In a recent government meeting, officials discussed initiatives aimed at bolstering underrepresented businesses and enhancing workforce support in Larimer County. The focus was on progressive procurement practices, which aim to prioritize small and disadvantaged businesses, particularly in the food and beverage sector. Kelsey Bohn from Economic and Workforce Development highlighted that 45% of small businesses in Colorado are owned by women, and over 20% by people of color, emphasizing the importance of leveraging government purchasing power to support these enterprises.

The team has developed a vendor list specifically for small and disadvantaged businesses, with plans to complete it by the end of the year. This list will not only facilitate procurement but also serve as a resource for county employees to make informed purchasing decisions that benefit the local economy. Bohn noted that purchasing from local small businesses retains a significantly higher percentage of dollars within the community compared to larger franchises.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for a sustainable approach to procurement. Officials discussed the importance of educating small businesses on environmental practices without penalizing them for current shortcomings. The initiative aims to provide resources and training to help these businesses adapt to sustainability standards.

The conversation also touched on the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that the vendor list encompasses businesses from both urban and rural areas of the county. The team is exploring ways to keep the vendor list updated and relevant, potentially allowing businesses to self-register.

Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the need to support a diverse workforce, particularly in childcare and care professions. Plans include building capacity for unlicensed care providers and developing a talent pipeline to create sustainable job opportunities in these sectors.

Overall, the discussions underscored a commitment to fostering an equitable economy in Larimer County, with a focus on empowering underrepresented businesses and enhancing workforce development initiatives.