B.O.L.D. 2026 is a five-year regional economic strength and resiliency initiative of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber developed BOLD 2026 in consultation with private and public sector leaders and partners in Arvada, Jefferson / Adams Counties, Metro Denver and the state of Colorado. Below is a monthly update on initiative outcomes for investors, members, Champions, and the community.
Click here to view all B.O.L.D. 2026 Key Accomplishments to date.
September 2024 Highlights
Arvada Chamber Releases Employer Childcare Toolkit to Help Parenting and Caregiving Employees
The Arvada Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Childcare KAPS Council – comprising over a dozen childcare partners and business leaders – is excited to announce the release of the Employer Childcare Toolkit. This comprehensive resource brings together regional, state, and national supports for Jefferson County employers to help their parenting and caregiving employees. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 53% of those working in the U.S. are parents, and 37% of those parents have young children. The lack of accessible and affordable childcare negatively impacts businesses and employers in several significant ways.
Arvada City Council Unanimously Supports Jeffco Housing Blueprint
On September 9, Arvada Chamber President and CEO, Kami Welch, presented at the Arvada City Council meeting in support of the Jeffco Housing Blueprint. A 2022 Housing Needs Assessment Study commissioned by Colorado Gives Foundation (CGF) recommended convening key stakeholders across Jefferson County to explore strategic actions, develop partnerships, support county-wide housing efforts, and pursue additional state and federal resources. In response, CGF launched the Jeffco Housing Steering Committee in 2022 to create an innovative approach to housing throughout the county, focusing specifically on housing for residents earning 60-120% of the area median income. Arvada City Council was asked to endorse the Jeffco Housing Blueprint in support of the housing goals and strategies for Jefferson County. City Council went on to support the blueprint with a 7-0 vote.
Arvada Chamber Celebrates a Successful First Quarter for the Business Resource Center
In Q3, the Arvada Chamber hosted a number of events, programs, and offerings for all businesses in the community at its Business Resource Center (BRC). In total, the BRC hosted 16 sessions of 7 unique programs, including a monthly Deep Dive Series, Lunch and Learns, and Social Media Study Hall. The Chamber saw 77 unique people and 65 businesses attended these events. Ali Stofflet, Director of Business Outreach and Growth, also helped businesses with 23 one-on-one support meetings.
Joel Zigman, co-owner of Deeply Rooted Music School: “As a local small business owner in Arvada, I’m always looking for outside ideas about ways I can improve. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained through attending Business Resource Center workshops have helped me make more informed decisions, streamline my operations, and ultimately grow my business. I highly recommend the Arvada Chamber of Commerce BRC to any business owner looking to enhance their skills and drive success.”
G.R.O.W. Network Hosts Work-Based Learning Workshop
On September 20, the Arvada Chamber, along with partners in the G.R.O.W. Network, hosted a free workshop for business and non-profit leaders to learn how to implement work-based learning opportunities like internships and apprenticeships. At this event, 30 attendees developed a plan with the help of the following community partners: Red Rocks Community College Jeffco Public Schools – Colorado, Jefferson County Business and Workforce Center, and Colorado Apprenticeship Hub.
Arvada Chamber Hosts 2024 County & State Candidate Forum
On September 20, 2024, nine candidates running for State Senate, State House, or Jefferson County Commissioner took the stage at the Arvada Chamber’s Candidate Forum. The forum, hosted at Revive Church, welcomed all the candidates to dig into the biggest issues that impact the region, including business friendliness, public safety, workforce housing, property tax, business regulation philosophy, and more. Election day is November 5, 2024.
Below, find a video recording of the event, photos, and additional resources.
Arvada Chamber to Distribute $400,000 and Close Out Work-Based Learning Incentive Program in Q4
In September, the Arvada Chamber presented a $6,000 incentive to La Patisserie Francaise for documenting a work-based learning experience for a new manager coming on board this month. This was made possible through the Arvada Chamber as a pilot business intermediary in partnership with Colorado Department of Labor and Employment as part of the state’s Work-Based Learning Incentive Program. By the end of December, the Chamber will have put $400,000 in the hands of almost 50 businesses in the region.
Investor Spotlight
On Tap Credit Union
About Us:
At On Tap Credit Union®, we’re more than just another bank – we’re your financial partner, here to help you take control of your money and achieve what matters most to you. Founded 70 years ago in a brewery and rooted in Colorado’s brewing community ever since we’re proud to serve more than 20,000 members with the personalized support and tools you need for financial wellness. As a not-for-profit, we put you first—everything we earn goes right back into offering better rates, lower fees, and services designed around your needs for today as well as your dreams for tomorrow. Our mission is to brew community growth and camaraderie, so from free financial coaching to customized savings and loan options, we’re here to empower you and the neighborhoods we share. Whether you visit us at our branches in Arvada or Golden or bank with us online, we’re here to make managing your finances simple, accessible, and exciting – so you can focus more on your next adventure.
Why we invested:
On Tap Credit Union® is passionate that a strong, robust community begins with financial wellness. That’s why we jumped in early on Arvada B.O.L.D. 2026. This initiative aligns with our mission to craft solutions that brew prosperity, equity, and camaraderie, helping our members and the communities we share to grow, thrive, and achieve lasting success for generations to come. Through B.O.L.D., we’re stepping up our game to make affordable housing more accessible, support first-time homebuyers, and empower local entrepreneurs to flourish. By investing in education, housing, and local small businesses, we’re not just enhancing financial stability – we’re building a foundation for long-term community impact. Together, we’re making a lasting impact and shaping a bigger, brighter future for everyone.
Additional News and Updates
- Compliance Alert: Important FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Deadlines
- Arvada Resiliency Taskforce to Host 2024 Top Challenges Summit: “Embracing Disruption. Forging the Future.”
- Arvada Resiliency Taskforce Delivers 100 Crime and Safety Toolkits to Arvada Businesses
- 2025-2027 Arvada Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Slate
Upcoming Events
- October 10: Advocacy After Hours
- October 16: “All About The Ballot” Virtual Event
- October 17: Employer Info Session – Talent Strategy
- October 18: State of the Region
- October 23: Leadership Luncheon: Leadership Isn’t What it Used to Be
- November 13: Top Challenges Summit
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