Blogs
EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announces the release of its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Solicitation (https://www.epa.gov/sbir/sbir-funding-opportunities) to support the development and commercialization of innovative environmental technologies. The solicitation is posted on FedConnect, and all applications must be submitted through this electronic system. EPA is one of 11 federal agencies that participates in the SBIR Program as a result of the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982. EPA is calling for small …
Larimer SBDC Success Story – New Ownership, Same Great Service, Same Great Team
New Ownership, Same Great Service, Same Great Team Owners: Tim & Julie Kenney Story & Photography: Kat Rico In 2014, Tim and Julie Kenney purchased Clay’s Ace Hardware, a mainstay of south Fort Collins since the original owners, Jim and Lisa Clay, started the store in 1998. Tim and Julie felt the entrepreneurial call, but did not necessarily want to start their own business, so they began looking for businesses to purchase. Their focus rested …
Franchise Expo West Bringing Business Opportunities to Colorado
By Jim Mastandrea of MFV Expositions Many have considered starting their own businesses. Yet, fear of the financial risk and going at it alone keep most from making that happen. What many fail to consider is becoming a franchise owner. With franchising, people have a built-in support system, a company behind them, a proven brand, financial help, training and more. When people start their own company alone, they usually make mistakes, but as a franchisee, …
10 Amazing Ways to Motivate Your Retail Sales Team
10 Amazing Ways to Motivate Your Retail Sales Team Tuesday, October 11, 2016 4:00 – 6:00 pm Innosphere 320 E. Vine Drive Fort Collins, CO 80524 (Map It!) It’s true. 30- 40% of most retailer’s sales are done during the Holiday season. Are you ready? Have you set the goals for your team? Thought of contest ideas? How do you engage your sales team to sell more? What will set your store apart from your …
Small Business After Hours – Food Trends
Food Trends Tuesday, September 13, 2016 4:00 – 6:00 pm Innosphere 320 E. Vine Drive Fort Collins, CO 80524 (Map It!) You’ve probably tried “savory” yogurts by Chobani and Larimer County’s own Noosa Yogurt, but have you tried algae? Do you know what Poke is? How about Baobab? Hear about new ethnic flavors that trend-setting restaurants are promoting. Get the latest info on gluten-free, non-GMO, and organic food trends, including the demand for better nutritional …
DOL Rules – What You Need to Know
by Stacy Stolen Real Value Consulting/VolkBell Insurance The rules are here … now what? Here’s What You Need to Know Anyone earning less than $913.00 per week; or $47, 476 annualized base: • Is now (most likely) entitled to overtime pay for any hours worked over 40 in a week • Is now required to track and account for all hours worked within respective time keeping periods How you make and communicate required adjustments to …
DOL Labor Standards Changes
by Stacy Stolen Real Value Consulting/VolkBell Insurance On May 18, 2016 The U.S. Department of Labor released its final rule regarding the changes to the overtime threshold for the Fair Labor Standards Act. Among other things, the Department has doubled the minimum salary needed to qualify for these exemptions, from the previous level of $455 a week (or $23,660 a year) to $913 a week (or $47,476 a year). Key Provisions of the Final Rule …
Streamlined Processes at the Development Center
by Mary Ann Huffines Seeking residential or commercial building services in Loveland, CO? Head to the Fire Administration Building located at 410 E. 5th Street in Loveland. You will find Fire Administration on the second floor, but the building has a new name, the Development Center. The Development Center (DC) will unite Loveland’s planning, permitting and inspection functions. If it is related to building in Loveland, you should be able …
The Most Common Business Mistakes to Avoid
The Most Common Business Mistakes to Avoid Tuesday, July 19, 2016 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Loveland Center for Business Development 5400 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland, CO 80538 + Join us for another great regional event! The East Colorado and Larimer SBDC are excited to host Coan, Payton & Payne’s, Brett Payton and Bill Garcia. Attendees will learn how to avoid common business pitfalls during …
2016 Summer Series Announcement!
2016 Summer Series 2016 Summer Series For the fourth year in a row, the Larimer SBDC is proud to announce our 2016 Summer Series! We’re bringing you 6 unique workshops to make your Fridays over the summer just a little more productive. Join us Fridays from 12:00 – 1:30 for a light lunch and 90 minutes of great education for just $10. Click on any of the images below for more class information and to …
