Conley Waste Management 

Driving Change Through Diversification

The San Luis Valley SBDC proved to be an indispensable asset to Conley Waste Management, providing critical support that extended beyond mere consultation. In a period marked by significant economic challenges, including a 48% increase in refuse truck costs since 2020 and a tight labor market, the SBDC offered a lifeline. Their expertise in business consulting helped Conley Waste Management navigate these hurdles, providing strategic guidance for sustainable growth.

A key contribution of the SBDC was their ability to identify and facilitate access to vital grant opportunities. For a small business like Conley Waste Management, operating in a rural community, the process of finding and applying for grants can be overwhelming. The SBDC’s targeted approach allowed the company to secure two small business grants, directly fueling their expansion plans. This financial support was pivotal, especially as the company embarked on a significant diversification effort into renewable energy.

Conley Waste Management’s commitment to renewable energy, encompassing 235 acres of land and long-term lease agreements with major solar companies, represents a substantial investment in the community's future. The SBDC’s support in securing grants enabled the company to allocate resources effectively, ensuring the success of these ambitious projects.

By simplifying the complex grant application process, the SBDC allowed the company to focus on its core mission: delivering reliable waste management services and expanding into renewable energy. This strategic partnership has enabled Conley Waste Management to not only weather economic storms but also to thrive and contribute positively to its community. The SBDC's impact is evident in the company's ability to diversify, expand, and create jobs, solidifying its role as a vital community partner.

For more information, visit Conley Waste Management.

M3 Prod LLC

From the Mind to Reality

Before the guidance of the SBDC, Rocio De Lira’s vision to launch M3 Prod LLC, existed only as a concept scribbled within the pages of a college notebook. The prospect of launching a business presented an overwhelming landscape of challenges. The intricacies of LLC registration, the formulation of a viable business plan, and the navigation of financial complexities seemed insurmountable. As a student at ASU, the legal and logistical hurdles loomed large, threatening to extinguish the spark of innovation.

Then, the SBDC established opened its office on campus, offering a beacon of support. This pivotal moment marked a turning point. Rocio reached out for guidance, and the SBDC, particularly through the expertise of Sonia Perez, delivered far more than mere advice. They acted as a catalyst, transforming uncertainty into decisive action. The webinars detailed the business launch process, equipping Rocio with essential tools for marketing and legal understanding.

The SBDC's support extended beyond theoretical knowledge, empowering her to take tangible steps which translated to registering as an LLC registration, opening a bank account, and beginning new business outreach. The impact was immediate. Within a year, M3 transitioned from an idea to a thriving venture, securing multiple contracts and laying the foundation for significant expansion in 2025. The SBDC did not merely assist in the startup phase; they facilitated the realization of Rocio’s full business potential, transforming a college dream into a tangible and successful reality.

For more information, visit M3 Prod LLC. 

San Luis Coffee Company

Living the Dream

For years, a shuttered coffee house in the heart of San Luis lingered in the minds of one couple, Kathleen & David Aragon. Driven by a love for the town and its people, they decided to breathe life back into the space, opening the San Luis Coffee Company in January 2023. However, transforming a dream into reality proved challenging, especially with no prior coffee house experience.

The journey was a whirlwind of learning, research, and trial and error. Faced with financial hurdles, they discovered the San Luis Valley SBDC, a lifeline for aspiring and established entrepreneurs. The SBDC's webinars, personalized business advice, and technical assistance became invaluable tools, illuminating pathways to financial support.

With a vision to expand their freshly roasted coffee bean sales beyond San Luis, the couple applied and were awarded a crucial grant. This grant propelled their online presence, enabling them to expand their website for online ordering and purchase essential shipping materials.

This expansion is more than just business growth; it's about community empowerment. By scaling their manufacturing, the San Luis Coffee Company aims to create jobs, contributing to the town's economic development. With SBDC guidance, they are now poised to distribute their coffee to homes, hotels, and beyond.
Beyond the coffee, the San Luis Coffee Company is a community hub. Local artists display their work, creating a vibrant atmosphere, and the unique penny-covered floor adds a touch of whimsy. The couple's commitment to sustainability and health-promoting products reflects their deep respect for both people and the planet.

Their success story is a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and the invaluable support of the SBDC. They express profound gratitude, particularly to Sonia Perez, for her dedication to empowering small businesses like theirs, ensuring a brighter future for San Luis.

For more information, visit San Luis Coffee Company.