Designing the Blueprint for Denver's Economy
By now, you've probably been directly impacted by the state of our economy. I applaud the folks who "refuse" to participate in the recession for their positive thinking, but I can't ignore the real consequences that this economy is having on our neighbors. People are losing their jobs every day, and businesses are closing their doors. What are we supposed to do? Where are the solutions?
I personally know of great local businesses who are committed to this community and who are attempting everything they know to do to keep the doors open. It's heartbreaking to hear of their problems and to watch as our capacities, jobs, and money are flushed away. In the meantime, the federal government is throwing good money after bad companies, in the hope that somehow, everything will go back to normal.
Everything will not go back to normal. Not while billions of dollars of our neighbor's pensions and retirement savings have literally disappeared. How can you ever return to normal after others have gambled away your life savings?
Solutions will not come from top-down governmental programs. How can they? If we learn anything from the sub-prime mortgage debacle it should be that those bankers cared more about their bonuses than our savings and our homes.
We must address our local economic problems with local resources. The first step to local economic recovery is to create a plan for how we're going to do it. What are our local resources and capacities? How do we ensure that money in our economy stays here, enabling more employment and more business ownership? How do we effectively multiply local tax revenue to provide the roads, schools and other community services we depend upon?
We must plug the gaping holes in our economy, provide the support businesses need to thrive, and work together on a common strategy for Denver's economy. This requires YOUR participation. Locally-owned businesses are the foundation for building healthy communities. Here's what we're asking of you - to help us help you stay in business now and in the future:
- Take the business needs survey: Tell us what you need so we can help you get it. Collectively, our voices are very powerful. Help us inform local governments, policy makers, and business organizations about what you need for your business to succeed. This survey is an important tool for understanding your challenges, and quickly finding (or building) solutions to address them. Seriously, fill out the survey now. Your personal/business info won't be shared with anyone, but your answers will help us connect you with the tools you need. (take the survey)
- Help us create a Blueprint for Denver's Economy: Join us May 20 to build a Blueprint for Denver's Economy. This is our opportunity to design the strategies for building a stable local economy, one that provides employment, revenue, and community character. It is time to take back our economy, and together create the plan for our economic future. (reserve your seat)
The rest of this post contains more information about our important upcoming event, Partnering for a Thriving Economy. We hope you can join us as we get to work building a stable local economy. Thank you for what you do for our community - and know that you don't have to face these challenges alone.
In community,
Mickki Langston
Mile High Business Alliance
Event: Partnering for a Thriving Economy
Wednesday, May 20th 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Turnhalle, Tivoli Event Center, Auraria Campus
What will happen?
• Find resources for your local business
• Design the blueprint for Denver's economy, a strategic plan created by and for local businesses
• Speak out about what you need now to succeed
• Get involved in projects to mobilize the capital we need
• Benefit from local marketing expertise
• Become a partner in building a healthier economy
Specifically, the event will focus on three topics and results:
Blueprint for Denver's Economy
Where are the solutions for our economic problems? Local businesses aren't getting bailouts. But we create 80% of the new jobs and local governments are reliant upon tax revenues to provide community services. Join us to design the Blueprint for Denver's Economy - a plan for a healthy local economy created by and for our locally owned businesses. Help us before the event by completing our business needs survey.
Resource Marketplace
You can't afford to waste valuable time trying to learn about the various loan and business development programs out there. But you may not be able to afford missing opportunities to access the capital and other resources you need for your business now. The resource marketplace is your opportunity to meet representatives from local organizations who provide loans, technical assistance and other resources to help your business access what you need. Ask questions, find out more about programs and understand whether they fit your business.
Increasing Economic Activity for Retailers
This session will be a presentation by MHBA about a project we'd like to pilot in a Denver neighborhood this summer. We'd like to talk directly with retailers about the pilot program and how it can address your revenue and cash flow needs. A local focus group, this time will be extremely valuable as we consider launching additional programs to directly support locally owned retailers and other businesses.
Thanks to our Founding Members
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