City of Boulder Business Bulletin

Welcome to the City of Boulder Business Bulletin
Supporting businesses with timely updates, resources and opportunities

The Business Bulletin shares updates on city programs, funding opportunities, infrastructure projects, and other initiatives that affect Boulder’s business community. The newsletter is designed to help local businesses stay informed, connected and prepared, supporting a strong and resilient local economy.

Visit our newsletter archive to explore past editions and stay up to date on what’s happening across the city.

The City of Boulder issues a limited number of Mobile Vending Cart (MVC) permits each year to support a vibrant and welcoming Pearl Street Mall. Permits are valid from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. From July through September, permitted carts must operate a minimum of five days per week and four hours per day, or additional hours as specified in the permit.

Applications must be submitted by March 13, 2026.

As part of its long-term financial stability efforts, the City of Boulder is exploring the use of Metropolitan Districts. Metropolitan Districts help accelerate development or redevelopment opportunities within a specified area by ensuring that growth pays for its own infrastructure.

The City of Boulder is exploring an ordinance to allow property owners to propose Metropolitan Districts that adhere to local standards to ensure they closely align with city goals and values. The goal of the ordinance is to provide maximum legal protection for the city and future residents of any Metropolitan District.

Community members are invited to view and offer feedback on the draft Metropolitan District ordinance and Model Service Plan through March 16. City Council is tentatively scheduled to hear the proposed ordinance on April 2 for first reading and April 16 for second reading, along with a Model Service Plan resolution.

To learn more about this work, visit the city’s website.

Tuesday, March 10, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Dairy Arts Center | 2590 Walnut St. 

Community members are invited to explore and provide feedback on the draft plan, future land use map, policies and more now through April 6 at ABoulderFuture.org. 

Community members are also invited to join the City of Boulder and Boulder County for a Community Open House to mark the release of the draft plan. After a year and a half and over 65 engagement opportunities, come see how community input helped shape the reimagined plan. This family-friendly Community Open House will have opportunities to explore the plan, ask questions, see art created with the community, food and more! Bring your friends and family and help shape the future of Boulder.

Cities Work, a nonprofit that partners with local governments to simplify business regulations and support entrepreneurship, is gathering feedback to better understand the experience of operating a business in Boulder.

Business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to complete a brief questionnaire about regulatory processes such as permitting, zoning, inspections and other requirements. Feedback will help identify barriers and opportunities to make it easier, faster and more cost-effective to start and grow a business in Boulder.

Responses are anonymous and will be used for research purposes only. The questionnaire is open through March 8, 2026.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) serving Boulder County has several upcoming workshops designed to support the local business community:

See more information about the workshops and register.

The Tech Venture Accelerator is a 10-part cohort series specifically designed to help emerging science and technology companies in the State of Colorado. This program focuses on helping you grow through non-dilutive capital sources and technology commercialization, so you don't have to give away any equity in your company. Join the Feb. 25 information session to learn more and find out if the program is a good fit for you. Applications are due March 16.

Boulder Arts Week (April 3 - 12) invites local businesses to participate in the Business Champions program. Participating businesses show their support for the arts by displaying a poster and sharing information about the week on social media.

In recognition of their participation, Business Champions receive a social media spotlight, inclusion in a thank-you ad in the Daily Camera, and a listing with a link on the Boulder Arts Week website. Businesses must sign up by March 6 to be included in the Daily Camera listing.

Follow the City of Boulder on social media!