TikTok is good for small businesses
I have a small, Colorado-based business, and using TikTok has transformed my business and helped me positively impact the Denver economy.
I joined TikTok in 2021 out of curiosity, but it quickly became a powerful tool. Today, 40% of my business comes directly from TikTok, allowing me to replace my traditional marketing with the platform.
Thanks to this growth, I’ve hired three part-time employees and expanded my operations. I also use TikTok to share entrepreneurial resources, especially with Spanish-speaking communities who often lack access to business tools. Through my platform, I’ve been able to help Latinos learn how to obtain the proper business licenses and certifications.
Through TikTok Shop, I’ve raised over $40,000 from cold brew sales — money that goes directly back into our local economy.
A TikTok ban would devastate not only my small business, but many Latino entrepreneurs across the country who rely on it for resources to start their own business.
Earlier this year, I had a chance to share my story with Gov. Jared Polis and state Sen. Julie Gonzales on the platform’s impact on my business. I thank them for their support and hope U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette and U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper will support a deal.
Alejandro Flores, Denver
Editor’s note: Flores is the founder of Combi Cafe.
Global decisions impact regular citizens
One of my neighbors just got laid off from a company here after 15 years. He had a degree and all the job requirements. The company largely has its products made in China and many of us have their products. He traveled to China several times a year as part of his job. With tariffs and the trade war we’ve escalated, I am sure the uncertainty as to future manufacturing led this company to difficult decisions.
Elected politicians in Washington and Denver seem to have no realization as to the consequences of their decisions on ordinary Americans who keep our economy running by showing up for work each day and giving their best. This neighbor has two amazing young boys and a wife to support, and I’m mad as hell that poor decisions made in Washington have put their future in jeopardy.
John W Thomas, Fort Collins
There is a solution to president’s population concerns
Does anyone see the irony in the Trump administration considering paying women to have babies while we deport law-abiding immigrants and refuse to provide a legal means for more immigrants to enter this country? The world doesn’t need more people; it just needs redistribution.
Valorie Hipsher, Parker
Data centers too taxing for Colorado’s resources
Re: “Data centers: Proposed tax breaks questioned,” April 22 news story
Having worked in IT before retiring, I know the need for data centers will continue to grow. The problem I see is where to build these centers, as they require large amounts of electricity and water. Yes, water, to keep equipment cool and working. Water is the one resource we have a limited supply of in Colorado, and it is getting less every year with global warming.
Since our president wants to open up oil drilling, which will increase the risk of global warming, these centers need to be located elsewhere. States where the Columbia River and the Mississippi River run through would be better choices than Colorado.
Of course, I can understand that some of our politicians want the benefits of increased tax revenue coming from these centers, but do they know what the environmental cost will be to our beautiful state?
Chris Jimroglou, Centennial
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