Success Story _ Strong Branch Learning
Strong Branch Learning | Grand Junction, CO
Eric Gil arrived in Grand Junction with the core elements of his new venture already in hand: a robust business idea, a comprehensive business plan, and detailed financial projections. Despite his experience as an established business owner, Gil readily admitted to a critical blind spot, stating he “didn’t know what he didn’t know.”
His path to launching the new company, Strong Branch Learning, began immediately upon connecting with the resources of the Business Incubator Center and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Mesa County. Gil enrolled in the Colorado SBDC's 12-week Leading Edge™ program and began meeting regularly with a business advisor to further flush out his business idea. Through this process, he got answers to his questions and gained the crucial insights needed to launch. This foundational support forged the strength to jump in, transforming his vision into a reality.
Strong Branch Learning is the realization of Gil’s dream: a program dedicated to creating meaningful and engaging educational experiences. Strong Branch Learning offers camps where critical learning topics are delivered through fun, integrated activities—a model rooted in the company's commitment to "Mentorship Meets Tutoring" and providing holistic support to cultivate independent, structured, and confident students.
According to Gil, the Colorado SBDC's most invaluable contribution was the empowering environment itself—a culture built around helping entrepreneurs, sharing knowledge, and fostering a network of like-minded professionals. By leveraging specialized classes and expert advising, Eric Gil successfully bridged the gaps in his business knowledge, ensuring Strong Branch Learning is positioned for success as it prepares to increase confidence and drive academic achievement for young participants.
For more information, visit Strong Branch Learning.
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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.