Economy - Business

Index: Economy

In 2007, farms in Larimer County are more numerous, but smaller in acreage. As farms decrease in size, more women are becoming farmers. (Agriculture in Larimer County)
From 2001 to 2010, employment in the Manufacturing sector decreased 36%, a net loss of 6,702 jobs. These jobs have historically been some of the higher paying jobs in the County. (Employment & Wages by Industry)
Businesses with fewer than ten employees accounted for 76.8% of all establishments in Larimer County in 2010. The majority (98.9%) of Larimer County business establishments had fewer than 100 employees, which was higher than Colorado (98.2%) and the nation (97.8%) during the same period. (Larimer County Employers)
In 2007, 92.8% of Larimer County firms were owned by White residents. The majority of minority business owners, 54.8%, were Hispanic. (Minority Business Ownership)
In 2010, per capita personal income in Larimer County ($38,546) was lower than in Colorado ($42,226) and the United States ($39,945). After adjusting for inflation, per capita income in Larimer County has decreased 4.1% since 2001. (Per Capita Income)
Since 2003, the unemployment rate for Fort Collins-Loveland has been consistently lower that the rate for the United States or Colorado. Between July 2011 and December 2012, the unemployment rate in Larimer County has declined from 6.8% to 5.9%. (Unemployment Rate)

According to the 2012 Colorado Business Economic Outlook [pdf], prepared by the University of Colorado, Leeds School of Business, Colorado employers are expected to add 23,000 non-farm jobs in 2012. All sectors expected to show gains in 2012 with the exception of the Manufacturing, Information, and Financial Activites sectors. (December 2011)
Toward a More Competitive Colorado (October 2011) is an annual report produced by Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation. This seventh edition compares Colorado's competitive position against the other 49 states. Colorado ranks second in the nation for the number of adults with a bachelor's degree.
Fort Collins Master Plan - discusses the city's plans for the next 25 years.
Did the Great Recession Wipe Out a Decade of Economic Progress in Colorado? [pdf] (March 2011), Martin Shields and Michael Marturana of Colorado State University, report that Colorado lost more than 126,000 jobs since the recession began in December 2007.
Kaufman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity - This report measures the rate of business creation at the individual owner level.
FDIC State Profiles - This quarterly report provides information on banking trends and a variety of economic indicators.
Citizen Survey Results (Fort Collins) - every few years the City of Fort Collins surveys its citizens to solicit feedback on what the City is doing well and what needs improvement.

Related issues within COMPASS:

Colorado Business Resource Guide - provides general information to assist in the starting up and operation of small businesses.
Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)
Colorado Enterprise Zones - information on local contacts and tax credits.
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
Colorado Secretary of State - the business section contains downloadable forms for business and non-profit use, and additional information to help Colorado businesses.
Colorado Tax Information
Internal Revenue Service - forms and publications.
Larimer County Workforce Center
United States Census Bureau Economic Programs - contains economic and business survey data.

Chambers of Commerce: