Small Business Saturday done right in Colorado Springs

For local shoppers looking to take the retail road less traveled this holiday season, Small Business Saturday presents a timely opportunity to support Colorado Springs’ small business community. As the city continues to invest in downtown development, our local businesses are what make downtown Colorado Springs a vibrant and growing center of activity. Residents and visitors can browse hundreds of unique retailers, restaurants, galleries, coffee shops, and breweries that started right here in Colorado Springs.

Just as shoppers can help boost the region’s small business sector, we’re equally committed to providing local entrepreneurs with business assistance through a variety of resources ranging from training programs to consulting services.

Must-see local shops

From fresh-made food to purpose-driven fashion, Colorado Springs’ small business owners have created a thriving and diverse marketplace to shop local this season.

From their 500 square-foot “factory” in downtown Colorado Springs, Cacao Chemistry hand-produces small batches of truffles and other dessert delicacies using spices from next-door neighbor Savory Spice Shop as well as locally grown fruit. Why is the company located in Colorado Springs? Because ‘fresh mountain air always makes everything taste better.’

Goat Patch Brewing Company is another champion of supporting local organizations. Every Tuesday, the independent brewery hosts a local association that is ‘doing good’ in the community and contributes $1 from every pint and growler sold that day toward the featured cause.

Frayla Boutique is a – you guessed it – locally owned boutique that proudly offers women’s fashion with a purpose and gifts with a story to tell. In addition to outerwear, local online retailer and startup SHEATH Underwear is holding up the undergarment game in Colorado Springs. The company is heavily involved in the #shoplocal movement and is committed to making their innovative line of underwear a fashionable stocking gift. CEO Robert Patton sums up the multiplying effect of investing in Colorado Springs’ small business climate.

“Shopping from local (and veteran-owned!) businesses like SHEATH brings money back to our community and inspires other local startups to emerge and create a more engaging Colorado Springs.”

Fun holiday happenings

With the holiday season upon us, the streets of Downtown Colorado Springs are filled with family-friendly events and festivities that highlight the collaborative spirit of Colorado Springs’ small business community.

The Holiday Pop-Up Shop program, which features local businesses Lunieva, Fair Finds Home Decor, and the Local Honey Collective this year, has showcased more than 50 unique retail brands and concepts since its inception in 2014.

With Skate in the Park at Acacia Park open from now until late February, ice skaters in downtown Colorado Springs can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at Story Coffee Company situated in the park.

Pikes Peak families can also catch a ride on the Santa Express Train, which transports passengers from Cañon City to the North Pole daily until the end of December by way of the Royal Gorge Route Railroad company.

Getting started in Colorado Springs’ small business ecosystem

Thanks to our thriving small business and startup ecosystem here in Colorado Springs, residents and visitors don’t have to look far to fill their holiday wish list.

Are you starting a business in Colorado Springs or the surrounding Pikes Peak Region? Contact us to learn how you can get started!