Running a small business in Colorado Springs means you get direct access to a huge and incredibly supportive, business-minded, community; one of the largest in the state! But if you don’t know where to look, you may miss out on all of the resources that we have here including free mentoring, affordable workspaces, and business development tools that are here and at your fingertips. Here are some highlights of ten of the best small business resources in Colorado Springs so you can connect with the right people without wasting any time so your business is set up with success.
You don’t have to build your business by yourself, and trying to do everything alone is one of the quickest ways to wear yourself out. Starting and running a business is a lot of work and can be draining if you don’t have the support you need. Studies consistently show that small business owners who access mentoring and community support report higher revenues and steady growth. The U.S. Small Business Administration funds a nationwide network of resource partners, including Small Business Development Centers, SCORE mentors, and Women’s Business Centers. These are all designed to give entrepreneurs the guidance they need to accomplish their goals.
Colorado Springs is home to so many of these resources, and most of them are either free or affordable– making them the perfect place to start when you are looking to grow your business. Whether you are just starting your business or trying to take your business to the next level, diving into local support can help you make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and build the relationships that drive long-term success.
Resource: https://www.sba.gov/blog/sba-resources-help-entrepreneurs-start-grow-their-business
The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC is more than a networking organization. It is the leading economic development and business advocacy group in the Pikes Peak region. As a participating member, you’ll have access to:
If you need personal introductions, strong market intelligence, or a knowledgeable resource in local policy, the Chamber is one of the best stepping stones that can launch you into success!
If you want a more structured, referral-based approach to networking, BNI Southern Colorado is one of the best options in the area. BNI is a nationwide group that is well founded and well known. BNI chapters meet each week, and each chapter allows only one member per profession. Because of this, there is no direct competition within your group. Members build trusted relationships and exchange qualified referrals that turn into real revenue. Providing other members’ referrals is a key part of participation in BNI which is what makes it such a successful group. BNI has been active in Southern Colorado since 1985 and has multiple chapters throughout the Colorado Springs area. You can visit a local chapter a few times before deciding whether to apply for membership. Many businesses give their BNI group credit for their businesses success.
The Pikes Peak SBDC is hosted by the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. They offer free, confidential business consulting. Another awesome perk is that they provide low- or no-cost training programs. They consist of a team of experts can help you with:
The SBDC is located at Catalyst Campus and serves businesses in El Paso and Teller counties.
SCORE provides free, one-on-one business mentoring from experienced professionals who volunteer their time, which is a cool experience from knowledgeable business owners. With over 30 mentors in the Colorado Springs area, you can find someone with expertise in your specific industry or challenge. SCORE also offers workshops and webinars on a variety of topics like Google Ads, financial management, market research, and social media strategy. If you are looking for something more personal that can help your business reach the next level, this could be an amazing opportunity you don’t want to miss!
If you are currently working from home and could use a more professional or collaborative environment, Epicentral Coworking is a popular choice in Colorado Springs. Located downtown, Epicentral offers:
They also offer flexible membership options, including a free day pass so you can try the space out before committing to a more long term agreement. This is a super great option for businesses that may need some office space, but don’t want to sign on to a full office or lease. Coworking spaces are becoming more and more popular for their flexibility and more affordable pricing.
One of the most overlooked resources for small business owners in Colorado Springs is the Pikes Peak Library District. With a free library card, you get access to:
PPLD’s business resource guides can be accessed online, and many databases can even be accessed from the comfort of your own home. Libraries have so many other amazing resources too including free books to check out on your specific business or industry.
If you are starting a new business, you many be feeling overwhelmed by permits, licenses, and regulations. COS Open for Biz is a free online tool built for you. It was created by the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC and the City of Colorado Springs. It provides a step-by-step roadmap that will walk you through every phase from planning all the way to grand opening. The guide includes key contacts, permitting details, and direct links to the local agencies you will need to work with along the way.
The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce empowers its members through education, advocacy, and collaborative partnerships. While the organization focuses mainly on helping women flourish in business, its events and programs are open to everyone and anyone who wants to engage with a purpose-driven business community. Membership gives you access to networking events, leadership development, and a variety of entrepreneurial connections throughout the area. These are benefits that speak for themselves and can guide your business to the next level.
Catalyst Campus is a unique workspace and innovation hub in downtown Colorado Springs, housed in reimagined historic rail depot buildings. It is designed for tech startups, defense collaborators, and entrepreneurs looking for a high-tech environment with:
If your business is in technology, cybersecurity, aerospace, or defense, Catalyst Campus puts you at the center of Colorado Springs’ innovation ecosystem.
As your business grows, keeping your financial house in order becomes more important and more time-consuming. Quiver Bookkeeping & Advising is a Colorado Springs-based firm that helps small business owners take financial tasks off their plate so they can focus on what they do best. Services include:
Many of the resources on this list will help you build your network, develop your strategy, and find your customers. Quiver Bookkeeping & Advising helps you manage the financial side so you can make the most of all those opportunities.
Learning about these resources is the best first step and gives you an advantage above others who don’t even know about them! To truly get the most out of these benefits though, you’ll want to take advantage of as many of these resources as you can. Here are a few ways to get started to make the most of what Colorado Springs has to offer:
Colorado Springs has an incredible community of organizations, mentors, and fellow business owners who want to see you succeed. The key is showing up and staying engaged.
You have a strong community behind you, and the resources on this list are designed to help you build, grow, and sustain your business over the long term. Start by connecting with one resource this week, whether it is attending a Chamber event, scheduling a SCORE mentoring session, or reaching out to Quiver Bookkeeping & Advising to take your financial tasks off your plate. Colorado Springs small business owners who partner with Quiver Bookkeeping & Advising free up more time to focus on growth. Reach out to our team today to discuss how we can help.
