Success Story _ StealthHunter Gear
StealthHunter Gear | Craig, CO
Facing the end of his energy career in the coal-transitioning rural community of Craig, Brandon Duarte chose a new path that allowed him to remain in the rural Colorado home he loves. Drawing on 17 years of experience as a Northwest Colorado hunting guide, Brandon developed StealthHunter Gear and turned to the Colorado SBDC in the Northwest region for assistance in 2022 to launch his innovative products.
Building the Foundation for Growth
Brandon initially utilized the Colorado SBDC's Business Foundations Technical Assistance Program to officially establish his company and secure a small startup grant. Throughout 2023, he leveraged Colorado SBDC events, classes, and advising sessions to strategically plan his operations and growth trajectory.
The resulting expansion has been remarkable. Brandon not only successfully brought his two original hunting products to market but also purchased a related business and a patented product, significantly expanding StealthHunter's offerings.
Today, StealthHunter Gear is a robust retail operation selling:
- Unique 3D elk hunting decoys (available online and in stores across the Yampa Valley and along I-70).
- A full line of hunting blinds, stands, and accessories.
Notably, StealthHunter Gear is currently the only dealer of Redneck Hunting Blinds in both Colorado and the entire Western United States.
Brandon highly recommends the SBDC's support: “I’ve told several others considering opening a business that I highly recommend the SBDC. They really cover whatever needs you have,” Brandon said. “There are so many facets that go into creating a business that it can be overwhelming, but the advisors, videos, and resources helped me understand what I needed to be successful.”
Brandon's story is a powerful example of how local expertise and strategic support can help individuals pivot careers and successfully launch high-impact businesses in rural communities.
For more information, visit StealthHunter Gear.
Discover Other Inspiring Success Stories
Want to read about other Colorado small businesses doing amazing things in our state?
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.