The Workforce Issue
In this issue you’ll find:
TURNING JOBS INTO CAREERS:
WEST MAIN TAPROOM + GRILL
Address:
18595 Mainstreet Suite 100, Parker, CO 80134
Hours:
Sun: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Mon-Thu: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Fri: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Sat : 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
You may know of West Main Taproom + Grill for their locally sourced eats or their 54 available craft beers. What you might not know is the amount of thought and strategy that goes behind every element of this local favorite. Owner Pamela Briere moved to Parker in 2018 and opened West Main in February 2020 but has been operating restaurants since 2005.
“Honestly, in the service industry, if you don’t have good employees, your business is worth nothing. You can have the best food in the world, but if you have the worst service in the world, no one is going to come back.”
Pamela Briere | Owner
West Main Taproom & Grill
Pamela approaches her workforce like family and makes sure her workers have room to grow, “You can grow in this industry. That has always been my motto. You come in, you show me what you got, you show me that you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and work, I’ll promote you.” West Main participates in the National Restaurant Association’s national apprenticeship program and currently has four employees enrolled. At the end of the program, participants will receive a certificate degree in restaurant management.
Along with this, Pamela ensures full-time employees qualify for benefits, including a matching 401K account, health benefits, and more. She notes, “The workforce in Parker is awesome.”
A New Facade for 2024
P3’s Facade and Landscape Improvement Program (FLIP):
Enhance your business’s exterior
1 to 1 matching funds, reimbursed up to $6,250
Projects must be completed in calendar year they are selected
Applications open Jan 1-31 and Jun 1-30 each year
Learn more at P3Parker.com/FLIP
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RESOURCES
FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Colorado Enterprise Fund
Small business makes up 97.6% of business in Colorado, employing over 1 million people. That’s why Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF), a non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) lender, is making capital more accessible for the people who are changing their lives and their communities. Whether you are an existing business or a new business needing money to get started, purchase capital equipment, create new jobs, or working capital, the Colorado Startup Loan Fund strives to provide access to capital and spark economic growth.
CEF works with borrowers with a low credit score, tight cash flow, limited collateral, or beginning a start-up business. They offer several different loan solutions from $1K up to $1M to meet the needs of your business. Loans are fixed-rate, low-barrier, and low-interest for up to 10 years.
CEF also offers free coaching and education to help borrowers throughout their small business loan life, including one-on-one consultations, small business toolkits, and 24/7 online library resources. These resources cover topics such as social media platforms, planning a business expansion, improving market performance, and even helping with accounting. If you are interested in learning more about obtaining a fair and flexible small business loan, visit coloradoenterprisefund.org/Home.
WORKFORCE RESOURCES THAT WORK FOR YOU
Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center and Resources
If you’re a local business that is struggling to find workers or know someone who is looking for a new career opportunity, resources might be closer than you think. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Provides a variety of no-cost services to job seekers and businesses, serving as a critical resource to connect talent and industry in Arapahoe and Douglas Counties.
Available resources include:
Talent Pipeline: get assistance with writing job descriptions and positing to Connecting Colorado. Assistance is also available to create customized hiring events, access candidates, and use assessments to find the right person with the right knowledge.
Planning & Strategic Development: Business Development Representatives are ready to help find and make sense of labor laws, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, federal bonding, and other opportunities. They also have access to labor market information, wage analysis services, and more.
Work Based Learning Program: When a business participates in a work based learning program with a paid intern, they can reimbursed up to 100% of a candidate’s wages.
Workforce Centers are available in Centennial, Aurora, Castle Rock, and more. Learn more and find even more workforce programs and resources at adworks.org
LOOKING TO RECRUIT?
CONSIDER A PARKER BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Parker ED’s Free Business Spotlight Program Wants to Help you Reach Potential Employees
A new program from Parker Economic Development can provide you with professional photos and videos to use in your own marketing! Our completely free program highlights local Parker businesses with a 1-2 minute video.
Businesses that participate get:
access to footage to use in your own marketing programs
exposure through Parker ED marketing
a great recruitment tool for future local employees
Check out our recent business spotlights at ParkerED.com. Want your business to be highlighted? Contact us today!
ParkerED.com | 303.841.0353 | economicdevelopment@parkeronline.com
NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
REFILLARY
19501 E Parker Square Dr, Parker, CO 80134
Mon & Tues: By appointment
Wed-Fri: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sat-Sun: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Opening in 2022, the Refillary is a refill store dedicated to low-waste, sustainably sourced, American-made daily household necessities. According to shop owner Adrienne Golbert,
“You don’t have to be perfect. If all you can do is refill your hand soap or refill one thing of dish soap, that’s a difference. You made a difference in our local landfills.”
PARKER WORKFORCE AT A GLANCE
Parker’s educated workforce is a huge selling point for new businesses and developments looking to locate to the area.
57%
of Parker residents have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher
35,366
Labor Force in Parker
2.3M
Labor force within 25 miles of Parker
76%
of workers in Parker are considered White Collar