Entrepreneurs are more than business leaders; they are community leaders. When we invest in inclusive small business ownership, we create the space for entrepreneurs to help advance a shared vision for thriving local communities, economically and beyond.

We saw this in action a few weeks ago at the Good Business Colorado Level Up Academy and Policy Pitch Fest. RMMFI has partnered with GBC for many years. Graduates of Business Launch Boot Camp receive a free 1-year GBC membership and access to their business and policy resources (with nearly 20 grads joining just this past month). We share GBC’s mission of working together for equitable communities and a prosperous economy, and we were proud to sponsor their first-ever Policy Pitch Fest as part of the Level Up Academy.

The Level Up Academy brought together over 300 employers and entrepreneurs from across Colorado to learn from each other and adopt practices that better support their employees, increase community engagement, and improve their environmental impact. Several RMMFI graduates shared their expertise as workshop presenters, including Kim McFadden (business tools for the 21st century), Jessi Burg (inclusive hiring), and Nicole Martinez (whole person wellbeing).

The conference closed with the Policy Pitch Fest, where seven teams presented ideas for a new bill to benefit values-driven businesses. A panel of current Colorado state legislators selected their top finalists, and GBC members are now voting for which idea will become GBC’s signature legislation for 2024.

The Level Up Academy and Policy Pitch Fest are just one example of the passion, innovation, and leadership that exist within the Colorado small business community. We’re excited to continue partnering with Good Business Colorado to tap into that energy and provide more opportunities for entrepreneurs to show up as changemakers and advocates. And we encourage all the business owners in our community to join GBC, vote on their signature legislation, and contribute to policymaking in action.