| Join Our List |
 |
| Small Business Product Trials & Discounts |
|
There are a limited number of free trial packages and discount subscriptions at the Greeley office for SBDC clients.
Offers include a 2010 Trial Version of Peachtree, an accounting software program, as well as a 25% discount on Constant Contact, an email marketing program.
If interested in a copy of either, contact Audrey Nelson at
970-352-3661 |
|
|
|
SBDC Adds to Counseling Team |
|
|
We are excited to announce and welcome two additional business counselors to our staff. Heidi Zajic Eckland and Darlene Carpio will be joining the team in Logan County and Yuma County, respectively.
These counselors, like other recent hires, will commit two days every month to SBDC work in the community. Read more about the new staff members here. To schedule an appointment with any of our regional counselors, please use the contact information provided below.
Please remember, we suggest that entrepreneurs who have not yet started business attend the Business Start-Up Orientation online. Class dates and times are available here or in the upcoming Event Watch newsletter. |
| Counseling in the Community |
|
|
While administrative offices are located in Greeley and Fort Morgan, counseling services are available throughout the region. We ask that small businesses in the following territories contact the appropriate counselor to begin working with the SBDC:
Kit Carson County
Robert Todd 719-348-5554
Lincoln County
Patricia Vice 719-775-9070
Logan County
Heidi Zajic Eckland 970-520-7357
Phillips County
Nici Bishop 970-854-5464
Sedgwick County
Trish Stever 970-474-3504
Yuma County
Darlene Carpio 970-630-3840 |
| Small Business Success Story:
Cartier Outreach Associates |
|
|
Lou Cartier started Cartier Outreach Associates (COA) in 1998 in Nebraska after a career in communication, public relations, and education. COA works directly with executive-level leaders in small to large companies in training, marketing, fundraising, sales, and financial analysis. Cartier helps companies establish a basis of trust with customers and clients to develop long-term relationships.
The company, after eight years of doing business in Nebraska, moved to Northern Colorado in 2006. By 2008, COA was registered with the State of Colorado and, as Cartier will attest, experienced challenges while establishing the company. COA began working with Director Dick Pickett at the Small Business Development Center in July of 2008 to draft a business plan for better organizational management.
The business planning phase allowed Lou Cartier to strategize a systematic way to approach customers and prospects. A large portion of the planning was spent on defining COA's competitive advantages, position relative to competition, and niche in the market. According to Cartier, the SBDC helped Cartier Outreach Associates move 3 steps forward, rather than 2 steps forward and 1 step back.
Now that the business plan is completed, Cartier Outreach Associates is focusing on growing business and community through services provided. Lou Cartier hopes COA will be able to build the vitality of the community, creating a better way of life in Northern Colorado and increasing local success stories.
"The SBDC taught me tough love. Dick Pickett wanted COA to be successful and he knew to be firm and to challenge me. As a result, I didn't take anything for granted," said Cartier. |
| Talking Business |
|
|
 The SBDC has partnered with Upstate Colorado to produce a talk radio program, focused on economic initiatives and small business development in the community. Tune in to 1310 KFKA on Saturday evenings at 6pm or listen online at www.1310kfka.com.
March Broadcast Schedule
March 6: Rich Montgomery, Broe & Cheryl Scofield, USDA Rural Development
March 13: Brent Phinney, Windsor Eye Care & Kay Kosmicki, Cottonwood Travel
March 20: Robert Herrera, Hagen and Melusky Law Offices & Horace Elliott, National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
March 27: Greg Goettsch, Team BTS, & David Thomas, Monfort College of Business | |
|
