Jeff Thornton, veteran, owner, and operator had 12 years of crane operating experience and another five years of heavy equipment operator experience. However, something Jeff had limited experience with was starting and growing a business.

“The classes and coaches [at the Grand Junction SBDC] have been essential because I have no experience in bookkeeping or web design,” said Jeff. After learning about the Grand Junction SBDC through the SBA’s website, Jeff made his first coaching appointment in the spring of 2019. Shortly after his initial meeting, he launched his crane business.

JT Crane Service offers crane services to individuals and contractors for new construction projects, repairs, restorations, sign and glass installations, HVAC installs, and hot tub deliveries.

Throughout 2019, Jeff continued meeting with various SBDC business coaches on marketing strategies and bookkeeping, enrolling in courses at the Grand Junction SBDC such as Bookkeeping Bootcamp and the intensive, 12-week LEADING EDGE Strategic Business Planning and Management Course. “My business almost tripled from my first year to about a year later,” said Jeff. 

- Jeff Thornton
For more info visit Crane Service Grand Junction, CO | JT Crane Service

When brothers Phil and Nate Strouse first decided to start their own business, they could think no better place than their home of Grand Junction, Colorado. They envisioned a centrally located hub in the Grand Valley to provide nutrient dense micro greens to the community, called Grand Valley Micro Farms.

Both veterans of the US Air Force, they had traveled extensively and experienced a variety of cultures and lifestyles. Their travels taught them that a community plays a key role in how a business survives and thrives. While Phil and Nate knew they had a successful business model, they needed guidance on how to bring their vision to life. They turned to the Grand Junction SBDC in July 2021.

After taking the class 'How to Start a Business in Western Colorado', the brothers knew the center would be their operational nexus. "The SBDC's strategy sessions and networking opportunities served as both catalyst and course-corrector in this first year producing and showcasing our microgreens in farmers' markets, storefronts and restaurants," Phil says.

Nate adds, "The resources from the experienced staff in a variety of specialties, the available courses and camaraderie of other entrepreneurs have been invaluable. In hindsight, we wouldn't have survived the first year if we had proceeded on our own. We view the SBDC partnership as essential to any small business startup."

In January 2022, after three months of advising and coaching, they launched Grand Valley Micro Farms. Their association with the SBDC gave them credibility throughout the community, including connections to business groups and new clients. Grand Valley Micro Farms has now established a network of businesses that enable Grand Valley residents to purchase their products year-round.

For more info visit Grand Junction Microgreens | Grand Valley Micro Farms

Diana Reed’s entrepreneurial journey began when, as a result of being in the market for part-time work, she began working in the caregiving industry and fell in love with it. Diana and a close friend, Donna, who also worked in the industry, decided to team up and launch a caregiving agency that would enrich the lives of not only the clients, but also the employees who have a heart for such work.

With that dream in mind, Diana began researching sources of business help and stumbled upon the Grand Junction Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a sponsored program of the Small Business Administration (SBA), hosted the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction, CO. 

Diana took her first SBDC class, 'Pumping up the Dream: Starting a Business in Western Colorado', in September of 2015. Although Diana’s business associate, Donna, passed away before their dream could be realized, Diana honored the memory of her friend by forging ahead and opening MLS Senior Care, LLC (Must Love Seniors) in the midst of attending the Grand Junction SBDC’s 12-week strategic business planning course, 'Leading Edge', in April of 2016. The business started small with Diana as the only employee and a few clients. Now, almost eight years later, Diana employs over 100 caregivers and has added two assisted living facilities, and a transport business to the company. 

Diana’s home health care provides many different services including wellness checks, meal preparation, companionship, housekeeping, respite care, bathing, and overall wellness programs. Diana continues to meet regularly with SBDC coaches and tells her story to new participants of every 'Leading Edge' business planning course held at the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction. She says, “I recommend anyone who wants to start a business to check out the SBDC. They can help startups as well as people who are already in business. They are a great resource to our community. There is no way I would be where I am today without the SBDC, and business coach Helen Roe, in particular, as well as the support from my husband, Todd, and all of our employees. It was truly a team effort!”

For more info visit https://mlsseniorcare.com/