Success Story _ El Alba Cooperative
El Alba Cooperative | Aurora, CO
In 2019, Gabriela Jacobo approached the Colorado SBDC in Aurora-South Metro with a bold vision: El Alba, a cooperative commissary kitchen designed to serve as a launchpad for local food entrepreneurs. What began as an ambitious dream has since transformed into a resilient community pillar, fueled by Gabriela’s perseverance and strategic Colorado SBDC mentorship.
From the start, Colorado SBDC advisors worked as core partners to build El Alba’s foundation. They tackled complex feasibility models together, evaluating sales tax projections, restaurant incentives, and financial commitments. By conducting a deep market analysis of similar incubator-style businesses, they were able to fine-tune pricing, operations, and competitive positioning.
The Colorado SBDC’s role went far beyond general guidance; they opened doors to vital resources. Advisors prepared Gabriela and her team to present successfully to the Aurora City Council, securing crucial funding and backing from the building owner. They helped draft the business plan, reviewed cash flow projections, and introduced the team to low-interest co-op funders and local grants. From navigating health inspections to drafting membership contracts, the Colorado SBDC provided a strategic roadmap at every step.
When the pandemic shifted the economic landscape, the partnership proved its worth. With Colorado SBDC support, the team revised their business plan to include food truck scenarios and online product sales. These pivots paid off. By November 2024, El Alba had secured $588,000 in total grants and was responsible for creating or retaining eight local jobs. A significant milestone occurred in May 2021 when city leadership connections helped El Alba secure a food truck residency at the Anschutz Medical Campus.
Despite construction delays and staffing hurdles, the team maintained momentum by professionalizing their operations and planning for long-term growth. Their soft opening in March 2025 marked the beginning of a new chapter. Now, with a grand opening on the horizon and targeted marketing strategies—including SEO and social media campaigns—underway, El Alba is poised to become a thriving cooperative that empowers culinary talent across the Aurora community.
The journey of El Alba is a powerful testament to what happens when visionary leadership meets a dedicated support system. The Colorado SBDC in Aurora-South Metro is proud to have walked alongside Gabriela and her team as they turned a courageous idea into a resilient and inspiring reality.
Visit El Alba Cooperative to learn more.
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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.