If you can’t translate an idea into action, it’s just an interesting idea. One of the things our Denver Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC) does is helps you take your great idea and turn it into a great business. And, since this week is National Small Business Week, we want to recognize the hard work and economic impact these businesses have on our economy.
Did you know that almost 90 percent of our Chamber members are small businesses? Or, that about half of Coloradans either own or work for a small business? That’s over 2 million people working in Colorado because of over 600,000 small businesses. And, did you know that those same small businesses are creating about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S.?
We want to keep driving success for small business and help even more Coloradans achieve their dream of owning their own company, too. Here are some ways you can start down that path:
Learn more. Find out what it takes to get a business off the ground at our SBDC’s Start-Up Basics. If you’re ready to dive in and write your business plan, try the SBDC’s LEADING EDGE; it’s 11 weeks of learning, but you’ll be ready to move fast after taking the course.
Get funded. Having access to the funds needed to start a business can be a big deterrent to starting a business, but with programs like the SBDC’s Loan Request Preview you have the opportunity to get your small business loan in front of a number of lenders without a ton of paperwork. Chase is giving away $2 million to 20 small businesses across the country. You can watch how it’s impacted one Denver-based company. If you want to throw your name in the hat to be one of the 20 businesses that receive $100,000 make sure you do by June 5. Or if you like suspense and love having an audience, pitch your great business idea at the SBDC’s next Trout Tank (yep, like that other start-up funding show). The next one is set for June 9.
Get ready to really work. When you take on every role, from CEO to janitor, it will be harder than anything you’ve done before. But, that will make your success so much sweeter.
So what are you waiting for? Our small business community is one of the strongest in the country—it’s BIG business in Colorado. If you’re looking to join it, there are great resources to support you along the way.
Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.