A Colorado Chamber of Commerce survey found 45% of business leaders operating in the state plan to invest their next dollar elsewhere, underscoring deepening concern over the local economy.
Colorado ranks 48th out of 50 in new business formation and last in net openings of physical business establishments per 1,000 residents, the report said, reinforcing the survey's warning signs.
The discussion also pointed to weak GDP growth, slowing net domestic migration and rising utility rates that are squeezing small businesses and shrinking the state's labor pool.
Business advocates said the figures should pressure state leaders to pursue a more business-friendly, bipartisan response as concerns grow over Colorado's longer-term economic trajectory.