Be sure to follow Kansas City Kitty on Facebook & Instagram.

Christie always dreamed of opening a boutique and in 2002 this dream came true when Kansas City Kitty opened its doors in Old Town Fort Collins. Christie had the vision of creating a space that welcomes everyone in the community while supporting unique craftsmanship and products. The boutique recently celebrated its 19th year in business this fall 2021. After nearly two decades, Kansas City Kitty continues to offer a range of products including, women’s clothing, accessories, local art, jewelry, and much more.

Kansas City Kitty is located in the heart of Old Town at 136 N College Ave. and is a perfect stop for your holiday shopping. They also sell gift cards!

Click here to read more about Kansas City Kitty

Although the community is undoubtedly still in the midst of pandemic response, the City of Fort Collins has begun to plan the road to recovery. To guide long-term efforts, the City is developing a Fort Collins Recovery Plan. 

We want to hear your feedback about the key themes and outcomes in the Draft Plan to ensure they accurately reflect what our community needs most to build back better. Share your comments and reactions to the draft plan here.

All meetings are done remotely using Zoom and students are always supervised by professional bookkeepers or accountants. Bookkeepers and accountants are QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisors and Clients must use QuickBooks Online or be interested in starting QuickBooks Online.

If you are interested in receiving free bookkeeping services from the Bookkeeping Help Center or have additional questions, please email Erika Limbacher at erika.limbacher@frontrange.edu.  

• The region has still not recovered all the jobs lost at the beginning of the Pandemic; at 279,300 jobs, it has about 3 percent fewer jobs than the 2019 average. 
• The civilian labor force has recovered to its pre-Pandemic levels.
• Hourly earnings continue to climb in Larimer County, even as traditionally low-wage sectors like retail and hospitality continue to add jobs. In Weld County, hourly earnings have also begun to climb.
• Workplace mobility continues to lag pre-pandemic levels - significantly more in Larimer County than in Weld County

Lauren Storeby Co-Founder of Snack Attack Specialty Sandwiches and Brews and Tiffany Helton Co-Founder of Stuft Burger Bar are back this winter with their restaurant knowledge specific coaching programs. With over 20+ years combined experience they have stepped into consulting to share their industry knowledge by teaching proven strategies that have enabled their businesses to be successful for many years. 

As leaders in the community, Lauren and Tiffany have crafted a learning program to assist start up restaurateurs who need mentorship and coaching to create and foster a successful restaurant brand through planning, processing and managing profits.

Their program covers topics such as licensing, funding, location, restaurant success, menu and team management, exceptional guest experience, effective marketing strategies, how to analyze your business and how to scale and grow, to name a few.

Scholarship application is open now and will close on Jan 20th. ORA Winter enrollment starts end of January 2022. Scholarship information can be found here https://www.onlinerestaurantacademy.com/pl/2147557043. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first come first serve basis.

The City of Fort Collins recently partnered with Nosh NoCo to support the local restaurant community by partially subsidizing fees for both the restaurant and customer.

The City will cover 10% of the commission costs placed on restaurants, meaning that a restaurant using the Nosh NoCo platform will pay reduced fees of 5% for delivery and 2.5% for takeout orders. 

The City will also be covering the processing fee ($1.99) normally charged to Fort Collins residents placing orders on the Nosh NoCo platform during the same period.

Fort Collins restaurants can also sign up with Nosh NoCo at no cost now until Feb. 27, 2022.

• The Larimer County Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance (ERAP) funds can help individuals stay in their homes by paying back rent and utilities, and more. 
• WorkLife Partnership’s Small Dollar Loans Program is an efficient, cost-effective, low-risk alternative to payroll advances and employee loan programs. 
• Colorado Climber Loan Fund now providing eligible small businesses with working capital loans between $30,000 - $500,000.  
• Free De-escalation Training for Businesses During COVID-19 – Watch videos now 
• Small Business Tax Credit Programs are available 
• Skill Advance Colorado Training Reimbursement Grants available - around $1,200 – $1,400 per employee. The application period opens July 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022. 
• Request Onsite COVID Vaccine clinic - If you're interested in hosting an onsite vaccination clinic for your employees or for the general public at your business or facility, please send a request to the Larimer County Department of Health & Environment. There is no charge, and the Health Department coordinates staffing, logistics, and vaccine supplies. 

Upcoming Events: 

• Business Q&A with Larimer’s Health Department - All businesses are invited to join the County on the fourth Thursday of each month. Join the 1-hour session on Thursday, January 27 at  2 p.m via Zoom. To help make this session as informative and helpful as possible, please submit your questions in advance.
• Larimer Small Business Development Center Classes -
  • 3 Ways Financial Information Can Make Your Business Thrive - January 18, 2022
  • Develop a Business Plan with Purpose and Durability Part 2 – January 20 2022 9:00 PM - 12:00 PM

Sign up for weekly updates from the City of Fort Collins Emergency Preparedness and Security COVID-19 newsletter at fcgov.com/eps/coronavirus

Check out ForFortCollins.com for tools and resources created to help your business reopen safely and strongly while gaining support from loyal customers and community members.