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Outdoor Vendor 101 - Get the Facts Before You Apply

Join the City of Fort Collins, Poudre Fire Authority, Larimer County Health Department, and CSU Extension for a comprehensive information session covering what you need to know about becoming an outdoor vendor. We’ll walk through the full application process, municipal code requirements, inspections, vendor types, and location considerations.

The class will last about one hour, with time allotted for general questions and answers. Any specific situations can be discussed one-on-one after the session or at another time.

Spring Class Dates:

Sign up using the links above or visit our Outdoor Vendor webpage for registration details.

Founded in FoCo 2026 is March 10-12 - Tickets Available Now

Founded in FoCo returns March 10–12, 2026, with a kickoff night on March 9 at Visit Fort Collins.

 This year’s theme is Organizational Mutual Aid: an invitation for our community to bring what we know, take what we need, and share what we can.

 What to expect:

  • 80+ sessions and workshops built for immediate, practical takeaways
  • 700+ community members from across Northern Colorado
  • Topics covering marketing, revenue, burnout, nonprofit strategy, creative business, AI, operations, and finance
  • Evening social events each night

 Tickets:

  • $50 standard
  • $100 supporter
  • Pay-what-you-can (including $0) — no questions asked
Register Here

Free Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Training & Certification for Small Businesses

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.

More Information and How to Apply

Help Shape Future Routes at DEN - take the South Korea Air Travel Survey

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

Take the Brief Survey Today

NOCOBiz Connect: Supporting Sustainable Local Businesses

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!  

Learn More Here

In the Zone? You Might Want to Check...

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!

Calling Small Manufacturers!

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.

Apply now

Grow your Business with Colorado Apex Training

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.

View Upcoming Sessions Here

Calling Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

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.

 

Learn More Here

Sharpen Your Skills and Grow Your Business with Larimer County SBDC

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.

Learn More Here

College and Trilby Intersection Improvements

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.

Information and Updates Here

Stay Out of Trouble and Learn About Colorado SecureSavings

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.

Learn More and Check Your Registration Status

Larimer County Community Resilience Survey

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!

Take the Survey Here

Economic Health Office
222 Laporte Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80521