The Larimer Small Business Development Center (SBDC) released its 2015 economic impact results, and related business education metrics.  “Our clients enjoyed sales increases of a record $9.0M, up 70% from 2014, “ said Mike O’Connell, Larimer SBDC Director. “It was an excellent and exciting year,” he added.

Through its relationships with commercial banks, micro-lenders, and other resource partners, the SBDC also helped match client funding needs with financial providers.  “We helped clients harness  $6.7M of capital formation for business growth, almost double last year’s number” commented O’Connell.

The Larimer SBDC also helped 21 new businesses start, and its clients created/retained over 550 jobs in 2015.

“Working with the SBDC has been crucial to my success”, says Kelsie Schwager, owner of the Fernweh Inn & Hostel in Fort Collins.  “As a small business, who wouldn’t want this help?”  The SBDC consulted with  600 clients, 50% more than the 2013 client base.  Almost 20% of these clients were women, veteran, or minority-owned businesses.

“Our consultants did a fantastic job of providing both general and specialized business advice.   We also conducted 70 training classes covering financial, marketing, business planning, and business start-up processes; as well as industry-specific events for our restaurant, retail, and health and wellness clients,” added Terri Donovan-Keirns, Larimer SBDC Program Coordinator.