Governor Polis Continues the Powering the Comeback Tour in Aurora & Denver

AURORA -  Today, Governor Polis continued the Powering the Comeback Tour to highlight the resiliency and resurgence of Colorado’s small businesses. 

“Colorado’s small businesses are surging back and supporting jobs. It was great to speak with small business owners and their team members today,” said Governor Polis. “As an entrepreneur, I feel joy seeing so many folks following their dreams by creating businesses, finding success and my administration will continue to implement historic legislation and distribute relief funding to help power our Colorado comeback.”

This morning, Governor Polis toured with Truce Media Collective, a Denver employee-owned business that is a recipient of the state’s Employee Ownership Trial Grant and a Limited Cooperative Association. The Polis administration established the Employee Ownership Office and Commission to further the mission of employee ownership across the state and make employee ownership more accessible to business owners.

Next, Gov. Polis visited the former Johnson & Wales preservation master site with project partners Urban Land Conservancy,  BuCu West/The Kitchen Network, Denver Housing Authority, Denver Public Schools, St. Elizabeth’s School, and Archway Communities. BuCu West provides affordable professional services for entrepreneurs, and vocational and apprenticeship training and education for immigrant and refugee populations.

This afternoon, Governor Polis visited with business owners at a Korean-owned coffee shop that opened during the pandemic and held a business roundtable with leaders from Aurora Chamber, Havana Business Improvement District, and Aurora Sister Cities. The Governor also spoke with business owners at a Japanese-owned market that opened during the pandemic with local leaders. The Governor was joined by State Representatives Iman Jodeh and Naquetta Ricks. The Polis administration and the state legislature have provided $186 million in relief for small businesses including those hit hard in the service and tourism industries. 

Later on this afternoon, Governor Polis helped International Rescue Committee staff and volunteers set up the home of an Afghan refugee family whose family member served as an interpreter for the U.S. and arrived in Aurora two weeks ago. 

“We welcome this family to Colorado and it’s great to see Coloradans donate their time and resources to welcome refugees. Welcoming refugees and immigrants is part of our responsibility, and it enriches Colorado. We are a great state because we are diverse. We are building a Colorado for All where we appreciate people from all over the world who call our state home, respect traditions, and are proud to welcome new arrivals,” said Governor Polis. 

The Polis administration knows that our immigrant and refugee communities make Colorado stronger, which is why the Governor has partnered with legislators to expand opportunities for all and make Colorado one of the very best places to call home. This week Governor Polis sent a letter to President Biden stating Colorado stands ready to provide safety and opportunity to Afghan refugees and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders.

Following the historic 2021 legislative session, Governor Polis signed bills that will advance the integration of New Americans into Colorado’s economic, cultural, and civic life, including House Bill 21-1150, creating an Office of New Americans in Colorado’s Department of Labor and Employment. 

(Governor Polis speaks with Truce Media team members today)

(Gov. Polis speaks with project partners Urban Land Conservancy,  BuCu West/The Kitchen Network, Denver Housing Authority, Denver Public Schools, St. Elizabeth’s School, and Archway Communities)