A recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce <a href="https://coloradobiz.com/small-business-confidence-declines-inflation-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">survey</a> revealed that small business confidence declined for a second consecutive quarter. Without question, much of that pessimism stems from one source: tariffs. For entrepreneurs across Colorado &ndash; home to <a href="https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Colorado_2025-State-Profile.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">over 730,000</a> small businesses &ndash; tariffs make an already difficult environment costlier and increasingly unpredictable.

As a small business owner, my primary goal is straightforward: grow, hire, and serve customers well. Dealing with supply chain disruptions &ndash; and sudden cost increases &ndash; make this goal harder to achieve. Unfortunately, I lack the resources to easily shift suppliers or absorb price hikes; and I must choose between hurting future growth by downsizing or risking customer loyalty by raising prices.&nbsp;

At a telephone town hall last year, Representative Gabe Evans (R-CO-08) <a href="https://www.cpr.org/2025/04/02/gabe-evans-congress-trump-tariffs-telephone-town-hall/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">stated</a>: &ldquo;I&rsquo;m a big believer in free trade, but free trade has to be fair trade as well." I don&rsquo;t disagree with that in principle. But in practice our current trade policy is deeply confusing and unfair to entrepreneurs like me. Even Rep. Evans <a href="https://www.cpr.org/2025/04/02/gabe-evans-congress-trump-tariffs-telephone-town-hall/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">admitted</a> it &ldquo;seems like everything&rsquo;s in flux.&rdquo;

I hope Rep. Evans can be a voice of reason to GOP colleagues and urge a course correction with tariffs. He&rsquo;s already proven he can stand up for our district &ndash; <a href="https://coloradosun.com/2025/04/01/tax-credits-clean-energy-emissions-gabe-evans-jeff-hurd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">joining</a> an effort last year to protect energy tax credits tied to $3.7 billion in projects in our area. Our small business community needs that same kind of leadership to oppose tariffs and strengthen our local economy. 
 Ryan Wirth is a Colorado resident and business strategist with a background in public policy, economic development, and government relations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Denver County

Denver Metropolitan Area

Denver

Colorado

Congressman Evans: Tariffs Are A Costly Burden...

A recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey revealed that small business confidence declined for a second consecutive quarter. Without question, much...

Congressman Evans: Tariffs Are A Costly Burden on Colorado Small Businesses  By: Ryan Wirth

Valley View University (VVU) is hosting two free virtual webinars during the month of September, giving community members the opportunity to learn about hip health and training tips for longevity, as well as eyelid lifts and facial rejuvenation, directly from Valley View health care professionals in a stress-free, educational setting. Valley View professionals know that one doctor's visit is often not enough to get all questions answered, so VVU strives to provide an opportunity for anyone to learn more.
Training Tips for Healthy Hips | Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Valley View University will present "Training Tips for Healthy Hips," a virtual discussion via Zoom on Wednesday, September 23, at 6 p.m. The community is invited to join a virtual discussion featuring expert tips and live demonstrations on how to best support your hips through strength training and exercise. This 30-minute webinar, followed by open Q&amp;A, will be led by <a href="https://www.vvh.org/valleyortho/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">ValleyOrtho</a>'s Orthopedic Surgeon and Joint Reconstruction Specialist Daniel O'Connor, MD, and Valley View&rsquo;s<a href="https://www.vvh.org/outpatient-rehabilitation/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Outpatient Physical Therapists</a> Linda Geiss, MPT, MDT, CSCS, and Hannah Heron, PT, DPT, CLT.
Dr. O'Connor is a fellowship-trained orthopedic joint reconstruction surgeon specializing in joint replacement and adult reconstruction. He joined ValleyOrtho from the University of Chicago, where he completed his fellowship in joint reconstruction after earning his medical degree from the University of California, Davis. He has extensive experience in robotic revision hip and knee arthroplasty, muscle-sparing anterior and posterior approach total hip arthroplasty, and related orthopedic treatments, and is passionate about helping active patients recover and return to the lifestyles they enjoy.
Linda Geiss is a physical therapist and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with a diploma in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. Her approach involves treating the body, helping patients regain strength, endurance and skill to return to sport, work and everyday activities. Geiss earned her degree from Rutgers University and sees patients in Carbondale.
Hannah Heron is a Physical therapist and certified Lymphedema therapist who specializes in orthopedic conditions, post-surgical rehabilitation and sports-related injuries. She strives to build meaningful connections with her patients so they can work together as a team toward returning to the activities they love. Heron earned her degree from Tufts University and sees patients in Carbondale.
<ul><li>Details: Daniel O'Connor, MD, Linda Geiss, MPT, MDT, CSCS, and Hannah Heron, PT, DPT, CLT, will present "Training Tips for Healthy Hips"</li><li>Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 6:00 p.m.</li><li>Cost: Free</li><li>RSVP:&nbsp;<a href="https://vvh.zoom.us/webinar/register/8017864676419/WN_jR7nNhVERJu6ugq7UxdukA" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://vvh.zoom.us/webinar/register/8017864676419/WN_jR7nNhVERJu6ugq7UxdukA</a></li></ul>
For more information about this Valley View University webinar, visit <a href="https://www.vvh.org/events-classes/event-details/?Event=50881" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.vvh.org/events-classes/event-details/?Event=50881</a>
Fresh Look: Eyelid Lifts &amp; Rejuvenation | Thursday, September 24, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
Valley View University will present "Fresh Look: Eyelid Lifts &amp; Rejuvenation," a virtual discussion via Zoom on Thursday, September 24, at 12 p.m. Attendees will learn about what a surgical eyelift lift and upper facial rejuvenation are, what to expect from the procedure and how it can improve vision from drooping eyelids. This 30-minute webinar, followed by open Q&amp;A, will be led by Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon <a href="https://www.mtsoprisplasticsurgery.org/providers/jennifer-butterfield-md/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Jennifer Butterfield</a> and <a href="https://www.mtsoprisplasticsurgery.org/providers/sarah-davis-mpas-mba-pa-c/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Physician Assistant Sarah Davis</a>, MPAS, MBA, PA-C.
Dr. Butterfield is a board-certified plastic surgeon providing reconstructive services at Valley View's Calaway Young Cancer Center and cosmetic surgery to patients throughout Aspen, Glenwood Springs and the surrounding area. Dr. Butterfield earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio, completed her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the University of Cincinnati, and finished an aesthetic fellowship with Plastic Surgery Associates of Miami. She is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Davis is a physician assistant at Mount Sopris Plastic Surgery who works alongside Dr. Butterfield in the operating room. She has hands-on experience with facial anatomy, which informs her skilled approach to injectables and facial contouring. Davis previously worked in orthopedic and urgent care settings, and today provides aesthetic treatments including Botox, Juvederm, Belotero, PRP, and skin resurfacing and tightening laser treatments. 
<ul><li>Details: Jennifer Butterfield, MD, and Sarah Davis, MPAS, MBA, PA-C, will present &ldquo;Fresh Look: Eyelid Lifts &amp; Rejuvenation</li><li>Date/Time: Thursday, Sept. 24, at 12 p.m.</li><li>Cost: Free</li><li>RSVP:<a href="https://vvh.zoom.us/webinar/register/1017864663292/WN__S5JwSSBQoC1NtbkjAgHEA#/registration" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://vvh.zoom.us/webinar/register/1017864663292/WN__S5JwSSBQoC1NtbkjAgHEA#/registration</a></li></ul>
For more information about this Valley View University webinar, visit <a href="https://www.vvh.org/events-classes/event-details/?Event=50869" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.vvh.org/events-classes/event-details/?Event=50869</a>

Valley View University Presents Two Free...

Valley View University (VVU) is hosting two free virtual webinars during the month of September, giving community members the opportunity to learn...

Valley View University Presents Two Free Webinars This September

Star Dental is a locally owned dental office serving adults and children from one Denver location at 1490 S Sheridan Blvd. We are open seven days a week and welcome new patients, dental emergencies, Health First Colorado Medicaid and CHP+, and most major PPO plans.

Request an appointment:<a href="https://mystardental.com/contact/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://mystardental.com/contact/</a>


Emergency dental care in Denver:
<a href="https://mystardental.com/emergency-dentistry/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://mystardental.com/emergency-dentistry/</a>

Health First Colorado Medicaid dental care:
<a href="https://mystardental.com/services/medicaid-dentist/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://mystardental.com/services/medicaid-dentist/</a>

Servicios dentales en espa&ntilde;ol:
<a href="https://mystardental.com/servicios-dentales-en-espanol/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://mystardental.com/servicios-dentales-en-espanol/</a>

Same-day appointments may be available. Walk-ins are accepted based on availability. Call 303-222-1414 for current availability. Coverage and benefits are verified for each patient.

Star Dental: Denver Family & Emergency Dental...

Star Dental is a locally owned dental office serving adults and children from one Denver location at 1490 S Sheridan Blvd. We are open seven days a...

Star Dental: Denver Family & Emergency Dental Care Open 7 Days

<h2><a href="https://gcsglassandmirror.com/our-work/glass-showers/?utm_source=patch&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=post" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Custom Shower Doors in Denver, Measured and Fabricated to Fit</a></h2>
Anyone who has made it through a Denver winter knows the routine: the patios empty out along Larimer Square, the cottonwoods along the Platte go yellow, and suddenly everybody is staring at their bathroom wondering exactly when it got so dated. That seasonal turn is why late summer is the smartest moment to start a shower project rather than the worst. Hard water is unkind to shower glass, so the crew at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/GCS+Glass+%26+Mirror/@39.7641241,-104.8498815,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x7606ceef3b1273e0!8m2!3d39.7641241!4d-104.8498815" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GCS Glass &amp; Mirror</a> templates every enclosure to the exact opening, then finishes it with a diamond seal hydrophobic coating that repels water and makes the glass easier to clean. Frameless panels, bypass sliders, corner and neo-angle layouts: all of it gets measured on site, fabricated to spec, and installed behind a limited lifetime craftsmanship warranty. Steam shower enclosures are a separate build, designed and sealed for that environment from the start.
<h2><a href="https://gcsglassandmirror.com/our-work/glass-railings/?utm_source=patch&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=post" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Glass Railings for Denver Decks, Patios and Staircases</a></h2>
Railings are the other project Denver homeowners chase in the shoulder season, and for a very good reason: a frameless glass panel is the only railing that refuses to stand between you and the Front Range. A deck in Wash Park, a walkout in Park Hill, a floating staircase in a LoHi new build; the design problem is identical every time, which is keeping the view intact.&nbsp;<a href="https://patch.com/users/opalt" rel="noopener" target="_blank">GCS Glass &amp; Mirror Denver</a> builds these with tempered panels set into high strength base clamps or posts anchored straight to the deck, so the glass carries the sightline and the hardware quietly carries the load. Low maintenance, nothing to repaint every spring, and no wood spindles rotting away behind the grill.
<h2><a href="https://gcsglassandmirror.com/our-work/mirrors/?utm_source=patch&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=post" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Custom Mirrors for Denver Bathrooms and Home Gyms</a></h2>
Mirrors are the quiet cheat code of a Denver remodel, and this is the season they earn their keep. Daylight gets short in a hurry here after the equinox, and a properly sized wall mirror throws what light you have left back into a north facing Congress Park bathroom or a basement gym in Wheat Ridge. Oversized vanity pieces, backlit rounds, steel framed rectangles, full wall gym panels: every one of them gets templated and fabricated in house, which matters far more than it sounds, because a mirror cut to the drawing instead of to the actual wall is the reason so many of them end up sitting crooked.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/GCS+Glass+%26+Mirror/@39.7641241,-104.8498815,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x7606ceef3b1273e0!8m2!3d39.7641241!4d-104.8498815" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Custom mirrors from GCS Glass &amp; Mirror</a> can be quoted alongside the shower work, which turns two projects into one trip, one crew and one install day.
<h2><a href="https://gcsglassandmirror.com/locations/denver-co/?utm_source=patch&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=post" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Request a Quote from a Denver Glass Company Before the Fall Rush</a></h2>
Here is the practical part. Denver's remodel rush lands in September and October, and calendars fill from the top down, so the homeowners who book in August are the ones who get their glass in before the holidays. Quotes run in 5 minutes or less through the online tool, and the Denver shop serves the metro: Aurora, Lakewood, Englewood, Littleton, Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch and Boulder. Whether it is a single frameless shower door in a Berkeley bungalow or railings, mirrors and partitions across an entire Cherry Creek renovation,<a href="https://patch.com/users/opalt" rel="noopener" target="_blank">our Denver glass company</a> will show up, template it, fabricate it and install it on a schedule you actually get told about. Request a quote, book the consultation, and get it on the calendar before the first real snow makes the deck a bad place to stand.
GCS Glass &amp; Mirror Denver 10500 E 54th Ave Unit H, Denver, CO 80239 (720) 627-6822 <a href="https://gcsglassandmirror.com/locations/denver-co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://gcsglassandmirror.com/locations/denver-co/</a>

Custom Shower Doors in Denver, CO: GCS Glass &...

Custom Shower Doors in Denver, Measured and Fabricated to Fit...

Custom Shower Doors in Denver, CO: GCS Glass & Mirror Kicks Off Fall Remodel Season

Need garage door repair? Whether your door is stuck, noisy, off track, or won&rsquo;t open, we&rsquo;re here to help. We provide professional garage door service with honest recommendations, quality workmanship, and reliable repairs.
Services We Offer:
* Broken spring replacement * Garage door opener repair &amp; installation * Cable replacement * Roller replacement * Track repair &amp; alignment * Off-track door repairs * Panel replacement * Preventive maintenance &amp; tune-ups * New garage door installation * Emergency garage door service
Only a $69 Service Call Fee
Our technician will inspect your garage door, diagnose the problem, and explain your repair options before any additional work is performed.
Why Customers Choose Us
* Fast response times * Honest, upfront pricing * Quality parts and professional installation * Friendly, experienced technicians * Customer satisfaction is our top priority
From minor repairs to complete garage door and opener replacements, we&rsquo;re ready to get your door working safely and smoothly again.

Local Garage Door Repair and Installation - $69...

Need garage door repair? Whether your door is stuck, noisy, off track, or won’t open, we’re here to help. We provide professional garage door...

Local Garage Door Repair and Installation - $69 Service Call Fee

<a href="https://cannabisresearchstore.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Discover premium hemp oil made</a> from carefully selected hemp plants. Ideal for those seeking a natural addition to their daily wellness routine.<a href="https://cannabisresearchstore.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">cannabisresearchstore.com/</a>

Premium Hemp Oil – High Quality & Naturally

Discover premium hemp oil made from carefully selected hemp plants. Ideal for those seeking a natural addition to their daily wellness routine...

Broadening its commitment to educators,<a href="https://www.westerracu.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Westerra Credit Union (Westerra)</a> has announced a series of products and initiatives designed for teachers based on educator-identified needs. The new offerings build on the credit union&rsquo;s goal of addressing the specific financial barriers educators face and expanding pathways to homeownership. 
Designed with Teachers in Mind
Recognizing all that teachers do for Colorado and its communities, Westerra has introduced SummerPay Saver&trade;, a high-yield savings account offered exclusively to educators. The account provides an aggressive 6.00% annual percentage yield on balances up to $10,000, which means educators could accrue $600 annually, with opportunities to earn additional interest through further contributions. As an added token of appreciation, teachers are eligible to receive a $100 gift card when they open qualifying accounts with Westerra.
Westerra is also proud to partner with the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to offer the Schools to Home program, an innovative down payment assistance initiative designed to help Colorado educators and public school employees purchase homes in and around the communities they serve. This program provides eligible, full-time public school employees with down payment assistance of up to 25% of their first mortgage loan amount. By utilizing a zero-interest, shared appreciation model that defers repayment until the home is sold, refinanced, paid off or no longer occupied as their primary residence, Westerra is actively removing the barrier of high upfront out-of-pocket costs &mdash; making sustainable homeownership more accessible for the dedicated professionals who are foundational to the community.
&ldquo;Westerra was founded by teachers, and for teachers,&rdquo; said Westerra&rsquo;s Chief Lending Officer, Brooke Fleming. &ldquo;We have a longstanding history of supporting educators and identifying financial solutions that recognize their unique needs. That means even more in Colorado&rsquo;s current affordability crisis. We are proud to offer products that will help strengthen these professionals&rsquo; financial futures, from savings to homeownership.&rdquo; 
Westerra&rsquo;s commitment to Colorado communities goes beyond supporting educators; the credit union continues to make progress in enhancing access to property ownership across the state. 
Supporting Coloradans&rsquo; Homeownership Journey
As part of its expanded efforts to support Colorado&rsquo;s first-time homebuyers, Westerra offers a suite of Down Payment Assistance programs (DPAs), including the Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation&rsquo;s statewide payback programs, such as Broomfield DPA and Denver DPA. The credit union also recently inked a partnership with the Dearfield Fund to offer conventional mortgages with up to $50,000, or 15% of a home&rsquo;s purchase price, in down-payment assistance to first-time homebuyers who have faced systemic barriers to homeownership. Additionally, the credit union has doubled down on its commitment to connecting prospective buyers with local government programs, ensuring its team of mortgage loan officers is well-versed on the opportunities available in the Denver area and beyond. 
&ldquo;Everyone&rsquo;s path to homeownership looks different, and we want to support Coloradans by meeting them where they are at in their individual journey,&rdquo; said Michelle Burke, vice president of mortgage lending at Westerra. &ldquo;These down-payment assistance programs allow us to do just that, and we are committed to educating our community on the many ways the dream of owning a home can be achieved.&rdquo; 
Looking Ahead: A Broader Commitment to Educators
Beyond specialized financial products, Westerra is continuing to expand its community engagement footprint to support educators. Later this year, the credit union plans to announce further details regarding a new round of targeted educator grants, a future educator scholarship fund and new opportunities with the Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC) to support teacher recruitment and retention. In addition to these offerings, Westerra has also created a financial literacy curriculum &mdash; a free resource for educators to use in their classrooms that aligns with Colorado&rsquo;s financial literacy high school graduation requirements &mdash; to prepare students for monetary success following their high school graduation. These initiatives are designed to invest directly in the professional development and financial well-being of those shaping Colorado's future.&nbsp; 
To learn more about Westerra, its newly launched programs for educators and expanded down-payment assistance portfolio, visit<a href="https://www.westerracu.com/borrowing/mortgage/down-payment-assistance" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> www.westerracu.com/borrowing/mortgage/down-payment-assistance</a>.

Westerra Credit Union Unveils Educator-Focused...

Broadening its commitment to educators, Westerra Credit Union (Westerra) has announced a series of products and initiatives designed for teachers...

Westerra Credit Union Unveils Educator-Focused Initiatives

Jefferson County

Lakewood

Arvada

Arapahoe County

Littleton

Golden

Broomfield County

Broomfield

Boulder County

Boulder

El Paso County

Colorado Springs Metropolitan Area

Colorado Springs

Laramie County

Cheyenne Metropolitan Area

Cheyenne

Wyoming

Mesa County

Grand Junction-Montrose

Grand Junction

Natrona County

Casper Metropolitan Area

Casper

Mention Denver Patch and Receive 25% off your photo session!

Petta Lake Photography

Looking for a professional photographer? Petta Lake Photography is here to capture life's most memorable moments. Whether you're celebrating a newborn, a first birthday, a special event, updating your family portraits, or looking for couples photography or professional headshots, we offer personalized photography services tailored to your needs. Each session includes access to a private online gallery where you can conveniently view and download your high-resolution images. Professional print options are also available for an additional fee. Contact Petta Lake Photography today to discuss your photography needs and create lasting memories.

 Looking for a professional photographer? Petta Lake Photography is here to capture life's most memorable moments. Whether you're celebrating a...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

More Classifieds

Denver, CO|Featured Classified|Opinion|4h

Congressman Evans: Tariffs Are A Costly Burden on Colorado Small Businesses By: Ryan Wirth

Denver, CO|Local Classified|Announcement|1d

Valley View University Presents Two Free Webinars This September

Denver, CO|Local Classified|Gigs & Services|6d

Star Dental: Denver Family & Emergency Dental Care Open 7 Days

Denver, CO|Local Classified|Announcement|Aug 13

Custom Shower Doors in Denver, CO: GCS Glass & Mirror Kicks Off Fall Remodel Season

Denver, CO|Local Classified|Gigs & Services|Aug 3

Local Garage Door Repair and Installation - $69 Service Call Fee

Denver, CO|Local Classified|For Sale|Jul 31

Premium Hemp Oil – High Quality & Naturally

Denver, CO|Local Classified|Announcement|Jul 28

Westerra Credit Union Unveils Educator-Focused Initiatives

Congressman Evans: Tariffs Are A Costly Burden on Colorado Small Businesses By: Ryan Wirth

Petta Lake Photography