Lafayette to partner with Latino Chamber of Commerce for business outreach and technical assistance

City staff introduced a new partnership overview on April 15 between Lafayette and the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Boulder County to expand outreach and technical assistance for local small businesses, with an emphasis on Latino-owned firms.

City presenters said the partnership advances action items in Lafayette’s 2023 Economic Development and Housing strategic plan to retain and expand existing businesses and expand engagement with minority- and locally-owned firms. The chamber—based in Longmont and serving Boulder County—described several services it will provide to Lafayette under the partnership: data and records management about business needs; coordination of at least two networking events annually; consulting and technical assistance for business formation, licensing, and access to capital; and collaboration with existing local groups, including the Lafayette Chamber and Partners for a Clean Environment.

Karla Collin (Executive President, Latino Chamber of Commerce of Boulder County) told council that the chamber does not restrict services based on ethnicity or membership; the group provides assistance broadly and does not require businesses to join as members to receive help. She said in 2024 the chamber supported 24 Lafayette businesses with technical assistance and resource connections and that roughly 5% of the chamber’s membership is based in Lafayette.

Councilors asked for specifics about programming. Collin described multiple networking formats: “Ora Sociales” (a business-after-hours networking event), “Cafecito y Platica” (informal coffee‑time conversations on a single topic), and an “Empower Women” series with mentor matching. On technical assistance, she said the chamber uses intake forms to curate referrals—ranging from help registering a business with the Secretary of State to connections with community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and microloan programs for businesses that are not yet bank‑ready.

Councilors also asked about coordination with the new Lafayette farmers market and youth engagement. Collin said the chamber will promote opportunities through multiple channels—including WhatsApp groups and a simple Google form—and that it is open to hosting market organizers to explain application processes. She said the chamber already involves students and volunteers in festivals and expects to expand youth engagement opportunities.

Why it matters: Councilors framed the partnership as a practical step to reduce barriers—language, capital access and regulatory navigation—that minority-owned and small businesses face. The chamber’s local presence and networks could help Lafayette reach businesses that have not previously engaged with traditional business resources.

Next steps: The presentation was informational. City staff and the chamber will proceed with program planning and event scheduling; councilors and staff said they will follow up on outreach to the farmers market and school partnerships.

Quotes: “We don’t force anyone to become a member of the Chamber,” Collin said. “We provide the services and resource anyway.” Councilor Tapia Vega said, “It’s actually Lafayette. There’s a cool history with the city of Lafayette… the chamber really helps anyone and everyone who comes to you.”

Ending: The partnership reflects an implementation step in Lafayette’s economic development strategy; city staff and the chamber will coordinate specific event dates and technical assistance rollouts.