1.
Why Denver is the Perfect Location for
New Business
Posted at 07/27/2016 03:03 PM by ​Pat O'Connor
The “Cowtown” moniker may soon be moo­ving to Denver’s wayside.
While natives and long time residents are reticent to drop the city’s pet name, Denver is now more hip than
hick as business development, population growth and infrastructure improvements are positioning the
state’s capital as an energetic metropolis that is capitalizing on multiple economies.
Gone are the days when downtown Denver’s streets would roll up after 5 p.m. With its nightlife now
expanding from LoDo to the RiNo neighborhood to Five Points, there is no lack of activity. From outdoor
recreational pursuits, to sporting events, to cultural activities, Denver is literally bursting at the seams.
According to the ​City of Denver​, the Mile High City is the 6th fastest growing metro area in the the United
States based on population and economic growth. Denver grew 8.2% from 2003­2013, and is projected to
grow 28% over the next 15 years. It is these kind of statistics that bode well for businesses that are either
considering relocating or expanding to Denver or entrepreneurs who are looking for a start­up site.

2. Demographics alone cause businesses to salivate at the potential of Denver’s workers. The median age is
34 and they are the third most educated workforce in the nation. The adults over 25 holding college degrees
is 43%, compared to 28% nationally.
Diversification has been critical to Denver’s burgeoning economic scene. Gone are the days of relying on
select industries that would see a constant stream of boom and bust cycles. Major industries in the city now
include aerospace, broadcast and telecommunication, healthcare, financial services, bioscience, energy,
IT/software and creative/entertainment. And there are a plethora of locations to develop more businesses
beyond the $1 billion that has already been infused in hotels, residences, office space and retail in
downtown Denver. These new corridors will extend the reach of Denver and establish connections among
neighborhoods that people never thought possible.
One of the more intriguing prospects is the Welton Street development, a 10 block channel positioned on the
northeast edge of downtown. ​Five Points Business District​ is coordinating the rebirth of this historic
neighborhood that until now has been better know for gang activity and crime. The advancement of Denver’s
urban renewal has now extended into Five Points and you will find a multitude of shops as well as a
self­guided walking tour that features historic markers and signs that outline the history of Five Points. From
the 1920s and into the 40s, Five Points was often called “the Harlem of the West,” featuring exceptional jazz
musicians and African­American culture, and the goal is to once again establish the area as destination for
prime time arts and entertainment.
Another up and coming area is the Brighton Boulevard development that serves as a continuation of
RiverNorth (RiNo) and the South Platte Riverway. This section will link the Globeville and Elyria­Swansea
neighborhoods with Union Station, downtown Denver and DIA, which 20 years ago people would have never
thought imaginable. There will be street improvements, sidewalks, bike corridors and a multitude of trees
planted to accent this mixed use arena.
Finally, the National Western Complex is getting primed for a $1.1 billion makeover. The City of Denver is
partnering with ​Colorado State University​, ​History Colorado​, and the National Western Stock Show
Association to transform the century old complex into a modern 270 campus.

3. For people wishing to start new businesses, support is available through the ​Denver Metro SBDC​. This
organization is committed to growing new business, and job creation and wealth for entrepreneurs. They
have already helped launch brewpubs, equipment rentals and high tech aerial imaging companies, just to
name a few.
It is an exciting time for business in Denver and it seems things are just getting started.