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Request a Counseling Session | |
The Southwest Colorado SBDC provides free business counseling to businesses in the Four Corners area of Colorado. To request counseling services, please visit our website.
We would love your feedback!
Please let us know what you think about the layout and your suggestions for upcoming newsletters!
Send comments to: Asano_L@fortlewis.edu
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Upcoming Classes and Workshops
22nd Annual Southwest Business Forum
January 8th
Starting Your Business Workshop
January 9th
CDOT Contracts / Consulting Work - Durango
January 14th
CDOT Contracts - Alamosa
January 21st
Colorado PTAC Seminars
January 14, 15, 16
Intro to Quickbooks
January 30th
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The Southwest Colorado SBDC is a NATIONALLY ACCREDITED PROGRAM
Our Sponsors
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Greetings!
2013, A Year For the Record Book at SBDC !!
For the first time in our organization's 20+ year history we served over 500 clients with counseling/mentoring. We could not have realized that goal without the help of so many advisors and partner organizations. Our business advisors provided over 500 hours of their time, pro bono, in meeting with clients, etc. Our partner organizations (Fort Lewis College, Region 9 Economic Development District, La Plata County Economic Development Alliance, La Plata County, Dolores County Development Corporation, Montezuma Community Development Corporation, area Chambers of Commerce, and many area banks) all provided essential support. Thanks to all of these individuals and entities for their great support!!
Highlights of Upcoming Training Offerings:
Durango Leading Edge Class on Jan 15
Cortez Leading Edge Class on Feb 1,
Pagosa Leading Edge Class, Feb, 2014.
CDOT Procurement Training on Jan 14th.
PTAC Procurement Workshops Jan 14-16
Please see the links in the adjacent column to find additional information.
Featured SBDC Business Client
Pine Needle Mountaineering
Congratulations to Jeremy Dakin an Miles Venzara the owners of Pine Needle Mountaineering for being able to purchase the business and make a successful transition. Jeremy and Miles did some excellent research and put together a great acquisition strategy for the business. They sought out advice from key resource providers, including Advisor Terryl Peterson, in developing their overall strategy. We wish them much success!!!
Featured SBDC Business Advisor - Jim Mackay
Advisor Jim Mackay brings years of experiene in the small business technology start-up and equity finance consulting he does for SBDC clients and to companies that participate in the Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs (SCAPE). Jim recently co-founded SCAPE along with Advisor Gary Masner. Jim brings some excellent critical analysis skills to his consulting that really help clients focus in on the value proposition for their business offering. Thanks Jim for all you do to support the entrepreneurs of Southwest Colorado.
Sue McWilliams is Connect to Health Colorado Business Navigator
Sue McWilliams will be providing mentoring to small businesses in Southwest Colorado to help them navigate their health insurance options under the new Connect for Health Colorado Exchange. Sue will be available to consult with small businesses with 2-50 employees. You can request a counseling session by calling the SBDC at 970-247-7009. Sue brings many years of experience in running her own business as well as working with the USDA Rural Development Programs to the job.
Happy New Year!!!
Sincerely,
Joe Keck, Director
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Learn About CDOT Contracts and Consulting Work
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The Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center, Colorado Contractors Association and the Small Business Transportation Resource Center for the West Central Region are cosponsoring events in the region.
VIEW FLYER OF UPCOMING EVENTS
Prospective contractors are invited to learn about contracts, subcontracts and consultant work available through the Colorado Department of Transportation. Opportunities in the area will be discussed regarding several city projects and construction jobs coming up in the spring and summer of 2014.
The opportunities exist in a variety of locations: Ridgway, Ouray, Durango, Cortez, Pagosa Springs, Poncha Springs, Buena Vista, Alamosa, Antonito, La Veta Pass and others.
In Durango, the Contractor Event will be held on January 14, 2014 at the Durango Maintenance Training Facility, 20581 Highway 160 West. Beginning at 10:00 a.m., the event will conclude at approximately 3:00 p.m. Lunch is included.
On January 21, 2014, the Event will take place at the Alamosa Maintenance Facility at 1205 West Avenue. Times are the same as the Durango Event and lunch is included.
Both events are free but reservations are requested. Please RSVP to Monica Vialpando at 719-587-6589 or monica.vialpando@state.co.us.
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7 CONSUMER TRENDS TO RUN WITH IN 2014
Remember, the lazy will NOT inherit the earth in 2014!
No matter what market or industry you're in, if you're obsessed with catering to evolving consumer needs, desires and expectations, you will prosper through even the most insane global upheavals, whatever their flavor. In 2014, 2015, 2016 and beyond.
However, as the start of a new year is the time when many of you are doing some extra imagining and planning and creating, we thought we'd do our bit and throw in a handful of consumer trends that are begging to be applied in the next 12 months. By you.
- Guilt-free Status. Why in 2014, guilt-free is the new status symbol.
- CROWD SHAPED. The connected crowd comes of age in 2014.
- MADE GREENER BY/FOR CHINA. Why in 2014, China is going to be where the eco-innovation action is.
- MYCHIATRY. Why in 2014, mind will be the new body.
- NO DATA. Why in 2014, delivering brilliant service without excessive data collection will earn you consumer trust (and profits won't be far behind.
- THE INTERNET OF CARING THINGS. How connected objects will center around people in 2014.
- GLOBAL BRAIN. Why our new, free, 'local' Trend Bulletins will keep you truly in the know, glocally.
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Featured Business of the Month - Pine Needle Mountaineering 
Advisor Terryl Peterson worked with Jeremy Dakin and Miles Venzara to analyze the prospect of purchasing Pine Needle Mountaineering. Coincidentally, Jeremy knew Peterson as a customer of the store, but didn't know what she did professionally.
When they originally started looking at the business in the fall of '07 and the spring of '08, the banks were optimistic and the economy was good. Then everything changed. They contacted Joe Keck for advice and what they learned was a real "eye opener." Peterson primarily helped them look at the historical financials of the business and to use the performance to determine a realistic purchase price. They examined financials for the three previous years. They projected the cash flows forward to make sure the purchase price was reasonable. They looked at fixed costs and variable costs to see what they could change to improve some of their margins. The lengthy process took a few years to complete with Peterson's involvement off and on. Jeremy explains, "Terryl gave us lots of good advice and ideas. We analyzed the Profit and Loss Statements, looked at the Balance sheets and ran every ratio on the business." They saw some things they could change to tighten up some of the systems and opportunities for growing the business. |
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Featured Business
Advisor of the Month - Jim Mackay
 Advisor Jim Mackay comes to the SBDC with years of experience in the tech industry. Mackay had been an entrepreneur in the industry his whole career, starting, building and investing in tech companies. " I was involved in a project in Boulder that brought me to Durango. I realized there were a lot of tech companies out hiding in the woods around Durango and decided to form a group to bring us together." One of Mackay's primary projects was as co-founder of the SCAPE program with partner Gary Masner. SCAPE, The Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs, provides expert advice and mentorship to start-up companies that meet their qualifying criteria. The first two graduates recently completed the four month intensive program. Mackay advises clients on all aspects of running a technology company. As a former Engineer he understands the development side of the industry. He also consults on marketing issues and advises clients on, "Potential partnerships and markets they should be chasing." Read more...
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Meet Our Connect for Health Colorado SHOP Coordinator
 Sue McWilliams, of Lewis, Colorado, is the new Connect for Health Colorado SHOP (Small Business Health Options) Coordinator. She will serve the southwest and central west slope areas of the state including the towns of Durango, Montrose and Gunnison. McWilliams will consult with businesses that have between 2 and 50 employees and explain the options and tax benefits to employers who provide health insurance. She will guide them through the process and answer questions. She explains, "Connect for Health is new for everybody. We're proceeding as quickly as we can." She attended a 30 hour online training course and had 25 hours of in person training to become certified by the state to provide the assistance to businesses. The training outlined the requirements for small businesses and for individuals to comply with the new Affordable Care Act. She can also evaluate current health care programs and make recommendations to help business owners with the tax benefits available. "The current deadline is January 1 for compliance, but we're hoping that will be extended. There are still so many unknowns. As soon as I get more information, I can pass it along." Read more...
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22nd Annual Southwest Business Forum
Wells Fargo Bank and Fort Lewis College are proud to present the 22nd Annual Southwest Business Forum.
At the Forum, you will hear from experts in business and economics who will present their view of the current status of our local, state, national and international economies, and their predictions for the future.
Where: FLC Community Concert Hall
When: January 8, 2014 (Wednesday)
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Appetizers and soft drinks will be provided. FREE ADMISSION and FREE PARKING.
Please contact Lisa Taylor at lmtaylor@fortlewis.edu or (970) 247-7294 with any questions.
View Event Calendar
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Starting Your Business Workshop - Durango
Starting a business is risky. Understanding the risks and reducing them through careful planning improves the chances for business success. You should be fully aware of the implications of owning your own business. We invite you to attend the Starting Your Business Workshop.
Date: January 9, 2014
Time: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Fort Lewis College School of Business Boardroom (EBH #130)
Fee: $25/$20 for Chamber of Commerce Members (walk-ins welcome)
REGISTER ONLINE or call 970-247-7009.
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Intro to Quickbooks - Durango
January 30, 2014
One of the biggest challenges in starting and running a small business is dealing with the finances. Most small business owners are not accountants, but still need to understand how much money they are bringing in and how that money is spent. This seminar will introduce you to Quickbooks, the most popular small business accounting software on the market, and show how it can help you man-age your business and save you time.
DOWNLOAD FLYER
Topics Covered will include:
- It is Installed...now what? How to get through the Set-up Process
- Creating an effective Chart of Accounts
- Small Business Accounting 101: What every owner should know
- Strategies for Managing Cash Flow
- How to Make Paying Bills less Painful
- Incoming!!! Strategies for Getting Paid Faster
- The Power of a good P&L
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Colorado PTAC Seminars
Colorado PTAC will hold 3 seminars in Durango on January 14-16th:
- USFS Fire Fair on January 14 from 9:00am to 2:00pm at 15 Burnett Ct. Durango, CO. The fire season will be here before your know it and the US Forest Service is already preparing contract support to help control the wildfires. Many industries are involved in this huge effort, not just fire fighters. Support functions such as food, water delivery, heavy equipment are all part of the master plan. Come for a day of great information on helping support this cause. Please contact Ginger Domingos to register for this event at gingerdomingos@fs.fed.us or call (970) 385-1245.
- Understanding the Federal Acquisition Regulation on January 15 from 8:00am to 12:30pm at the Durango Public Library. Does the language of government procurement still escape you? This series will examine the Federal Acquisition Regulation and will provide you a better understanding of the set of rules behind federal procurement. This is designed for the novice where we will break down the FAR into bite sized pieces and learn how to research the sometimes intimidating text which guides federal buyers in their procurement decisions. As a contractor you are required to know what you are signing up for. Take advantage of this highly interactive set of instruction and come out with the knowledge needed to be successful in government contracts. Contact Dennis Casey, (719) 434-3470
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Government to Business Outreach on January 16 from 9:00am to Noon at 1900 E. 3RD Ave Durango, CO. This is a great opportunity to meet the buyers from federal, local, and state agencies that are spending our tax money in your neighborhood. Come learn the ins and outs of doing business with the various departments and what projects or other contract opportunities they have coming up.
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America's SBDC Newsletter
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Recently in the America's SBDC blog:
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CAMT (Colorado Association for Manufacturing & Technology)
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Introduction to Supply Chain Optimization Webinar to be followed by a two-day seminar in February
Due to ever increasing volatility in the global manufacturing environment, companies can no longer rely on a strategy of lowest price, shortest lead time and acceptable quality. Today, high-performing, optimized supply chains are collaborative through their multiple tiers. They quickly identify and mitigate volatility and have the capability to develop, manufacture and distribute new or improved products more rapidly than ever before.
Learn how to optimize functionality of your supply chain while minimizing operating costs by participating in the following upcoming CAMT Supply Chain Optimization events:
Intro to Supply Chain Optimization
Friday, January 17th
11:00 am - noon
Free online event
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The New Mexico Manufacturing extension partnership offers ongoing workshops, and expertise for area manufacturers. Some of the workshops available include: "Lean" workshops and various certifications.
For information on Upcoming Workshops or to contact MEP Click Here |
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Durango Chamber of Commerce
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The Durango Chamber has an array of events and services and can be a valuable partner for your business. Visit their website to find out about business after hours, lunch and learn, membership information and more.
Call Rita Simon at 970-247-0312 to become a member today.
DECEMBER EVENTS AT THE DURANGO CHAMBER:
Lunch & Learn at First National Bank of Durango: "Learn How You Are With Money" presented by Allison Andersen of Durango Personal Financial Coaching.
January 22nd: Noon - 1:00pm
Tuesday Talk at Carvers
January 7th: 7:45am
DURANGO ROCKS: Awards Event for the Business Community
January 23rd: 5:30pm at the Community Concert Hall at FLC
Snowdown Business After Hours
January 29th: 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Doubletree Hotel
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Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce
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The Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce is here to help you enjoy our community to the fullest. If you are visiting Pagosa, we can help you plan your vacation through our Official Visitor Information Center services. If you're interested in relocating yourself, your family or your business - we can help you find excellent resources to make your move as comfortable as possible. The Chamber of Commerce also offers our residents and businesses a large resource of development services, referrals, education, networking opportunities, and special events to enhance your work and living environment.
Come and explore the Pagosa Chamber website and discover Pagosa Springs and the reason why people love the community where they can live, work and play.
Click here to find out about chamber programs and upcoming events.
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Cortez Chamber of Commerce
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The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1938. It has been and continues to be a strong leader in the development of the community. Members include not only businesses, but also nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, and individuals who want to participate in forging a better future for all.
We invite you to visit our friendly, small town for a vacation experience like no other. Our rich farming and ranching heritage compliment the history and archeology of the Ancestral Puebloans. Please check out these pages to learn a little about our city, then come visit to learn even more!
Click here to find out about Chamber programs and upcoming events.
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Dolores Chamber of Commerce
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To be a unifying voice for Montezuma County businesses and nonprofit organizations, promoting the town and area that brings tourists here as well as success to our members for the benefit of our entire community and Montezuma County.
- Attracting visitors to Montezuma County.
- Offering a visible Visitors Center and other valuable services to members.
- Facilitating synergy among members and government and local civic organizations in regards to tourism, vacationers and individuals or families potentially relocating.
- Providing advocacy on relevant community issues.
- Tell our historical story powerfully, both as a community and as an organization.
- Continually listen to our membership and community.
- Set realistic operational and financial goals.
- Actively participate in planning for the future of our community and county.
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Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce
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The Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce is committed to uniting Mancos Valley residents and businesses to achieve and sustain a high quality of life and a healthy economy consistent with the heritage of the area. The Chamber is your partner in community and business development.
- Thinking of moving to Mancos or relocating a business to our community?
- Want to fine-tune your business skills? The Mancos Valley of Chamber of Commerce offers classes to help small business owners.
- Maybe you simply want to know what is going on in the Mancos Valley and surrounding area.
- Perhaps you're a tourist in need of travel information.
Stop by the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center located at 101 E. Bauer in Mancos. Or, call at 970-533-7434. An e-mail works too, chamber@mancosvalley.com. We'll be happy to answer all your questions. Or visit us at www.mancosvalley.com.
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Women's Resource Center
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WRC acts as a one-stop-shop of small business information providing services to enhance women's knowledge about different aspects of entrepreneurship, and help build skills for improving the success of their ventures. The Women's Foundation of Colorado is a proud supporter of WRC's small business services.
Click here to find out more about how the Women's Resource Center can help your business.
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A partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Colorado Small Business Development Center network is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any of the co-sponsors' or participants' opinions, products or services. Any opinions, findings and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the participating Small Business Development Centers, host institutions, ColoradoSBDC.com or InfoAvailable.com .
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