Programs & Resources
Statewide Business Programs
The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is the only statewide organization offering a comprehensive suite of business services to support Colorado entrepreneurs and small businesses at every stage of development. Our time-tested programs provide invaluable training, access to resources and are backed by a network of approximately 300 business experts offering free, confidential one-on-one business advising.
Our advisors are proficient in core business essentials and can work with you on any of the following business needs:
- General business advising
- Business plans
- Disaster recovery
- Intellectual property
- International trade
- New business feasibility analysis
- Startup development
Please note: We'll contact you within 2-3 business days after you submit your request.
Access to Capital
Ready to secure funding and grow your small business? This program will teach you how to assess your capital needs, understand your business's financial health through key documents and ratios, and effectively prepare loan applications for lenders and investors. You'll also get guidance and resources on key financial practices that help a business grow sustainably, ensure a return on investment, and deliver long-term profitability.
Essential Business Skills for Child Care Administrators
The Colorado SBDC, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), offers tailored business support for child care providers. Increase your Colorado Shines rating by completing business advising hours through our free, individualized advising services. Learn financial management, marketing, and operational skills specific to the industry while earning Colorado Shines professional development credit hours. Gain strategies for attracting families, enhancing efficiency, and maximizing profitability. Access practical tools, streamline operations, and join a supportive network with expert mentorship.
Exit Planning For Your Business
No matter how long you've been in business, disruptions are a part of the journey. That's why exit planning is an essential piece of your overall business strategy. It's a proactive way to prepare for a future transition, rather than just waiting until you're ready to sell. In this program, you'll get expert guidance on key topics such as business valuation (for buying or selling), disaster and succession planning, business continuity, and exit options, like employee ownership conversion. You'll discover actionable strategies to protect, grow, and accelerate your company's value today, ensuring you're ready for any transition, whether expected or not.
Introduction to Digital Marketing & Social Media
This business program empowers small business owners to build a strong online presence. Learn digital marketing fundamentals, including social media, website optimization, and e-commerce strategies. Gain a competitive edge with best practices, industry resources, and tools to establish your online presence and reach your target audiences more effectively. Furthermore, you'll also learn the importance of online reputation management to protect and enhance your brand's digital image.
Leading Edge
A solid business plan is the critical roadmap to success, guiding your decisions and helping you secure funding. In our 8-week strategic business planning program, you'll receive hands-on guidance from subject matter experts to build a comprehensive, actionable plan. This program is for both new and existing businesses and will walk you through creating a marketing, operations, and financial plan. You'll work with the intuitive LivePlan software and get specific feedback during individual advising sessions to develop a powerful tool for tracking your business's performance and securing funding.
Market Research
Test and refine your initial business concept or new products and services in order to make your business as viable and sustainable as possible. This includes defining and understanding your market and your customer which is essential to business success. In this program, you will learn how to use data to understand your growth opportunities and identify current and future markets, develop marketing and branding strategies, and create successful sales channels. By understanding these key insights, you can strategically position your business, and ensure your products reach optimal consumers and drive sustainable growth.
TechSource
Colorado is the third most concentrated tech industry economy in the nation and home to TechSource, a multi-faceted program that boosts the economic potential of science and technology ventures in the state. Offering specialized support from startup to second stage, this program offers advising, accelerators, workshops, and events addressing real-time industry and technology trends. Unlike other accelerators, TechSource focuses on non-dilutive capital sources like SBIR/STTR grants, federal R&D tax credits, and technology commercialization.
Additional Business Resources
Manufacturing Resources
Learn more about specialized organizations, associations, and conferences for the manufacturing industry. Our Manufacturing Resources webpage provides information on both local and federal support. You can read about resources like Manufacturer's Edge, and federal initiatives such as the SBA's Manufacturing & Onshoring Hub.
Specialized Business Support
Did you know that in addition to the Colorado SBDC, there are several other offices and departments that can help small businesses with specialized needs like government contracting, business certifications, or employee ownership? Learn more about how the Colorado SBDC is part of a statewide network working together to support all small businesses.
Client Testimonial
“I am thankful to have found the Central Mountain SBDC, which not only introduced me to the vibrant Salida business community, but also provided me with essential resources in lending, insurance, cash flow management, and proforma analysis, ensuring a solid start for my business.”
Mike De Runtz, Owner
Rocky Mountain Clubhouse
Salida, CO
Get Help For Your Small Business
The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is Colorado’s most trusted business resource. We empower businesses to launch, advance, and thrive, ultimately fueling innovation, strengthening local economies, and driving economic vitality across the state. Since 1987, the Colorado SBDC has been the state's only nationally accredited, go-to resource for entrepreneurs and business owners at every stage. With 14 Service Centers, over 25 Satellite Centers, and a network of approximately 300 business experts, the Colorado SBDC delivers no-cost, confidential one-on-one advising, essential training, and vital connections to community partners.
The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Colorado SBDC is a partnership between the State of Colorado, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the Small Business Administration (SBA), Colorado’s institutions of higher education, local economic development organizations and local chambers of commerce.
This program is supported by Federal Funding.