Born and rained on a farm and ranch in northeastern Colorado, Josh Reid operated all sorts of farm equipment - equipment that functioned by the use of steering wheels, levers and pedals. Now living in Springfield, Colorado, in the far southeastern part of the state, Reid still operates equipment that functions the same way. The levers and pedals are now attached to his own airplane, and soon to come, another plane and helicopter.

In recognition of the small business community's contribution to the American economy and society, the President of the United States designates one week each year as National Small Business Week Small Business Week 2013 which will be celebrated in Spring 2013.  

Leading up to National Small Business Week 2013 (SBW 2013), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), often in conjunction with public- and private-sector small business supporters, will host special events at the local and state levels to honor and present awards to local entrepreneurs and those who support and champion small business. Many of the award winners from those local and state events will be invited to Washington, D.C. for SBW '13 - Celebrating National Small Business Week. 

Click here for the types of awards given as well as the nomination process and nomination form.

When starting a new business, there's a strong temptation to make decisions for the short term. But you need to anticipate the long-term challenges. There are three things it's critical to get right:

1. Co-founders: The natural inclination is to co-found with family or friends. But these relationships can be fraught. Plus you're more likely to have similar perspectives. Look for partners who bring complementary skills and assets.
2. Roles: Most founders want a C-level title. After all, they were there from the start. But choose roles that reflect the actual work each founder will do, not the fancy title he wants to show off.
3. Rewards: One of the biggest questions for start-ups is how to split equity ownership. A handshake on 50/50 will not do, because almost all new companies will have a major change in strategy or founder involvement. Negotiate an arrangement that can change when circumstances do.

This small business tip was brought to you by Harvard Business Review, adapted from "Three Pitfalls Startup Founders Must Avoid" by Noam Wasserman.

Jeffco EDC and the Jefferson County Commissioners are hosting an event on Thursday, November 29 from 4:30-6 pm at Terrace Gardens in Littleton. Businesses in the mountain communities and South Jeffco are invited come for hors d'oeuvres and cocktails and discover the community resources available to boost their business.

For a complete list of exhibitors, visit www.jeffcoedc.org/forum. The event is free, but space is limited. To register, visit www.westchamber.org/events.