Boulder is an amazing place to start or grow a business.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than half the U.S. population owns or works for a small business, a sector that creates roughly two-thirds of our country's new jobs each year. That figure is higher in Boulder where more than 80% of the city's businesses have fewer than 20 employees. Boulder's small businesses represent a wide range of industries and contribute greatly to our local economy and quality of life.

Business Week Magazine has called Boulder the best place to start a business in Colorado. They know what many homegrown Boulder companies know. From organic cookies to lasers to wind turbines, Boulder is an amazing place to start or grow a business.

A community of mentoring and support and a culture of innovation helps new businesses thrive. Assistance is available to help you find the best location, grow your workforce, research your industry, file the right paperwork, make your business more energy efficient and much more. The city works closely with partner organizations to meet the needs of Boulder businesses. These partnerships are critical to leveraging resources and expertise.

Many city departments serve or source from small businesses. The city's Economic Vitality staff is available to answer questions and connect businesses to local, regional and state resources. The Boulder Public Library provides research assistance, access to databases, online courses and BLDG 61 makerspace for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. The city also hosts the Boulder Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a nonprofit that offers free consulting and low-cost workshops to help startups and small businesses succeed.

Free technical support to help small businesses achieve sustainability goals in energy, waste, water and transportation is available through the Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) program. Businesses in downtown Boulder or University Hill have access to the Downtown Employee EcoPass program providing free bus passes for full-time employees. The city also works with small businesses developing new technologies and programs that support sustainability. Examples include the Boulder Energy Challenge and a partnership with Avery Brewing to use brewery waste products in treating wastewater.

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