LEADING EDGE is for business owners and entrepreneurs positioning for growth stage, that desire focused education and planning, accountability, networking, and the tools to build a strategic business plan to take their company to the next level.
Please email info@larimersbdc.org to be added to the next sessions waitlist.
If you’re interested in opening a restaurant with little to no ownership experience this program will be a great resource to teach you the tricks of the trade and to set you up for success with real industry knowledge, experience and having a better understanding of what to expect as a restaurant owner.
Please email info@larimersbdc.org to be added to the next sessions waitlist.
Veterans have the character, discipline and skills needed to succeed as small business owners and entrepreneurs. Wondering what it takes and how you can prepare? Enroll in Boots to Business Reboot.
We’re helping existing and new businesses grow and prosper
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Cheers for Peers
Small Business Week 2022
In honor of Small Business Week, we recognized many businesses throughout Larimer County as part of our Cheers for Peers Appreciation campaign!
During this campaign we asked for nominations of favorite businesses in Larimer County and we received an outpouring votes. Below is a listing of those who were chosen.
Blue Pine Construction is based in Wellington, and run by the husband and wife team of Mike and Lorilyn Bockelman. Their company does home construction/remodeling, and a variety of outdoor “decking” projects, throughout Northern Colorado. Mike’s construction background, combined with Lorilyn’s retail management experience, makes for a productive combination. They have grown the business significantly over the last few years.
Blue Pine Construction now has 10 full time employees, including a new production manager. Mike is a Air National Guard serviceman, and tries to hire veterans when possible. A project coordinator helps with client communication. Mike says “We spend a lot of time communicating status to our clients. Communication is our secret sauce.”
In 2020, Blue Pine Construction participated in a specialized SBDC program called ScaleUp Smart, which was significantly funded by the Wellington Town and Chamber of Commerce. The program produced customized marketing evaluations and recommendations. Lorilyn said “We didn’t have any active marketing. This program helped us clean up our website, and gave us the knowledge to tailor our marketing, and we work on select tasks every month now. It also helped us focus on more appropriate projects. Right after completing the ScaleUp Smart program we hired a marketing company to help with our social media and implement what we learned as well.”
Lorilyn adds “We got started with the Larimer SBDC through a HR class, done by Tina Todd of Simply HR. It was very thorough.”
Mike and Lorilyn also met with SBDC construction consultant Andy Meade. Mike commented “We discussed job costing, and also talked a lot about corporate structure; it was really helpful.” SBDC Director Mike OConnell also assisted with proactively using financial ratios to help meet profitability goals.
Today, Mike and Lorilyn report that Blue Pine Construction “is on track to meet all of our goals”, despite the current challenges of material cost increases and shortages. “We got a great combination of SBDC assistance, across several aspects of our business, it wasn’t any one big thing.”, Mike remarked.
We at the Larimer SBDC look forward to continuing to work with this great local business!
Are you hungry for more information to make your business aspirations come true?
Be part of Techstars Startup Week Fort Collins!!! It is a free, 5-day celebration of entrepreneurship, community, and business education.
Whether you are a startup, an established business or simply have an idea – Startup Week Fort Collins has something for you! Today we are highlighting:
Retail Merchandising – big business best practices for small businesses – Tami Parker
By the end of this presentation, you will learn: the direct link between visual merchandising and retail sales!
https://youtu.be/Sf7saSr3zsU
Start Your Own Company (Spanish) – Jose Luis Ramos
By the end of this panel, you will learn: how to start a company in Colorado. The steps for entrepreneurs looking at starting their own company, going from concept to execution, and the key points in the process.
https://youtu.be/Tvalahu3Ks4
Why Authentic Marketing Works For Small Business – Seth Silvers
By the end of this panel, you will learn: a resolute commitment to market more Authentically.
This session will debunk the “”sell at all costs”” myth by having hearing about how small businesses in Fort Collins are winning by marketing with authenticity. This panel session will feature several local business owners who have made it a priority to insert their story, their values, and their authentic self into their marketing and have seen positive results from that.
Sign up for our Workshops! Our workshops cover multiple areas from QuickBooks, Making Your Business Official, Marketing, Social Media and so much more!
Not seeing what you need? Contact us at info@larimersbdc.org and we’ll connect you to the right resource.