The Office of International and Immigrant Affairs in Aurora, Colorado is devoted to providing resources and support to immigrant entrepreneurs. Foreign-born citizens have higher rates of entrepreneurship than those born in the United States, and the city is committed to aiding these business owners succeed. Through its immigrant integration plan, the office works to reduce obstacles to entry by offering information, training, and other resources. The Office of International and Immigrant Affairs also leads international initiatives focused on creating strategic global partnerships, managing official protocol activities and events, and liaising with the international community.
To help new refugees and immigrants get started, the office has developed a telephone application in multiple languages that assists with business plan development. In addition, the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs coordinates the Aurora Immigrant and Refugee Commission, the Aurora International Roundtable, the Aurora Global Fest, and the Aurora International Cabinet. These programs provide a range of services to immigrant entrepreneurs, including access to capital through lenders like CEDS. The class spent months researching existing laws that support immigrants and refugees in Colorado, and then looked for ways to fill in the gaps with new legislation. Aurora is devoted to helping immigrant entrepreneurs succeed. Through its various initiatives and programs, the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs provides resources that help reduce barriers to entry and create a more welcoming environment for foreign-born residents.
