Denver is setting sights on international business expansion, having inked a City2City agreement with Auckland, New Zealand. This accord aims to bolster Denver's global presence in technology and innovation by laying down a cooperative framework between the city's businesses and Auckland's startup hub, GridAKL. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston emphasized the importance of the partnership, saying, "Denver businesses are the best in the world and deserve avenues to expand and thrive at home while also leading on the global stage," as reported by the City and County of Denver.
Acting through Denver Economic Development & Opportunity’s (DEDO) Global Business Development, the agreement is designed to support eligible ventures by connecting them to vital networks, providing access to workspaces, and generating investment opportunities. While flourishing, those looking to scale up businesses from Denver and Auckland will be getting support, including access to co-working spaces and resources to help in their successful expansion. DEDO's Executive Director Adeeb Khan said, as per the City and County of Denver, "Denver was recently recognized by ADP Research as having the top job market in the nation, out of 55 metro areas," signaling the city's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Under the agreement, Nick Hill, Chief Executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, sees mutual benefits blossoming from the transpacific collaboration. According to the City and County of Denver, Hill stated this deal "will help technology businesses explore opportunities in both Auckland and Denver, helping them expand their market reach, and get greater access to local resources."
The initiative stands as the latest in a string of City2City agreements Denver has negotiated with regions worldwide including London, Brest, France, New South Wales, Australia, Guadalajara, Mexico, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This series of partnerships is enhancing Denver's innovative standing and offering companies conducive conditions to achieve foreign market success. In talking about the strategy, Adeeb Khan keenly noted the value of such international collaborations in positioning Denver as a global city. The City2City agreements mobilize extensive networks and create pathways essential to ushering local businesses into the theatre of global commerce. Outside the agreement, Denver also boasts a significant community of New Zealand businesses and government representatives, contributing to the local economy and further strengthening the bilateral ties aimed at mutual advancement.
