Colorado Rapids prize package.
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Congratulations, Core-X Steel: Now SBA Certified
Core-X Steel, a veteran-owned Commerce City manufacturer, is now officially SBA certified as both a Veteran-Owned Small Business and a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. The certification opens new opportunities for Core-X Steel to support government agencies, contractors, procurement teams, and industry partners with dependable American manufacturing.
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Construction Update: Burn Boot Camp Reunion
Burn Boot Camp's Reunion location shared that all city permits have been approved, windows are in, plumbing is officially routed, and exterior brickwork has gone up. While an exact opening date is not set yet, construction continues to move forward toward opening day.
Follow them on Facebook for more updates.
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Free donation pickups for contractors, businesses, and residents
Commerce City is partnering with nonprofit Resource Central to offer free donation pickups of reusable building materials from local businesses and residents. To maximize impact, pickups are reserved for large, high-value donations including major remodeling projects, surplus building materials, and other substantial reusable items. Priority items include complete kitchen cabinet sets, materials from major home remodeling projects, lumber and sheet goods in substantial quantities, multiple pallets of stone, pavers, or landscape materials, new overstock building materials, and structural wood and steel beams.
To request a free pickup, fill out Resource Central's request form. Your donation helps reduce landfill waste, supports a circular economy, and enables communities to access affordable building materials.
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Colorado Green Business Network: Two new grant opportunities
The Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN) has two funding opportunities open for the 2026–2027 grant cycle (Through May 1)
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CGBN Efficiency Grant: For custom projects that save energy, fuel, and/or water (equipment, shipping, installation, labor, recycling costs). Covers up to $1,500, $3,000, or $4,500 depending on the business's Colorado EnviroScreen score.
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CGBN Pre-Approved Equipment Grant: For quick, pre-approved hardware, up to $500.
Businesses can apply for both during the same cycle.
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Xcel Energy business rebates
Through the Partners in Energy collaboration with Commerce City, Xcel Energy offers rebates and programs to help local businesses save on HVAC and refrigeration upgrades, energy-efficient lighting, and new or upgraded foodservice equipment. Not sure where to start? A free business energy assessment is available. Energy advisors can help by email or phone.
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Manufacturer's Edge: Custom Training Grants for Manufacturers
Small manufacturers (25 employees or fewer) can access Skill Advance training grants of up to $3,800 per employee per year through Manufacturer's Edge, a statewide manufacturing assistance center that partners with AC-REP. Funds cover training like Lean, Six Sigma Yellow Belt, cybersecurity awareness, and more. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the fiscal year (July–March).
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Local Loan Funds: Up to $500K for Commerce City Businesses
Two local, CDFI-backed loan funds are available specifically for Commerce City and Adams County small businesses through Colorado Enterprise Fund: the Commerce City Small Business Loan Fund, offering loans up to $500,000 for businesses with annual gross revenues under $2 million (working capital, equipment, inventory, property improvements, business purchase, or commercial real estate), and the Adams County Microloan Fund, offering loans up to $50,000 under the same revenue threshold. Both include free business coaching.
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Colorado Awarded $770,000 STEP Grant to Boost Small Business Exports
The U.S. Small Business Administration has awarded Colorado's Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) a $770,000 State Trade and Expansion Program (STEP) grant, announced Aug. 26, to support Colorado small businesses exporting internationally. Commerce City exporters can use STEP funding (up to $10,000 per year) toward international sales trips, trade shows, and export marketing costs once the next application window opens.
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Workforce Development Month: In the Age of AI + Expo
September is Workforce Development Month! Adams County's Human Services Workforce and Business Center and AC-REP are hosting "Workforce Development in the Age of AI," open to all Adams County businesses and organizations on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at AC-REP, 1870 W. 122nd Avenue in Westminster.
Includes a keynote on AI's impact on workforce development, recognition of 2026 workforce champions, breakout sessions, and a resource expo. Light breakfast included.
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Chamber End-of-Summer Ice Cream Social
Wrap up the season with the Commerce City Chamber at the End-of-Summer Ice Cream Social on Thursday, Sept. 24. This is a casual, family-friendly way to connect with fellow business owners before fall events ramp up.
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Colorado Startup Week
Colorado's largest free event for entrepreneurs is back: Colorado Startup Week runs Sept. 14–18 at The Link in downtown Denver, with 250+ sessions across four tracks (Ignite, Create, Operate, Grow), 100% free and open to all. A great opportunity for Commerce City founders and small business owners to connect with the state's broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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SCORE Denver: Women Entrepreneurs Networking Event
On Friday, Sept. 11, participate in SCORE Denver, sponsored by Huntington Bank, an in-person networking event for women entrepreneurs: "If Networking is So Important, How Come No One Has Taught Me How?" Includes a light breakfast, an interactive presentation, and open networking time, all starting at 8:30 a.m. at Huntington Bank (4601 DTC Blvd.) for $20. Free parking is available in the garage just south of the building.
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Request the Mobile Service Unit (MSU) for your next event
Commerce City's Mobile Service Unit is available for residents, business owners, and community members to request for events and gatherings, including community events, philanthropic events, block parties, and more. A great free resource for business owners planning a customer appreciation day, grand opening, or community outreach event.
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Hispanic-Owned Businesses: A growing force in Colorado's economy
Did you know? Colorado is home to more than 120,000 Hispanic-owned businesses, representing over $40 billion in state purchasing power, according to the Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. With Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) underway and Mercado de Derby returning to Commerce City, it's a timely reminder of how much our local Latino-owned businesses contribute to the regional economy.
Source: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
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