In partnership with local businesses and organizations, City of Fort Collins officials encourage residents to support local and Shop Fort Collins.

Designed to support local businesses, the new Shop Fort Collins campaign launched in collaboration with the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Fort Collins, the Downtown Development Authority, North Fort Collins Business Association, Larimer Small Business Development Center, Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development, and the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming.

With the start of the holiday season, officials are calling on community members to show up for local businesses.

It's easy to shop locally. In Fort Collins anyone can stop by local locations of national brands or discover one of the thousands of small businesses that make up 96% of Fort Collins' business community – every local purchase makes a difference.

Up to 79 cents of every dollar spent at local businesses stays in the community — according to a study by Civic Economics. Local shops, makers, cafes, services and other businesses give Fort Collins its unique flavor. Choosing to Shop Fort Collins does more than preserve the City's character, it helps keep money in the community, support local jobs and fuel the engine of the Fort Collins local economy.

Where community members spend money matters. Local businesses, and money spent with them, comprise a vital part of a healthy economy.

“Shopping locally is one of the most meaningful ways we can care for our community,” said SeonAh Kendall, City of Fort Collins Economic Health Office director. “Whether it’s grabbing coffee from your neighborhood cafe, booking a haircut or hiring a local graphic designer, those dollars support the heart of the City — our people, our culture and the character that makes Fort Collins, Fort Collins.”

Local spending fuels the places and services our community counts on — parks, streets, first responders and more. Shopping local helps to keep Fort Collins a place where businesses, families and future talent want to stay and grow.

Here are some easy ways to support local:

• Visit a shop in a new part of town.
• Buy gift cards for future use or gifts.
• Leave a positive review after a great experience.
• Share a heartfelt treat from a local bakery or restaurant.
• Show pride in local businesses — purchase merch like t-shirts or beanies and show them off on social media.

“From family-run shops to national retailers that employ our neighbors to a trusted service, every local business plays a role in our City's success,” said Ann Hutchison, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce president & CEO. “Choosing to spend locally is a vote for local jobs, and for a Fort Collins that continues to be lively, welcoming, and full of charm.”

Fort Collins Economic Health Office

The City of Fort Collins' Economic Health Office is committed to strengthening and diversifying the local economy while creating better opportunities for all residents. Its programs and staff work to retain and expand local businesses, connecting business owners and employees with support, resources and expertise to help them succeed and thrive. Its award-winning team offers multi-lingual support to small business owners, helping them navigate the uncertainties of starting and operating a small business. Their staff also work alongside local and regional organizations to support and foster workforce development. Learn more about the City of Fort Collins’ Economic Health Office, its work, programs and strategic plan at fcgov.com/business.