Success Story _ CupsCommunityCoffee
Cups Community Coffee | Fort Collins, CO
Cups Community Coffee, a local cafe in West Fort Collins, found invaluable support through its collaboration with the Larimer SBDC. Navigating the complexities of a recent ownership change amidst the pandemic, coupled with escalating operational costs, Amy Snider, the cafe's owner, sought strategic guidance to ensure both survival and growth. The SBDC's Leading Edge Strategic Planning Series proved transformative, providing a renewed sense of direction and a clear vision. The blend of structured learning and advising led by Bill Welter met a critical need for external support, effectively filling the role of a traditional business advisory board.
A significant impact of the SBDC's involvement was achieving greater financial clarity and efficiency. SBDC consultant Sean Orner's expertise in QuickBooks was instrumental in streamlining the cafe's financial management. She guided Amy on how to optimize her QuickBooks, clean up financial records, and key systems, resulting in improved financial tracking and informed decision-making. Furthermore, the SBDC facilitated a partnership with Front Range Community College's Bookkeeping Help Center, a guided student internship program where accounting students, under Sean’s direction, provide bookkeeping assistance. In addition, Amy took advantage of the PSD's Work-based Learning Program to provide experience to high school students and thoroughly enjoyed helping students develop career pathways.
Beyond building financial acumen, the SBDC's comprehensive advising, strategic planning and financial management, empowered Amy to confidently expand catering services and explore new growth opportunities. The SBDC's guidance and resources have been crucial in helping Cups Community Coffee not only weather difficult times but also solidify its position as a vital community asset.
For more information, visit Cups Community Coffee.
“I found the reconnection with SBDC to be just what I needed to feel the support, have accountability, and get advice and resources to propel me forward. We are so glad to have the resource of the SBDC available and I tell everyone I know in small business to take advantage of this wonderful community partner.”
Amy Snider, Owner
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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.