We know access to shared kitchens can be tough – and we’re working on a solution, but we need YOUR input. The City of Fort Collins is gathering responses from food businesses and commissary kitchen users through a brief, anonymous survey to help shape future solutions. Help us strengthen the solution and pass this on through your network!

Strengthen your team and meet state requirements in just one day with Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) training and certification

Why Apply?

Train up to five employees to meet CFPM requirements

Earn an industry-recognized credential accepted across the U.S.

Strengthen food safety leadership and regulatory compliance

Improve retention and professional growth at no cost to you

Who Qualifies?

Small food-related businesses in Larimer County with fewer than 50 employees. Classes must be completed by March 31.

This opportunity is provided by the Local Industry Grant, Hire Train, Retain (LIGHTR), funded by the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County Workforce and Economic Development, Colorado State University Larimer County Extension.

Planning to open, expand, or make changes to a restaurant in Fort Collins? Our Restaurant Roadmap is an interactive guide that walks through the Development Review process and key standards that apply to restaurants. It helps outline what to expect at each step — from early planning and design to permits and approvals — and connects you to helpful City resources along the way. Whether you’re actively working on a project or just exploring ideas, the Restaurant Roadmap is a useful place to start. 

You and your business are invited to the Farm2LocalBiz Networking Event, hosted by the Larimer County Extension Office at Block One Events in Fort Collins on February 5, 2026 from 4:30 - 7:30pm.

Event Agenda: 

4:30pm: Doors open

5:00pm: Purchasing Local Panel

6:00pm: Networking & Sampling Delicious Local Fare

You'll have the opportunity to connect with over 30 Northern Colorado agricultural producers, sampling an array of premium local meats, dairy products, grains, honey, and produce. As you explore, savor locally crafted wine, beer, and appetizers—each dish featuring ingredients from the very producers showcased at the event. Don't miss this unique chance to network and discover the flavors of our region!  

As an added bonus, businesses that attend the event will receive a $100 coupon for their first purchase from any of the farms or ranches at the event.

This event requires registration in advance: REGISTRATION HERE. 

The registration deadline for this event is January 31, 2026. Space is limited, sign up early to claim your spot! 

Please see attached flyer for details, and forward to your networks of fellow business owners, managers, chefs, caterers and food truck owners! 

Since 1995, Denver International Airport has been growing their global destinations - and now they are exploring demand for direct flights to South Korea. 

Special Opportunity for Food Service Providers!  

Food-serving businesses located in Fort Collins can now apply for a $1,000 grant to switch to eco-friendly takeout containers. This is a great way to reduce waste and show your customers you care about the planet. Apply Today!  

About half of Fort Collins businesses are located inside the state-designated Enterprise Zone—but most don’t know it. The worst part? You could be leaving thousands in tax credits on the table without realizing it.

Everyday activities like buying equipment, hiring and training staff, and offering benefits might qualify for state incentives just by being in the right location. We’ve already helped several Fort Collins businesses unlock unexpected savings.

Want to know if you’re in the zone? Reach out to our office—we’ll help you find out!

Ready to move from stuck to strategic? The Make it Accelerator is now accepting applications for its Spring 2026 cohort!

Led by The Warehouse Business Accelerator, this 4-month hybrid program delivers expert coaching, peer support, and a clear roadmap to help small manufacturers scale smarter.

• Cohort learning + 1:1 mentorship
• Strategic growth planning
• One year of post-program support

Info sessions available – join to learn more!

Let’s build the future of manufacturing – together.

Are you ready to break into government contracting or strengthen your current strategy? Colorado APEX offers expert-led trainings designed to help businesses navigate the procurement process with confidence. From registrations to proposals, get the knowledge and support you need, at no cost to you.

Join us at 1 Million Cups every Wednesday morning from 9-10am! This free business group is one of the best ways to access and engage the local entrepreneurial and business support systems in Northern Colorado. We connect aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners to the resources they need to start or grow their business.

 Each week, two business owners give 6 minute presentations on funding, new product concepts, or business challenges they are currently facing. The 1MC Community provides knowledgeable feedback that is clear, actionable, and empathetic. 

Starting and running a company can be a lonely endeavor. 1MC is here to help!

 Free coffee and community every Wednesday @ 9am at the Visit Fort Collins Welcome Center 7 Old Town Square - Suite 100, Fort Collins.

Ready to take your business to the next level? The Larimer County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers expert-led trainings and workshops tailored to help established businesses grow, adapt, and thrive.

Whether you're looking to refine operations, boost marketing efforts, or strengthen your leadership skills, the SBDC has practical resources to support your goals.

The City is resuming construction at the intersection of South College Avenue (U.S. Highway 287) and Trilby Road.  Specific construction impacts will be updated here when available.

The State of Colorado now requires most businesses to offer retirement savings options—and the Colorado SecureSavings program makes it easy to comply. If your business has five or more employees, has been in operation for at least two years, and doesn’t already offer a retirement plan, you're required to register.

The program is state-facilitated, low-cost, and easy to manage, giving your employees access to a Roth IRA through automatic payroll deductions—at no cost to the employer. It’s a simple way to support your team’s financial future and stay compliant with state law.

Deadlines are rolling based on business size—make sure you're registered or exempt.

The Community Resilience Survey is now open for responses from anyone who lives, works, or plays in Larimer County!

We need your input to help improve programs that help the people of Larimer County before, during, and after disasters to meet the needs of the community and to create a more connected and resilient Larimer County!