– Investing in the people and ideas that make Longmont stronger –
Small businesses are the heart of any thriving community. They’re where neighbors support each other, where creativity turns into careers, and where values of all kinds become action. Whether the small business is a café that trains people coming out of homelessness, or a local food co-op, or a mobile repair shop, these are the kinds of businesses that strengthen the social fabric of our city and our economy. Instead of relying more and more on centralized city-run programs, we should focus on growing the capacity of mission-driven local businesses that are already solving problems. Social enterprises can creatively and more personally solve problems than bureaucracy can. Empowering local innovation is about opening space, clearing the path, and giving real people the tools to lead.
One of the best things is it’s one-size-fits-all.
We can support all kinds of visions. With a world and community with large divisions in world view, everyone has the freedom in a program like this to start something that supports their beliefs from faith-based job training, to inclusive community spaces, to regenerative farms, elder care startups, neighborhood schools… whatever your calling is, Longmont should be a place where you can bring it to life.
My goals:
- Simplify the startup journey this means reduce friction in licensing, permitting, and compliance
- Offer micro-grants or matching funds for businesses that provide local jobs or social value
- Create a “Local Impact Exchange” where entrepreneurs can connect with mentors, property owners, city support, and more
- Sharing ideas for solutions that need solving which gives people ideas for businesses that are needed in our community
- Make space for growth this opens up more flexible zoning for live-work spaces, mobile vendors, and community retail
- Promote Longmont as one of the most supportive cities in the country for small and social business ventures
The vision:
A Longmont where starting a business feels possible for anyone, where entrepreneurs are trusted partners, and where solutions rise up from the community, not just top-down programs. Over time, this kind of economic ecosystem grows opportunity, helps meet real needs, create real jobs, and build a future that reflects the values of the people who live here and may eventually take social programs out of the hands of government and into the hands of the community. Do you run a small business? Do you have ideas for starting one? How can Longmont help you succeed?