Success Story _ Vail 4x4 Tours
Vail 4x4 Tours | Vail, CO
In 2019, Ben Hilley faced a pivotal career decision: should he launch a new off-road adventure tourism business from scratch, or purchase the established company that currently contracted him as a guide?
He sought help from the Colorado SBDC serving the Northwest region. Working with a team of Colorado SBDC advisors, each offering specialized expertise, Ben was guided through the critical steps of due diligence. He learned how to analyze financial documents to determine the value of the existing business and how to test the feasibility and create financial projections for a startup. The Colorado SBDC also provided research reports to benchmark his potential ventures against industry standards.
This intensive planning was soon interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting tourism downturn. Fortunately, both Ben and the business navigated the crisis successfully. After years of careful planning, negotiations, permit transfers, and enduring a global pandemic, Ben finally purchased the business and rebranded it as Vail 4x4 Tours in 2023.
Growing the New Venture
Once the new business was operating under Ben’s leadership, he continued to leverage the no-cost support of the Colorado SBDC. He received ongoing advising for web development, digital marketing, and social media strategy, and took advantage of training in crucial areas like financing and human resources.
Through this powerful collaboration, an established business was saved from closure, equity investment was achieved, and operations grew significantly. As a direct result, Vail 4x4 Tours created more than half a dozen jobs by 2025.
Today, Vail 4x4 Tours offers family-friendly guided Jeep tours in Vail, Beaver Creek, and Glenwood Springs. Locals and visitors can explore the stunning landscapes of the Vail Valley, search for wildlife, climb rugged mountain trails, and create unforgettable, custom off-road adventures.
“SBDC is an amazing resource and was critical to starting my local business and creating a brighter future for my family and my staff, said Ben.”
For more information, visit Vail 4x4.
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.