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America’s SBDCs help make the dream of small business ownership a reality for more Americans — creating jobs and opportunities that build communities throughout the nation.
See how the Colorado SBDC has served its communities.
Hogan Design Group
Business owner Richard Hogan says he found "hope and guidance by wandering into the offices of Vocational Rehabilitation and SBDC." Richard founded Hogan Design Group LLC with the goal of helping small businesses in Sterling and Logan County prosper. "The true heroes here are those from SBDC, Vocational Rehabilitation...[they] provided the last push on my business plan. After two years and resubmitting it twice through Voc Rehab, it was finally accepted."
Deaf Communication Services
Sharon Nutt was working as a sign language interpreter for a larger firm when she decided, "I can provide better service, and make more money." In 2009, she founded Deaf Communication Services (DCS), focused primarily on arranging sign language medical interpreting for deaf patients. Sharon discovered the Larimer SBDC: "They've been so great, in everything we've needed. We've gotten advice on pricing strategies. It's just been liberating."
Impact Fenders
Brian Slaughter and Courtney Gates love boats. One day in 2017, they had just finished water skiing and were trying to attach their boat fenders when Brian had an epiphany: why hasn't anyone created an easier system? They learned about the Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs (SCAPE) and decided to apply. "The SBDC has been super supportive and put us in contact with quite a few people who have helped in many different ways. The people at SCAPE have be so helpful."
SEGRITY
SEGRITY's business idea started as a bold dream: to empower the hydroelectric industry by providing modern custom fit products and services, delivered with integrity and true care for customers. says "The support received from the Denver Metro Chamber SBDC, the Colorado Minority Business Office, World Trade Center, and U.S. Commercial Service played a key role in assisting SEGRITY to penetrate international markets and increase our international sales revenue 5 percent."
Blickel
Blickel is an open learning management tool that allows any user to create and share interactive, educational, individualized content. "We use the business advice and the one-on-one counseling that the Southern Colorado SBDC offers. They have given us an individualized series of steps based on where our business is currently, and where it is going. SBDC has treated us as if they also have a stake in the success of our business."
Aurora AutoPros
The Aurora AutoPros mission guides owners Edgar and Rene Leon's daily operations: to provide the highest quality mechanical repair solutions in a professional, honest and transparent manner. Once COVID-19 hit, they immediately updated their procedures to ensure safety to both customers and workforce. In addition to their practice of wearing gloves, they disinfect keys and fobs, use disposable floor mats, utilize steering wheel and seat covers, and disinfect each vehicle.
Go West Camps
Local camp directors Andrew and Arianne VanDerWege own and operate Go West Camps. When COVID-19 hit, Pikes Peak SBDC, a longtime community partner, reached out to assist the small business owners in applying for pandemic-related Small Business Administration and local relief funds. "We received an SBA Paycheck Protection Program Loan and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, both of which will helped us through these difficult times."
Jewell PR
Following Army service, Vernon worked as a graphic artist for a Colorado Springs news channel and decided to start his own business. His initial business plan received a vote of confidence in the form of a Vocational Rehabilitation grant, funding a computer, camera, popup banner, and more to launch his business. Next he was connected with the SBDC. "Pikes Peak SBDC gave me a foundation and goals to work towards," said Vernon.
Clean Bees
Katie Straubel is the owner of Clean Bees, a Northern Colorado cleaning company. "My accountant said I needed some financial help, and I relied on the SBDC." A Colorado SBDC consultant met with Katie for one-on-one sessions, to better understand her accounting information. Katie says, "I'm super grateful for my Colorado SBDC consultant. She's caring, sincere, a wealth of information, and really trying to help people out."
