Wheat Ridge is home to 2,533 businesses in roughly nine square miles, which provides immense opportunity for businesses to network, support each other and promote the city’s local economy.
Businesses in Wheat Ridge are surrounded by chambers, associations, economic development organizations, referral groups, corridor identities, grant programs and civic clubs. Each serves a purpose in the community, but the options can be overwhelming for business owners with limited time and resources.
To determine where to participate, focus on how each organization supports a business’ needs. Whether the goal is visibility, referrals, community involvement, advocacy or giving back, there are plenty of opportunities in Wheat Ridge.
Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations
The Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce is the most traditional chamber option for businesses that want a hyperlocal presence. The chamber promotes, supports, connects and advocates for Wheat Ridge businesses. It is a natural starting point for a new storefront, restaurant, professional service provider or business that wants ribbon cuttings, chamber events, promotion and a visible place in the local business community www.wheatridgechamber.org
The Wheat Ridge Business Association (WRBA) is another local option. Its mission centers on educating, training and connecting local businesses. For smaller businesses, solopreneurs or owners looking for affordable relationship-building over regional exposure, WRBA may feel more grassroots and accessible. www.wheatridgebiz.com/
The City of Wheat Ridge interacts with both. City Manager Patrick Goff said the city is a member of the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce and the Wheat Ridge Business Association and supports Wheat Ridge local business.
For businesses who are looking to draw customers from the broader Applewood Community, the Applewood Business Association may be a better fit. Applewood serves parts of Wheat Ridge, Lakewood and Golden. www.applewoodbusiness.com/
West Metro Chamber of Commerce is the regional chamber option. It serves Lakewood, Golden, Arvada, Edgewater, Littleton, Morrison and Evergreen for businesses that operate beyond Wheat Ridge’s borders.
Bob Dubois, owner of Bob the Roofer, belongs to the Wheat Ridge Chamber, WRBA and Applewood Business Association. For him, the value is not choosing one group. It is finding the right network.
“It’s all about networking and meeting more people,” Dubois said. “For me as a roofer, I might need a painter I can refer clients to and vice versa.”
Dubois said the leads groups have helped him build a practical business network. He has used at least 10 other local businesses he met through these organizations.
His advice to other business owners is to try different groups before assuming they are all the same. “Each chapter has its own flavor,” he said. Business owners may need to visit several before finding the right one.” www.westmetrochamber.org
Leads Groups
If you are looking specifically for leads, the chambers of commerce have dedicated leads groups and there is also a Business Network International (BNI) chapter that meets in Wheat Ridge. BNI provides category exclusivity to limit the competition between members. Use the BNI Colorado Chapter Finder at bnicolorado.com/en-US/findachapter to explore which categories are available in which chapters. Similarly, there is a chapter of Building Better Businesses By Referral (4BR), and upcoming Colorado meetings can be found at 4br.biz/professional-networking-groups-leads-groups.
A business owner cannot simply pay dues and wait for the phone to ring. The value comes from showing up, listening, referring others and building trust over time. For those who join, it is an active, weekly commitment. They tend to work best for businesses where trust and referrals drive sales including insurance agents, real estate agents, lenders, attorneys, accountants, marketing firms, home service providers and wellness professionals.
Supporting Nonprofit Organizations
Localworks is a community and economic development nonprofit that works with the city of Wheat Ridge on community initiatives, neighborhood revitalization, economic development, civic engagement, arts and culture. It does not have a paid business member base and it operates with a volunteer board of directors and five employees.
Localworks turns a collection of storefronts into a destination for residents where they can engage in community events. It brands Wheat Ridge’s business corridors, including Explore44, Ridge at 38 and West 29th Marketplace.
For a business on one of these corridors, the benefit is in foot traffic, events, marketing, banners and neighborhood pride. Localworks provides an events calendar and coupon for a discount at participating shops at The Ridge at 38th at ridgeat38.org, an events calendar, a local business tool kit and window vinyls for Explore44 at wearelocalworks.orgexplore44 and promotions for the 29th Marketplace at wearelocalworks.orgare-you-ready-to-visit-the-west-29th-marketplace.
Page Piper, executive director of Localworks, said that Wheat Ridge is fortunate to have many dedicated people supporting the business community. “What makes Localworks different is its resident-to-business programming,” she said.
“The local Wheat Ridge economy can thrive when our community knows what can be done, found, hosted and reinvested, right here in our city, allowing residents to find everything they need in Wheat Ridge,” Piper said. “We bring the story behind the business and foster real relationships.”
Localworks hosts an average of 25 events per year, drawing an annual audience of about 11,000 people, according to Piper.
Localworks has also been involved in business support tied to construction impacts. Piper said the Wadsworth Improvement Project was a major corridor investment that “welcomed the next chapter for Wheat Ridge.” Businesses are still growing past the project, but the city, in partnership with Localworks, has invested $120,000 back into small businesses on the corridor.”
“When a business moves to Wheat Ridge, Localworks ensures that the business grows, stays and thrives in our community,” Piper said. wearelocalworks.org
The Wheat Ridge Business District (WRBD) serves a more specific function. It is not a business improvement district nor a networking group. It is a nonprofit that provides grants and matching funds for exterior improvements like facade upgrades, signage, accessibility and murals. For a brick-and-mortar business, the Wheat Ridge Business District may be one of the most practical resources in the city. www.facebook.com/wheatridgebusinessdistrict/photos/?locale=zh_CN
Economic Development and Urban Renewal
The Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC), founded in 1955, is a countywide economic development organization focused on attracting, retaining and expanding high-paying jobs to fuel Jefferson County’s economic health. It is geared toward companies considering expansion, relocation, workforce needs or site selection. jeffcoedc.org
Renewal Wheat Ridge works closely with the city of Wheat Ridge and supports other aspects of business outside of networking, including infrastructure, tax increment financing and redevelopment. Piper noted that the urban renewal authority is a citizen-run board appointed by the mayor and ratified by the City Council. www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/267/Renewal-Wheat-Ridge-Urban-Renewal-Author
Service Clubs
Wheat Ridge Rotary Club is a collection of local business and professional leaders who are working together to give back to the community and the world. Projects include community service, scholarships and other civic work intended to improve quality of life. This is suited for businesses that want to network while helping the community. www.wheatridgerotary.org
Kiwanis Club of Wheat Ridge specifically benefits children in the community and helps them develop leadership in future generations and address current concerns including poverty. Similarly, the Optimist Club of Wheat Ridge is a service-based organization benefiting children in the community including scholarships, Autism Rescue Kits and the Christmas Community Outreach program. The payoff is less about immediate sales and more about long-term community trust and giving back.
Wheat Ridge has plenty of business organizations and resources and it is up to each business owner to decide which room is worth walking into first. k04961.site.kiwanis.org
