Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) is a cornerstone of economic development, offering government leaders and professionals the tools to foster relationships with local businesses, address their needs and align them with policies that drive economic growth. As technology and online ordering reshape industries—particularly in retail and services—these advancements present both challenges and opportunities. For economic development professionals, leveraging technology isn’t just an option; it’s a pathway to amplify BR&E efforts and create sustainable local economies.
Bludot: A comprehensive economic development solution for BR&E
Bludot is an all-in-one economic development software suite designed to streamline business engagement and retention efforts. Combining a customer relationship management (CRM) platform, a public-facing business directory and a shop local rewards program, it empowers local governments to maximize their impact.
Two standout examples highlight how Colorado cities are successfully using Bludot:
Littleton, CO: Driving local shopping with Open Rewards
Littleton, CO leveraged Bludot’s Open Rewards app to launch a “Shop Local” campaign aimed at boosting business retention and community engagement. Using the Open Rewards app, the city invited local businesses to join the program. Once opted in, businesses had no additional requirements, making participation seamless.
The results speak volumes:
166 businesses and 1,781 users are now active on the platform
85% of users reported the program influenced their decision to shop locally
Over 11,000 rewards-eligible purchases generated a $561,000 economic impact for the community
Commerce City, CO: Enhancing recruitment and development tracking
Commerce City utilizes Bludot’s CRM and project management functionality to streamline business recruitment and retention efforts. By tracking recruitment sectors, outreach campaigns and individual employer engagement, the city has improved its ability to measure outcomes effectively.
Key benefits include:
Enhanced tracking of emails, calls, meetings, and touchpoints using initiative tagging
Improved monitoring of capital investment, job creation, and other key performance metrics
Simplified reporting on incentive management and critical statistics
Automating data collection and insights
Bludot further distinguishes itself by integrating data sourced through a variety of channels directly into their CRM platform. This automated data collection reduces manual efforts, replacing traditional door-to-door visits with instant insights that support real-time decision-making. Over time, this ensures a robust, up-to-date understanding of the community’s business landscape.
A model for tech-driven economic development
Littleton and Commerce City demonstrate how technology can elevate BR&E efforts. These tools enable municipalities to foster stronger business relationships, track economic progress, and achieve measurable results—all while saving time and resources.
To learn more, explore the full webinar detailing these case studies and discover how Colorado communities are leveraging Bludot to enhance their economic development capacity. By embracing technology, government leaders can create smarter, more efficient BR&E strategies that deliver real impact for their communities.
If you'd like to see how Bludot's suite of business retention & expansion software can help empower your team, please feel free to schedule a demo today.