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East

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Empowering Businesses to Thrive in 20 Counties in Eastern Colorado

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We serve the counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Elbert, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Lincoln, Las Animas, Logan, Morgan, Otero, Phillips, Prowers, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld, and Yuma. To better provide advising services to entrepreneurs and business owners, the East Colorado SBDC has launched 17 satellite offices in addition to our main office. These offices are not staffed full-time, but are designated meeting spaces for advisor use.

970-351-4274
info@eastcoloradosbdc.com

 

See All Addresses & Maps

Aerial view of Greeley, Colorado
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No-Cost, Confidential, One-on-One Business Advising and 
No-or-Low-Cost Training

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  • 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
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Initial Advising Session

New to the SBDC? To request your first advising appointment please click the button below.

Request Initial Advising Session

Follow-up

If you’ve already met with an SBDC advisor, click the button below to request a follow-up appointment

Request Follow-up

Training

Check out all training, programs, networking, events, workshops, and on-demand classes.

Events/Workshops

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Success Stories

Still Waters Coffee logo

Still Waters Coffee

Still Waters Coffee is located right in the heart of Greeley, Colorado. This is a venture close to our hearts, founded by family. Our journey began during a missionary expedition in Costa Rica, where we chanced upon a remarkable coffee farm. Inspired by the high-quality coffee we discovered, we made it our mission to bring that exceptional taste back to Greeley. Tired of the typical chain coffee shops in our community, we envisioned Still Waters Coffee as a haven for those who appreciate top-notch brews in an elevated atmosphere.

Our construction was hand-built by our family, grandfather, father, uncle, and many more. With a commitment to sustainability we utilized recycled materials to create a space that’s not only sophisticated but also environmentally conscious. To add an artistic touch to the ambiance, another talented family member has designed unique decor and artwork throughout the shop. Still Waters Coffee is more than just a place to savor coffee; it’s a space where craftsmanship meets creativity and community. Join us for an experience that goes beyond a simple cup of coffee, where every detail tells a story of dedication, inspiration, and a shared love for exceptional coffee.

The East Colorado SBDC and coach Briana Hale were helpful in guiding us through the challenges of starting a new business. Briana provided expert advice and helped connect us with the community. We have been able to speak with UNC marketing professors and students, giving our brand a boost. Plus, she opened our eyes to different funding options, turning challenges into opportunities. Thanks to the East Colorado SBDC crew, especially Briana, being our go-to squad as we navigated our startup!

- Still Waters Coffee
For more info visit Still Waters Coffee Greeley

Inside the store of High Plains Dice and Games

High Plains Dice and Games

Shelby Brandes is the owner of High Plains Dice and Games. “My love of science fiction and gaming along with the strong desire to form friendships and build community has led me on the journey of creating a space for people just like me. I love playing board games with my husband who was my high school sweetheart, our friends, and our two daughters.”

As a little girl Brandes loved to read books. She fell into worlds filled with Dragons, Ghosts, Shield-maidens, and Magic. As she got older the desire for fantastically magical worlds was filled thanks to Dungeons & Dragons, Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, and Board Games.  She discovered the “Friendly Local Game Store”, a place filled to the brim with all the things (and more) that Brandes loved. She  saw communities being formed and friendships being built in those spaces. Ultimately when deciding where to move after her husband’s enlistment in the U.S. Army was complete, they chose a town with a local game store. Sadly that store closed at the end of 2019, and their town and surrounding area were left without a community space for these hobbies and passions. 

By the time 2021 rolled around Brandes started playing with the idea in the back of her head; “How cool would it be to build my own Game Store and Community right here, where it’s needed?”.  She reached out to Laurie at the East Colorado SBDC, and Laurie helped her flesh out the idea. Laurie offered templates, advice, recommendations, and connections to others that were imperative to forming a real business plan and getting a business license.

Even when Brandes felt overwhelmed and had to step back for a couple of months, Laurie was supportive and understanding. After working through that mental block she pushed forward and with the help of Laurie got in touch with Valerie at the North East Colorado Revolving Loan Fund based out of Yuma.

“Both Laurie and Valerie believed in the vision for the store and took a chance on me, a first-time business owner with no business degree or experience. Thanks to both of these amazing women along with help from close friends I opened High Plains Dice and Games two months earlier than anticipated and beat my sales projections by more than 5 times in the first month,” said Brandes.

Brandes continued, “Although we are still a fledgling business that is constantly learning from our mistakes, growing with each new experience and evaluating ever changing problems I truly believe that the people of Sterling and the surrounding communities spoke Loud and Clear. This space was not only wanted, but needed. Providing an inclusive, safe environment for all of our patrons is my top priority in addition to providing unique and amazing events, products and displays. Owning a business is the hardest thing I’ve ever done outside of motherhood but I wouldn’t change it for one second. Thanks to the SBDC, The Revolving Loan Fund, and all of my absolutely amazing friends I was able to breathe life back into several communities, give opportunities for other small business owners to showcase their wares, and most importantly, give other little girls reading books a place to see their dreams become reality.”

- Shelby Brandes
For more info visit High Plains Dice and Games

Terry Fox

Fox Haven Aesthetics

“Prior to working with the East Colorado SBDC, my practice, Fox Haven Aesthetics, was located on the west side of Ft. Collins. However, I lived in Windsor (and still do!) After seven years making the commute, I decided to start working in Windsor. In order to make that transition a reality, I knew I’d need help. Associate Director, Kyla Benson, helped me get in touch with the City of Windsor and the Windsor Chamber of Commerce. She advised me about Local and State regulations and she introduced me to the Business Librarian at the Windsor Public Library. I never even knew there was such a person! She helped me write a solid Business Plan. It took me almost 4 months to make the move, but thanks to the East Colorado SBDC, I now have my clinic located in downtown Windsor,” said Terry Fox, Owner of Fox Haven Aesthetics

Fox continued, “At Fox Haven Aesthetics, I help women feel more confident in their own skin. My Aesthetic treatments will help look and feel your best! Also, our clear-cut process takes the mystery out of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, preaching prevention first and intervention second. I work in integrity with each patient on an individual basis, providing customized care and fresh insight into your specific health issues. I enjoy bringing Traditional Chinese Medicine to the good folks of Windsor and Severance. Thank you, East Colorado SBDC!”

- Shelby Brandes
For more info visit Fox Haven Aesthetics

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Our Leader

Lisa Hudson
Executive Director
Email Lisa

As the Executive Director of the East CO SBDC, I am passionate about empowering others and helping them pursue their passions. I have dedicated over fourteen years to supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs in the East Colorado region, covering 20 counties. It brings me great joy to witness how small businesses can positively impact their communities and contribute to the local economy.

My journey began when I graduated from the Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado in 2010, with a degree in Business Marketing and a minor in Spanish. During my time there, I had the opportunity to study abroad at the Universidad de Guadalajara, where I further honed my skills in Marketing and Spanish.  Growing up in rural Colorado and in a family of entrepreneurship, I have always had a deep appreciation for small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit. I feel a strong connection to the people in this region and remain committed to contributing to the development of the local economy.

Throughout my career, I have worked with over 500 clients, dedicating almost 4,000 hours to advising small businesses. These experiences have allowed me to build strong relationships and assist numerous businesses in achieving success within the East Colorado area.  I am proud to be associated with the Colorado SBDC, and to be hosted by the Monfort College of Business at UNC, my alma mater. Together, we continue to make a difference in the lives of entrepreneurs and the communities they serve.

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Proud to Support the Eastern Colorado SBDC Regions and 20 Counties

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Main Location Greeley: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Satellite Location Bennett: By appointment only

Satellite Location Brush: By appointment only

Satellite Location Burlington: By appointment only

Satellite Location Eaton: By appointment only

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Satellite Location Elizabeth: By appointment only

Satellite Location Erie: By appointment only

Satellite Location Evans: By appointment only

Satellite Location Firestone: By appointment only

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Satellite Location Fort Morgan: By appointment only

Satellite Location Greeley: By appointment only

Satellite Location Lamar: By appointment only

Satellite Location Limon: By appointment only

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Satellite Location Sterling: By appointment only

Satellite Location Severance: By appointment only

Satellite Location Trinidad: By appointment only

Satellite Location Windsor: By appointment only

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Thank You to Our Partners

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