Partnerships for innovation in focus at State of Small Business

What’s behind Colorado’s top-five rankings for new start-ups, entrepreneurship and innovative thinking that fuel our small business community? At State of Small Business on Thursday, Nov. 9, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Denver Metro Small Business Development Center will explore how collaborative efforts among industry leaders are helping small businesses access resources to test new ideas and grow.

WHAT: State of Small Business, presented by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center in partnership with the University of Colorado Denver Business School, gives 300 of Colorado’s entrepreneurs and business leaders insight into hot topics in the region’s small business community.

WHO: Patty Silverstein, president and chief economist of Development Research Partners, will discuss key economic trends among Colorado’s small business community.  

Innovation hub leaders will join Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kelly Brough to discuss how their organizations are connecting innovative smalls businesses to opportunities in aerospace, renewable energy and health care. Panelists include:

  • Bill Farris, associate laboratory director of innovation partnering and outreach for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
  • Brett Peterson, director of ventures at the University of Colorado Innovations Office
  • Joseph Troutman, senior manager of space and munition systems for EnerSys Advanced System

The Chamber and the University of Colorado Denver Business School will also award the third annual Bill Daniels Ethical Leader of the Year Award to Pat Hamill, founder and CEO of Oakwood Homes.

WHEN: 7 to 7:45 a.m. networking and registration; 7:45 to 9 a.m. program on Thursday, Nov. 9.

WHERE: Marriott City Center, 1701 California St.

SOCIAL: Follow the conversation @DenChamber and with #stateofsmbiz.

Reporters, please confirm your attendance with Sara Crocker at sara.crocker@denverchamber.org.  Please note cameras are also welcome.