Small businesses can now get help at Red Rocks Community College

Red Rocks Community College is the new home for the Colorado Small Business Development Center serving Metro Denver.

The new host location allows the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to leverage an existing pillar of the Metro Denver community, expanding its ability to nurture small business growth.

When an entrepreneur or small business owner needs confidential help or advice, like navigating economic uncertainty, or when looking to strengthen their business plan to pursue new funding, they can turn to their local Colorado SBDC.

Since 1987, the Colorado SBDC has supported thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners through:

  • No-cost, confidential advising
  • Actionable training and workshops
  • Connections to essential community resources

For the college, helping the Metro Denver center thrive is part of the school’s broader initiative to become a partner in the community.

“At Red Rocks Community College, we believe strong communities are built by strong local businesses,” said Matthew Sweeney, Dean of Workforce Services at Red Rocks Community College. “Hosting the Colorado SBDC Metro Denver location aligns perfectly with our mission to connect education, entrepreneurship, workforce and opportunity to help small business owners.”

“When we can provide more resources to our students and our community, it’s a worthwhile investment,” said Landon Pirius, President of Red Rocks Community College. “I am excited for all of the new career-relevant experiences that might be possible to not only inspire, but to empower our students.”

The Colorado SBDC is funded in part through a Cooperative Grant Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and is the only nationally accredited go-to resource for entrepreneurs and business owners at every stage of business in Colorado. The Colorado SBDC operates a total of 14 service centers across the state, over 25 satellitecenters, and a network of approximately 300 business experts that collectively serve all 64 counties in the state.  

"This marks an exciting collaboration for small businesses in the Denver area. By partnering with Red Rocks Community College, we are embedding the Colorado SBDC directly within a dynamic learning environment. We are excited to deepen our community support and work together to accelerate growth and spark significant business momentum for local entrepreneurs and businesses," said Hannah W. Krieger, Colorado SBDC State Director.

Having the Colorado SBDC on campus supporting community business owners complements the college’s existing work in the school’s Entrepreneurship Center, where students receive support to get their business ideas off the ground. Additionally, hosting the Colorado SBDC Denver location is one of the reasons Red Rocks Community College was recently awarded the Community Partner Gateway Award from the Jeffco Economic Development Corporation. The award recognizes Red Rocks Community College’s many workforce initiatives, including the school’s work with Opportunity Now Colorado grants and the Entrepreneurship Center. 

Small businesses and entrepreneurs based in the greater Denver Metro looking for support from the Colorado SBDC can call 303-914-6239 or email: info@denversbdc.org to schedule an appointment.

In the News: ColoradoBiz.com