Entrepreneurial energy is back in Colorado—with a 19 percent surge in new business filings in the second quarter of 2025 compared to a year earlier, signaling a strong rebound for aspiring entrepreneurs across the state. This upswing was the highest for a second quarter in over a decade, according to the Colorado Secretary of State. As Fort Collins continues to grow as a hub for innovation and small businesses, what does this mean for our local business environment—and how can your venture thrive in this resurgence?

New Business Filings Are Climbing—What’s Driving It?

After a slump last year—caused in part by the end of discounted filing fees—this spike reflects renewed confidence among Coloradans in launching new enterprises . The recovery already shows promise: dissolution rates are down, business renewals remain steady, and businesses in good standing are increasing .

In Fort Collins—an area known for its entrepreneurial spirit, educated workforce, and tight-knit business community—this statewide rebound offers ample momentum for startups, expansion opportunities, and cross-sector collaboration.

Opportunities Ahead for Fort Collins Entrepreneurs

1. Momentum for Networking and Collaboration
   A surge in new ventures creates fertile ground for peer networking, owner meetups, shared marketing, or co‑working opportunities. Consider convening local “new business” mixers to foster connections early on.
2. Investor and Service Provider Interest
   Growing filings may attract attention from local banks, service professionals (like accountants and legal advisors), and even angel investors. Being early to market in Fort Collins secures positioning as a market leader.
3. Hiring and Talent Trends
   Though Colorado’s job growth is moderating—forecast at about 1.2 percent statewide in 2025 —there’s continued hiring in education, healthcare, construction, and business services, sectors Fort Collins taps into. New businesses should plan for competition, especially for local talent, and create compelling employer branding around community and quality of life.

Challenges & Cautions

• Filing Volume ≠ Business Success
  Not every filing becomes a brick-and-mortar operation or tax-paying employer. Business owners should temper expectations while seizing early-organizing opportunities .
• Regulatory Load Remains Heavy
  Small business owners across Colorado continue to cite state and labor regulations as top pain points—according to recent surveys, 65 percent of businesses with fewer than 100 employees list regulations among their top three challenges, with labor and employment rules a key concern.

Tips for Fort Collins Business Owners

• Build Community Early: Organize newcomer informational meetups or peer groups. Promote locally through Fort Collins Chamber or CSU‑adjacent networks.
• Leverage Forecast Insight: Understand where jobs and demand are growing—education, health, construction, professional services—and align your offerings accordingly.
• Stay Engaged with Policy: Support efforts for regulatory relief and stay connected with Colorado Chamber updates—especially as new laws roll out later this year.