Last week’s Day of Action at the Capitol was a big success! More than 60 entrepreneurs, employers, and staff – including rural and Spanish-speaking small business owners – came together to speak up for a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Colorado.

Governor Jared Polis and Treasurer Dave Young helped kick things off with opening remarks. Participants then spent the day getting trained on advocacy tactics, listening in on committee hearings, and speaking with their representatives. Our group met with over 35 elected officials through floor lobbying, scheduled meetings, and hallway talks, and Representative Naquetta Ricks provided closing remarks.

There were seven specific bills that we focused on because of their impact on small businesses, including bills addressing healthcare, childcare, workforce development, and rural business support. Additionally, entrepreneurs had the opportunity to speak with their representatives about their needs and barriers as small business owners.

We heard great feedback from participants, both about the opportunity to advocate and the power of doing so as a collective:

“It was really cool to feel like my voice actually mattered. I talked to my state representative, and she actually cared about what I had to say.”

“This is not something I thought I would ever want to do by myself, so I’m really glad I was able to work with other entrepreneurs here today.”

Thank you to our partners, Good Business Colorado, Small Business Majority, Center for Community Wealth Building, and B Local Colorado, for helping make this event so impactful. We were inspired to see so many entrepreneurs step up as leaders and use their experience to help influence Colorado’s small business ecosystem.