Southwest
The Southwest Colorado SBDC, located at the Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation in Durango, Colorado, offers business advising and training that maximizes the economic potential of entrepreneurs in Archuleta County, Dolores County, La Plata County, Montezuma County, San Juan County, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe.
Our goal at the SBDC is to help emerging and existing entrepreneurs start, grow and prosper through free guidance in all aspects of financing, developing and managing a small business. Let us help maximize your business potential.
970-903-5424
shepherd_m@fortlewis.edu
No-Cost, Confidential, One-on-One Business Advising and No-or-Low-Cost Training
- Each of our SBDC centers have business advisors ready to serve you with local, regional knowledge and whose experience and areas of expertise can best assist you
- Advising is not only no cost and confidential; it is tailored to your business needs
- Our advisors can discuss a wide range of business opportunities and challenges, and provide specific, in-depth assistance
- All advising sessions are by appointment only
- Trainings, events, and workshops are either no-cost or low-cost
Initial Advising Session
New to the SBDC? Click the button to request your first advising appointment.
Follow-Up
If you’ve already met with an SBDC advisor, click the button to request a follow-up appointment.
Training
Check out all training, programs, networking, events, workshops, and on-demand classes.
Colorado SBDC
2024 Annual Report
The results are in. We're honored to have partnered with so many Colorado small businesses last year, contributing to their success and strengthening local communities. We look forward to providing even more support this year, empowering entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. Together, we can foster a thriving and resilient business landscape for Colorado.
Read 2024 SBDC Annual Report
Success Stories
Royal Gold
With Help from the SBDC, a Dream Became Royal Gold
Michelle Hill, founder of Royal Gold, isn’t just cleaning homes and preparing venues—she’s rewriting the future for her two daughters. Since launching her business in October 2022, Michelle has built a company rooted in care, commitment, and community.
Based in Durango, Colorado, and serving the greater San Juan Mountain area, Royal Gold is a cleaning and caretaking service that offers customized packages for residential and vacation homes, as well as both large and small venues and events. Michelle and her team manage it with grace and grit, from setting up weddings and other celebrations.
But behind the growing business lies a deeply personal story. As a single mom to two young girls, Michelle faced challenges that would stop many in their tracks. “Right now, I’m the admin, HR, accountant, and on-site trainer,” she says. “It’s fun and exciting, but I’m learning how to step back and trust that not everything has to be perfect—we’re doing an excellent job.”
Her journey took a major turn in August 2023, when she walked into West Slope Startup Week. “I didn’t even know how I heard about it,” she recalls. “I felt small, scared—but I saw the SBDC there and knew instantly: this would be my lifeline.” That moment sparked a partnership that would become foundational for Michelle and Royal Gold.
Michelle gained access to resources she had never imagined through the Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Her first step was a phone call, soon followed by meetings with several SBDC advisors who assisted her in defining her niche, understanding her data, and identifying her business’s value. “I needed support, education, and I had minimal access to either,” she says. “The SBDC planted a seed.”
While juggling a W2 job and raising her two daughters, Michelle devoted every spare moment to learning and growing Royal Gold. She began by enrolling in “The Idea Lab”, a microfinance-focused course through a partner organization. She quickly expanded her efforts by diving into free online training videos offered statewide through the SBDC. Along the way, she signed up for QuickBooks Online to better understand her finances—a step she now sees as part of her microfinance journey.
Her commitment to growth eventually led her to the SBDC’s LEADING EDGE™ program, a business course that changed the game for her. It combines classroom learning, expert advice, and hands-on exercises to help entrepreneurs like Michelle build solid, actionable business plans and set a strong foundation for long-term success. “That course gave me the tools and confidence I didn’t even know I needed,” Michelle says. “By the end, I understood the bones of my business and how to build something sustainable.”
In July 2024, Michelle refinanced her house in her own name, providing herself with greater stability and the opportunity to focus on her business. Since then, Royal Gold has taken off, with Michelle acquiring contracts, new clients, and a deepened sense of purpose. “I have so much support now—and I get to support others, too,” she says.
Today, Michelle exemplifies what can happen when resilience meets resources. Her daughters are watching her build something powerful—not just a business, but a legacy.
“It brings me to tears,” she says, “thinking about how lucky I am to be creating the future of my dreams for my girls. I’m so grateful. I wouldn’t be here without the SBDC.”
No Limits Ranch
A Sanctuary for Healing, Inclusion, & Empowerment
No Limits Ranch in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is more than just a retreat; it is a sanctuary for children and young adults with disabilities and their families. Founded by Carolyn Arnold and her son, Andy Arnold, the ranch builds on their earlier initiative, No Limits Art. Andy, who was born with Down syndrome, has been the heart of this mission, using his artistic talents to support disabled veterans. His inspiration comes from his older brother, a disabled veteran, whose experiences shaped Andy’s passion for service. Over time, this dedication evolved into No Limits Ranch—a place where families can heal, bond, and grow through art, horses, and shared experiences.
Operating from Elk Trace Ranch Bed & Breakfast, No Limits Ranch offers a unique mix of outdoor activities and creative outlets designed to foster connections and personal growth. Families take part in therapeutic horseback riding and engage in artistic projects that promote healing and camaraderie. By partnering with various organizations, the ranch also extends its support to disabled veterans and their families, with plans for a major event in North Texas in 2026. By providing a welcoming and inclusive environment, No Limits Ranch ensures that guests can enjoy nature, express themselves creatively, and build lasting friendships.
One of No Limits Ranch's defining aspects is its dedication to fostering independence and confidence among participants. Through hands-on activities, guests develop new skills, conquer personal challenges, and experience the pride of accomplishment. The supportive atmosphere nurtures self-expression while strengthening relationships among family members and peers.
Like many mission-driven organizations, No Limits Ranch has faced challenges, especially in creating a sustainable business model. Carolyn Arnold credits the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for helping her navigate these obstacles. In 2024, she enrolled in the SBDC Leading Edge business plan course, where she gained valuable insights into structuring a business plan, refining her goals, and effectively communicating the ranch’s mission. Carolyn describes the experience as transformative, turning a daunting task into a manageable roadmap for the future. The knowledge she gained has enabled her to better strategize for long-term growth and impact.
Carolyn strongly praises the SBDC’s role in her journey. “Mary Shepherd is a 10 out of 10,” she states. “She truly loves what she does and the people she supports. She’s always available with a listening ear and valuable insight, knowing exactly who to connect you with.” The SBDC’s guidance has not only provided No Limits Ranch with a solid foundation but has also connected Carolyn to a network of professionals and resources that continue to drive the mission forward.
With a growing base of community support, No Limits Ranch is ready to make a lasting impact. The ranch remains dedicated to expanding its reach and developing new programs that further its mission of inclusion, healing, and empowerment. By creating a safe and enriching environment, No Limits Ranch ensures that individuals of all abilities can experience the joy of living a life without limits.
For more information, visit No Limits Ranch.
Oak Brush Salon
Where Style Meets Community in Durango
Oak Brush Salon isn’t just a hair studio—it’s a destination where confidence is crafted, stories are shared, and community is at the heart of every service. Located in East College, Durango, and owned by local entrepreneur Lauryn Williams, Oak Brush has quickly become a cornerstone of style and self-care in the region.
With two years of success, the salon is known for delivering more than just great hair. “We’re in the business of helping everyone who sits in our chair feel their best,” says Lauryn. “It’s more than just a service—an experience tailored to each individual.”
That dedication to personal connection is evident when you walk in the door. Clients are welcomed into a warm, inclusive space to make them feel seen, heard, and beautiful. Every appointment is infused with thoughtful care and expert skill, from precision cuts to color transformations.
Oak Brush Salon’s story is rooted in transformation. When Lauryn purchased the long-standing ReyLynn’s Barber Lounge and Hair Studio, she knew she was stepping into a legacy. The rebrand was more than a new name—it was a delicate process of honoring past traditions while carving out a new identity. “We wanted to respect what ReyLynn’s meant to the community while bringing our fresh perspective,” she explains. “Striking that balance—keeping long-time clients comfortable while inviting new faces—has been a rewarding challenge.”
Staffing has been another test. Like many Durango business owners, Lauryn has struggled to build a stable, long-term team. “Longevity with staff can be tough in this area,” she admits. “But we’ve worked hard to create a supportive, creative, and inspired culture. It’s all about growing together.”
Oak Brush isn’t just a salon—it’s a testament to entrepreneurship, resilience, and innovation. Lauryn’s journey began with opening a brand-new barbershop, which she later sold before buying and transforming Oak Brush. The Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been a key partner throughout her ventures. “This is my second successful business, thanks to the SBDC!” Lauryn shares. “I’ve done it all—opened, sold, bought, remodeled, rebranded. Without their support, it could’ve been overwhelming. They’ve been there every step of the way… and now, they’re even my clients!”
From fresh fades to complete transformations, Oak Brush Salon continues to raise the bar in Durango’s beauty scene—one client, one connection, and one confident smile at a time.
For more information, visit Oak Brush Salon.
Our Team
Proud to Support Southwest Colorado
Our Locations
Southwest Main | Durango
Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation
835 Main Avenue, Suite 225
Durango, CO 81301
970-903-9311
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Appointment recommended. Walk-ins welcome.
Southwest Satellite | Cortez
Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce
31 West Main Street
Cortez, CO 81321
970-903-9311
By appointment only.
Southwest Satellite | Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce
105 Hot Springs Boulevard
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
970-903-9311
By appointment only.
Thank You to Our Partners
Thank You to Our Supporters
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