Denver Office of Economic Development

The Economic Prosperity Center at King M. Trimble helps Denver residents achieve economic self sufficiency through learning, earning and saving. The center is a one-stop shop to access employment assistance, financial education courses and wealth building opportunities to help residents accomplish their financial goals. Project Manager Ursla Null explains why the center is a stop with connections that no one can afford to miss.

The average “unbanked” full-time worker can spend five percent of their annual income to turn their paychecks into cash. To promote greater economic prosperity and asset building among residents, “Bank on Denver” was launched in 2010. Dale Mingilton highlights the program and how it promotes greater use of checking and savings accounts among Denver’s low- and moderate-income residents.

Hospitality is a leading industry in Colorado, bearing significant workforce needs. Utilizing federal stimulus funds, the Denver Office of Economic Development and the Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association recently offered a unique employee recruitment and training program. Christine O’Donnell highlights the partnership and its success in providing a ladder of opportunity for the unemployed to enter the hospitality workforce.

Denver’s B-Cycle program is a true example of sustainability with its ability to reduce carbon emissions and provide people with an opportunity to save money and burn calories. The program is one of the first of its kind with 50 stations around town and nearly 500 hundred bikes. Perry Burnap, executive director of Denver Bike Sharing, talks about B-Cycle’s goals for the future and plans for expansion.

Despite the name, EZE Mop Shopping is anything but a one-stop mop shop. Located on 17th Avenue, the property originally served as the home and factory for the family that created and patented the mop’s cone wringer. Now, the building is home to three retail shops, a coffee business and more. Co-owner Stephanie Shearer shares how the Office of Economic Development helped her become a business property owner while growing a few businesses along the way.

A former taxi cab depot location is now a thriving mixed-use development that serves as a hub for creative entrepreneurs. Developer Micky Zeppelin discusses the birth of TAXI and how the Office of Economic Development has assisted with bringing this project to life in the River North community.

When it comes to green jobs, Denver manufacturer Coolerado has more than tripled its staff in recent years. The company’s energy efficient air conditioners, which use one-fifth the amount of power of conventional systems, have been installed in several Denver municipal buildings. Coolerado cofounder and executive vice president Rick Gillan discusses staff recruitment assistance received from the Office of Economic Development.

Tony Rosacci, owner of Tony’s Market, risked everything, including selling his home to live his dream of opening a business. The metro Denver specialty grocer has been a huge success, with three additional locations opening, including one in Denver’s central business district. Find out how the Office of Economic Development helped this family-owned, small business cut through the red tape and achieve their growth plans.

Work Options for Women has a strong history of providing culinary skills training to the unemployed. With financing assistance from the Office of Economic Development, the nonprofit opened Café Options in downtown Denver. WOW Executive Director Catherine Henry shares how her organization is making a difference in the community.

After 15 years, Denver’s local Great Divide Brewery is still turning beers into bucks. With help from the Office of Economic Development, the brewery has doubled in size and success. Hear what Brian Dunn, owner and president of Great Divide Brewery, has to say about the process of starting and growing his own business in Denver.