Member Profile: Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO)

Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) is an invaluable and supportive member of the community. Learn about their mission, resources and support for women in business.

 

How has the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce supported your organization?

The CWCC is a civic gem, a tremendous resource to the community by providing high impact educational and networking events. You make the path easier for women in business to connect with resources and mentors to support their success.

Our goals are closely aligned. Thus the CWCC is a terrific strategic partner for the city and our agency, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO), as together we can boost progress in promoting female-founded and female-led companies.

Enjoying an active role as a CWCC member, we can connect with a large audience of women in business, entrepreneurs, and female-led companies, creating opportunities for us to tell the story of how the city can serve, support and celebrate professional women. Together, our efforts contribute to an inclusive and innovative economy that works for everyone.

 

 What is a current initiative that DEDO is driving to advance women in business?

“Helping a larger, more diverse field of businesses compete for government contracts is an important way that Denver can help small businesses grow and increase their revenues.  Many small companies do not realize that they can, by gaining certification for various qualifying factors, access a much broader world of opportunity.  Qualifying factors include being minority or woman-owned, or otherwise being a disadvantaged business.”
Learn more:  www.denvergov.org/dsbo.

 

What would you like the community to know about the businesses you serve?

DEDO works to develop local and global business opportunities for women entrepreneurs and female-led companies through a range of programs, including:

– Tax credit and incentive programs
– Certifications and access to government contracting opportunities
– Small business lending, and guidance to other financing options
– Free talent recruitment and hiring events, along with up-skilling for stronger employee retention
– Help with global business development for growing firms ready to expand

 

 

We are proud to operate a full-service satellite office located inside The Commons on Champa (www.thecommons.co), Denver’s public campus for entrepreneurs located at 1245 Champa St. The Commons slogan is, “If you’re starting up, start here!” But in fact, the services aren’t just for startups. The Commons is also a tremendous free resource for early-stage firms, companies hoping to expand, and any small businesses looking to take their success to the next level.

Many entrepreneurs and small business owners do not realize that we offer a wealth of free one-on-one business counseling, referrals, and navigating services through The Commons. Schedule an appointment:  DEDO@Commons Appointment Request. At The Commons, businesses have access to co-working space, programming, one-on-one business advising, and event space.

Learn more at www.thecommons.co or contact DEDO’s Carrie Singer for help getting started:  carrie.singer@denvergov.org.