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Economic Development
About Economic Development
Thriving communities and strong business builds tomorrow’s city. When our community flourish and our businesses thrive, our center city’s foundation becomes stronger.
As a critical cornerstone of our organization, our Economic Development strategy aims to support businesses to ensure their success in our urban core. Through our four economic development pillars - Recruitment, Retention, Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Voice of Downtown - we provide resources for businesses at any stage of their entrepreneurship journey and strengthen the economic health of our center city.
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Recruitment
Although Downtown Denver performs well compared to similarly sized cities across the U.S. in terms of Return to Office (RTO) rates and foot traffic, a 2024 public perception survey indicates that lingering concerns about safety and accessibility reduce the frequent visits by regional workers and consumers that have traditionally been a cornerstone of downtown vibrancy. The Partnership formed two task forces (Retail Recruitment and Office Recruitment) to work directly with local brokers to develop a recruitment strategy that responds to today’s market and consumer conditions. That strategy and related tools for business prospects and brokers can be found on the Why Downtown Denver site.
Retention
Fostering an economic environment where businesses of all sizes feel supported is fundamental to maintaining a stable and vibrant downtown economy. The Partnership works collaboratively with its partners and stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to retain both small business and primary employers.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
The Downtown Denver Partnership has been a vital voice and partner for entrepreneurs at all stages of business development since its founding in 1955. Our role as an Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO) has included co-founding Colorado Startup Week and the Commons on Champa entrepreneurship center, as well as numerous programs and initiatives with Denver Economic Development Opportunity (DEDO) and regional economic development partners. See below for currently available resources and programs.
Micro-Retail Grants
Since 2021, the Partnership and Denver Economic Development and Opportunity (DEDO) have collaborated to develop nationally recognized retail entrepreneurship programs that effectively generate a pipeline of successful Colorado-based retail tenants. Entrepreneurial initiatives, such as Popup Denver and the Popup Pushcart Markets, created accessible pathways for local entrepreneurs to establish themselves in Downtown Denver.
To read more about the Pathway to Retail Entrepreneurship and current 16th Street micro-retail grant opportunities, visit https://www.whydowntowndenver.com/16th.
Voice of the Downtown Economy
Hand in hand with our direct business support, the Partnership also provides a voice for the downtown economy, speaking to local business organizations, the media, and at regional, state and national conferences about the work of the Partnership and its impact on the downtown economy. The Partnership takes an active role in developing policy measures to support downtown businesses, and consistently tracks economic data to measure our success and inform our decision-making. To view or download our latest key economic indicators report, view our Market Information.
Click below to view or download our latest key economic indicators report.
Downtown Development Authority
In 2008, the Denver Downtown Development Authority, a tax increment financing tool, was created to support the redevelopment of Denver Union Station. The $500 million investment leveraged over $3 billion in private development, representing a catalytic return of over six times the initial investment. In 2024, the Downtown Denver Partnership led the ballot measure campaign that led over 80% of eligible voters within the initial boundary to approve the renewal and expansion of the Downtown Development Authority boundary, unlocking nearly $600 million in funding for downtown.
The Denver Downtown Development Authority supports catalytic investments that help spur economic growth and revitalization in our center city. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Project proposals that advance the goals of the Downtown Development Authority will be considered by the Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors for approval.
To submit an application and to learn more about the Downtown Development Authority, please visit the DDA website.
Colorado Startup Week
The Downtown Denver Partnership co-founded Colorado Startup Week, previously known as Denver Startup Week (DSW) in 2012, and it’s now the largest free entrepreneurial event of its kind in North America. Built by the community for the community, Colorado Startup Week is a celebration of everything entrepreneurial in our state.
Learn more about how to get involved as a speaker, sponsor, volunteer or attendee!
