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- All
- Aurora Team
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- blog
- Business Tips
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- Consultants/Trainers
- Customers
- Disaster Mitigation
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- SBDC Programs
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- South Metro Team
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Construction Estimating & Bidding NEW DATE
Construction Estimating & Bidding Have you been submitting quotes for construction projects but not getting the work? Do you need help figuring out the right cost for your bids? Do you want to start winning more subcontracts? If so, this workshop is a great opportunity to improve your estimating skills. It will help you refine your estimating process and create more accurate bids for construction jobs. The workshop will cover: …
Small Business Resource & Lenders Fair
Did you miss the March Resource Expo? No worries, Arapahoe Libraries is host to the Aurora-South Metro SBDC’s Small Business Resource & Lenders Fair on Saturday, May 4th, 10AM – 12PM, at Smoky Hill Library in Centennial. There is a wealth of business resources at your fingertips. Learn about many nonprofit government and lending resources at the upcoming at this FREE event to learn about helpful local government and funding resources available to start or expand your business. This is a ‘kick …
Last Chance to Sign Up for LEADING EDGE
The Aurora-South Metro SBDC is offering the LEADING EDGE Strategic Planning Series to help entrepreneurs write a business plan. This premier business planning program begins April 5th and will be held every other Friday from 9AM to 4PM, April through May, at the Englewood Civic Center. It is a hands-on program that includes guest speakers, a business planning book and five hours one-on-one consulting. The SBDC is offering a reduced rate of just $295. Interested …
It’s Time for the Expo in Englewood!
3rd Annual Englewood Business Resource & Lenders Expo Did you realize there is a wealth of business resources at your fingertips? * Learn about Opportunity Zones. * Learn how to expand your business by getting certified for potential government contracts. * Learn how you may receive help streamlining your manufacturing business. * Learn about how the library can help with business marketing research. * Hear from the area’s nonprofit lenders and what they can do for …
The IRS Dirty Dozen
IRS kicks off annual list of most prevalent tax scams: Agency warns taxpayers of pervasive phishing schemes in its ‘Dirty Dozen’ campaign The IRS warns taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals to be alert for a continuing surge of fake emails, text messages, websites and social media attempts to steal personal information. These attacks tend to increase during tax season and remain a major danger of identity theft. To help protect taxpayers against these and …
Celebrate #SBDCDay March 20th
Celebrate #SBDCDay: www.AmericasSBDC.org/SBDCDay * Did you know? Small Businesses make up 99.9% of ALL the companies in the U.S. and employ almost half of the workforce. * Of pre-venture SBDC in-depth clients, 60.7% start new businesses, and 50% of SBDC clients start a business within the first year.
Certification Workshops
Do you want to expand your business opportunities by selling to the government? Do you know if the government buys your products and services? The Aurora-South Metro SBDC is collaborating with Connect2DOT and the Colorado Minority Business Office to offer a series of certification workshops in 2019–all taught by certification, estimating and transportation experts. The first in the series is this Friday, and a second companion and essential workshop is April 26th. Plan to attend both …
LEADING EDGE for Transportation Industry
LEADING EDGE for Transportation Architecture, Engineering, Construction Sign up today for this award-winning business planning course designed specifically for highway design and construction contractors. The cost has been reduced for this March 28 – May 22 program only. These nine weeks could change the course for your business growth. Download the flyer here. | Register here…
SBA Emerging Leaders
SBA’s Emerging Leaders Initiative to Help Growing Entrepreneurs Opens for 2019 Recruitment WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the launch of the 2019 Emerging Leaders Initiative for executives of small businesses poised for growth in emerging markets. Local area recruitment for the 2019 training cycle is currently ongoing at designated SBA District Offices. Interested small business owners can learn more regarding eligibility, how to apply, class schedules, and locations at www.sba.gov/emergingleaders, or …
Business Plan in a Day next Friday
This all-day LEADING EDGE workshop was developed for busy entrepreneurs who need to complete a critical business plan quickly to expand or start a business. Participants will create a business plan in one day by breaking the process into 10 manageable steps. What you will achieve: -Outline and communicate your business vision -Understand business fundamentals -Learn keys to success -Learn how to do critical business research -Develop a rough draft of your business plan Cost …
Boulder Municipal Airport’s DBE Program
PUBLIC NOTICE Boulder Municipal Airport has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, 49 CFR Part 26. For Fiscal Year 2018 through 2020, the Airport has established an overall goal of 2.33% of the Federal financial assistance it will receive for improvements to the airport. The Airport estimates it will meet this goal through 0% race neutral means and 2.33% race conscious means. The proposed …
It’s the CMA Awards!
Nominations are now open for the 4th annual Colorado Manufacturing Awards — Presented by CompanyWeek and Manufacturer’s Edge The only program of its kind in the United States, the CMAs bring together business leaders in a celebration of the modern manufacturing economy — a multi-industry, consumer, and technology-driven sector reshaping America’s rich industrial legacy. Award nominations are open for the following: Click on each award title here https://companyweek.com/events — for criteria and to nominate. …
Englewood Small Business Resource & Lenders Expo
The City of Englewood is hosting the third annual Business Resource and Lenders Expo in conjunction with the Aurora-South Metro SBDC. Hear from the Englewood Community and Economic Development Office, the Small Business Administration Colorado District Office, and the Colorado SBDC Network. Representatives from the following organizations will be present to keep you informed about all the helpful resources available to small businesses: Information Booths: U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE, Colorado SBDC Network, Minority …
Business Breakfast in Englewood
Have you experienced frustration trying to communicate with someone of another generation at work? Attend the Englewood Chamber’s Business with Breakfast on Tuesday, February 12th, 7:30 AM, at The Guild Englewood, 3424 So. Inca. A Boomer and a Millennial will share how to get beyond what often seems like a barrier and, instead, work as a team. Please make your reservation by February 8th. Cost: $15/Greater Englewood Chamber members; $17/non-members RSVP: www.myenglwoodchamber.com
Business Planning & Financing
Need a business plan? Need financing for your business? Two January workshops are not to be missed! LEADING EDGE: Business Plan in a Day, Friday, January 25th, 9AM – 4PM, $150/person This all-day workshop was developed for busy entrepreneurs who need to complete a critical business plan quickly to expand or start a business. Participants will create a business plan in one day by breaking the process into 10 manageable steps. Cost includes materials and …
LEADING EDGE for Transportation Businesses
It’s the final week to register for the award-winning LEADING EDGE for Transportation business planning program in Colorado Springs. Don’t miss your chance to join the next cohort of successful contractors for a nine-week course customized for growing businesses in A&E and construction. You’ll get hands-on training from industry experts, large contractors and peers to help develop your management skills, build capacity and win more contracts. January 10 – March 7, 2019 Thursday evenings, …
Polis taking calls from Coloradans
Governor-Elect Polis taking calls from Coloradans The seven transition committees have planned a series of telephone town halls over the next week or so to let people share their ideas with the Polis administration. Sat., 12/1/18, 12PM-1PM on energy, natural resources and agriculture Mon., 12/3/18, 6PM-7PM on public safety, military and corrections Wed., 12/5, 12PM-1PM on education | 2PM-3PM on health and human services Sat., 12/8, 10AM-11AM on economic development and labor (past: Thurs., 11/29, …
How to Become a Contractor
Grow Your Business! How to Become a Contractor with Federal and Sate Governments Tuesday, December 4th, 8:30 – 10:30 AM Englewood Public Library | 1000 Englewood Pkwy., 1st Level | Englewood 80110 (extended free parking available in lot south of the building) Sponsored by — Englewood Chamber of Commerce City of Englewood Englewood Public Library State of Colorado with: Carolyn Terrell, SBA’s Supervisory Business Opportunity Specialist and Barbara Musick, Supplier Diversity Liaison, Colorado State Purchasing …
Business Registration Compliance
An Attractive Offer for Business Compliance in Colorado Greetings from the Division of Professions and Occupations: Every business offering barbering, cosmetology, hairstyling, esthetician, or nail technician services must be registered in Colorado, in addition to individual licensure requirements required to work at these businesses. Towards that end, the Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure currently is offering a one-time opportunity to ensure compliance to unregistered businesses across the state. From Oct. 1, 2018 through Nov. …
Parker Area Chamber – Photo of the Day
Marcia McGilley, Executive Director of the Aurora-South Metro SBDC, spoke today for the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce Lunch-N-Learn on the topic “The Mind of the Entrepreneur.” She gave the top 10 myths and facts about what makes an entrepreneur who they are. It looks like Mrs. Parker was there, too. Beautiful!
SBA Kicks Off Veterans Small Business Week
SBA kicks off National Veterans Small Business Week, November 5-9 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration will celebrate the accomplishments of veteran, service member and military spouse small business owners nationwide during National Veterans Small Business Week, Nov. 5-9. “National Veterans Small Business Week is another opportunity for us not only to highlight the success of our nation’s 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses, but also to recognize the areas where there is still work …
Veterans Small Business Week
Veterans Small Business Week: Expansion & Growth WHO: Vets who own a business and want to expand and grow. WHEN: Monday, November 5, 2018 | 12PM – 3PM Food truck available if you wish to purchase lunch on location. WHERE: Launch Pad Brewery | 884 S. Buckley Rd. | Aurora, CO 80017 REGISTER: This is a free event; please pre-register. www.Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com/training > Browse Workshops AGENDA: — U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION COLORADO DISTRICT OFFICE: Opening Remarks …
Cyber Security Summit
October is Crime Awareness Month — What a good opportunity to think about the protection and safety of your business, employees and customers! The Cyber Security Summit is all day, Friday, October 26th 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM – Summit 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Happy Hour Pinery at the Hill | 775 W. Bijou St. | Colorado Springs 80905 Cost: $20/person ($300/exhibitor) The Summit will include a full day of workshops and …
Innovation & Opportunity Conference
SEED | CONNECT | GROW November 7-8, 2018 Aurora, Colorado Hyatt Regency Event Center HOSTED BY: The inaugural Innovation and Opportunity Conference: Advancing Aerospace and Defense brings together NASA experts, small businesses, startups, research institutions and large businesses/prime contractors for a technology and commercialization event. The Innovation and Opportunity Conference (IOC) provides opportunities for companies at every stage of maturity, from those just starting out with a great idea, to experienced innovators looking to expand and actively participate …
Douglas County Business Resource & Lenders Fair
The Douglas County Small Business Resource & Lenders Fair is being held in the South Metro corridor! Friday, October 19th | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PMParker Library | Event Hall | 20105 E. Mainstreet | Parker, CO 80138 (east of Parker Rd. at Mainstreet & Pine Dr., just north of Parker Town Hall) The Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is organizing this fair in collaboration with the Town of Parker, Parker-Area Chamber of Commerce …
National PTAC Day
September 26th is the first annual National PTAC Day and it will be celebrated every fourth Wednesday of September moving forward. The day is to celebrate the great things PTACs have done for businesses across the country from our network of 95 offices. The Colorado PTAC is celebrating the day by hosting socials in two different locations; Colorado Springs and Aurora. Colorado PTAC wants to thank their workshop presenters, Subject Matter Experts, clients and community partners, so plan to attend. There’s …
Englewood Manufacturing Day Celebration
Join the City of Englewood for a free event that recognizes the manufacturing industry: Englewood Manufacturing Day Celebration The City of Englewood, Manufacturer’s Edge, and Palmer DCS are coming together to host the celebration and say thank you to local manufacturers and connect each one with resources to help grow your business. They are part of October’s North American recognition of the industry. Food, beer & wine, music, and prizes will be provided. Spots are filling fast, so read more event …
Lunch and Learn in Parker
Small Business Specialist Chuck Hahn will be presenting at the Parker Area Chamber Lunch and Learn. One of his favorite subjects is market research. The key to a successful business is knowing your customer and providing excellent customer service. Market Research Made Simple | Wednesday, September 12th | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | FREEA marketing expert, Chuck will help you navigate through several research options designed to lead you toward making better business decisions, with …
Customer Service for Small Business
Customer ServiceThis self-paced training exercise is an introduction to customer service and how it impacts your business. Topics include: Defining what good customer service is, implementing good customer service, and how to improve customer service.
Catch Up on Marketing: 43 Things to Do
By Rieva LesonskyHere are 43 things you can do during your August downtime that will have a big impact come fall. Your Customers come first: Schedule catch-up calls or lunch with your biggest clients to see how you can better serve them in the coming year. Reach out to a former customer who’s fallen off your radar and see if you can win their business again. Check in with a prospect you’ve been nurturing to see if you …
Global Fest 2018
The city of Aurora invites you to experience fantastic flavors, cultural experiences and artistic expressions from around the world at Global Fest this Saturday, August 18th, 11AM – 6PM, at the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy. And entrance is FREE! Enjoy world entertainment, music and food, ethnic markets, community booths, fashion shows–yes, that’s plural–and even more entertainment and education at the Aurora History Museum. The World Beer Market will offer different …
7-20 Memorial Ascentiate
The memorial, named “Ascentiate” by its artist creator, is located inside the city of Aurora Water-wise Reflection Garden at the southeast corner (East Alameda Parkway and South Chambers Road) of the Aurora Municipal Center campus, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. The memorial, to be dedicated July 27th, 6:30 PM, honors the 13 lives taken, 70 wounded and many lives that were changed on the night of July 20, 2012. Together with the surrounding garden, the artwork creates a …
9 Examples of Re-Purposing Value Content
If you’ve attended one of my marketing seminars, one of the tactics that I suggest is re-purposing useful information to your target market would like. The linked article By Ryan Bozeman really hits the nail on the head. Thanks Ryan! About Ryan BozemanRyan Bozeman is a copywriter and content strategist who specializes in working with marketing and SaaS companies. You can connect with him atwww.BozeContent.com or on Twitter at @RyanBozeman.
Nominate an Outstanding Aurora Business
The Aurora Business Recognition Awards Program, which began in 2005, celebrates successful businesses that are leaders in the workplace and community. It recognizes not only the economic vitality that businesses of all sizes and types bring to Aurora, but also the influence that businesses have on where people live, work, shop and play. The selection committee will be looking for proven longevity, significant business growth, the introduction of a unique product or service, exceptional customer …
Biz Workshop in Frisco
Need an excuse to drive up to beautiful Frisco, Colorado? Essentials for Small Business 2018 Wednesday, July 25th | 8AM – 4PMSummit County Community & Senior Center | 0083 Nancy’s Place | Frisco, CO 80443 Tools for Thinking, Starting, or Expanding Small Business Learn: Planning for Success, Avoiding Pit-Falls and Traps, Making Sure You Are Making Money, Building Critical Relationships, Real-Life Lessons, and more. Cost $40 ($30 for Summit CO Chamber Members) Includes light breakfast and Lunch Register by July …
AdWords Marketing Campaign 101?
From Elegant themesFound this article to be both relevant and useful:If you want to promote your website, online ads are one of the best ways to do it. With AdWords, you can reach one of the world’s largest audiences, as long as you have the budget. The only problem is, budgeting for AdWords costs can be complicated if you don’t know how much you should expect to pay. Luckily, there is a lot of AdWords data available …
How To Use LinkedIn to Reach Key People
I thought this article was important and useful . Here’s the 1st of several useful suggestions. Take these all-important steps to up your success rate in finding decision-makers on the leading business social media site. 1. Complete Your Profile Before initiating any interaction with decision-makers, make sure you’re making a good impression with your profile. Those you request to connect with, even before you actively engage with them, will check your profile first to make sure you’re worth your …
Disaster Recovery
Disaster Field Operations Center West Release Date: June 12, 2018 Contact: Richard A. Jenkins, (916) 735-1500 Release Number: CO 15561-01 Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs & Instagram SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Colorado Small Businesses SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Small nonfarm businesses in Arapahoe, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert and Lincoln counties are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Director Tanya N. Garfield of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. These loans offset economic losses because of …
Connecting Aurora’s Immigrants-Refugees with Health
Health Powers Life campaign for immigrants and refugees in Aurora receives international accolades AURORA, Colo. – Health Powers Life, an outreach campaign targeting better health outcomes for Aurora’s immigrant and refugee communities, has been recognized by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts with three Communicator Awards. “One in five residents in Aurora was born outside the United States, and Health Powers Life is an important tool in the city’s strategic plan to connect immigrants …
Farewell to Aurora Mayor Stephen Hogan
It is with deep sadness that we inform the small business community that Stephen D. Hogan, Mayor of Aurora, passed away on May 13, 2018. He was 69 years old. Mayor Hogan honorably served as mayor of Aurora from 2011 until his passing. His time as mayor was preceded by 24 years on the City Council. The Hogan family has asked that, in his honor, donations be made to the Mayor Stephen D. Hogan Memorial Fund via this link …
May Business Resource Fair
The May 5th Business Resource Fair at Arapahoe/Douglas Works was a grand conclusion to National Small Business Week.Many thanks to Congressman Coffman and his staff for presenting this annual fair! Above, emcee for the morning, Marcia McGilley, Executive Director of the Aurora-South Metro SBDC, talks with SCORE representative, Ken Heller. Below are some photos of the many community partners who came out on a lovely Saturday morning to make the event possible and to inform small businesses …
SBA Colorado Awards, May 2
National Small Business Week — SBA Colorado District Awards The week’s main event was outstanding with capacity crowd — the annual Colorado Small Business Week award ceremony, held Wednesday, May 2nd at the Innovation Pavilion Event Center in Centennial, CO. The Colorado Small Business Persons of the Year winner, Margot Langstaff & Elisa Hamill, Managing partners/Owners of LifeHealth, were presented with their award (pictured below with other award winners). Both women are shown here (second and third from left) with Daniel …
Bike To Work Day – Business Challenge
Bike to Work Day gives everyone a reason to try cycling as a form of commuting, which positively impacts regional air quality, health and traffic congestion. This year, Bike to Work Day has an added element to encourage increased participation from local businesses with the Business Challenge. Put your employees to the test and distinguish your company from its competition. Businesses are split into four classes: Class A (1-29 employees), B (30-99 employees), C (100-299 employees) and D (300+ …
Customer Appreciation Day
Ken’s Auto Service is hosting a customer appreciation day on May 2,Wednesday, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, in honor of their 16th year in business. They have teamed up with other great organization that share the same goal of building a great reputation as the #1 local automotive sources. Door prizes, goody bags, burgers & fries …. and much more! See ya’ There Ken’s Auto Service is located at 15293 E. Mississippi Ave. Aurora, CO 80012
Apply to CleanTech Open Start-Up Accelerator
Cleantech Open finds, funds and fosters the most promising cleantech start-ups on the planet. Apply by May 1st to join Cleantech Open’s 2018 Accelerator Program Cleantech Open provides tangible benefits:World-class mentoring | Hands-on training | Networking | Visibility | Ongoing engagement Learn more and apply by May 1st here…Application and participation fees apply.The Accelerator begins June 1st.
Five Cs of Credit
Five characteristics used by lenders to gauge the creditworthiness of potential borrowers. Wednesday, April 25th, 12PM – 1PM, FREE | Lunch included.Aurora Municipal Center | 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy. | Aurora 80012 | 2nd floor ASPEN conference room Please pre-register here…
Central 70 Trucking Outreach
There is an upcoming outreach event with Kiewit and Iron Woman Construction for subcontracting opportunities on the CDOT Central 70 project. There are millions of dollars of trucking subcontracts available over the next five years, and this free event will help owner-operators and other small business trucking firms learn what they need to do to get work on the project. Central 70 Trucking Outreach EventApril 30th 5:00 to 6:00 PM – Registration/Networking | 6:00 to 7:30 PM …
Resource Fair to end Nat’l Small Biz Week
Congressman Mike Coffman presents the SBA Small Business Resource and Lenders Fair Saturday, May 5th | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | FREE Location: Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Arapahoe Room at the DMV Building 6964 So. Lima St. (at Arapahoe Road) Centennial, CO 80112 Find out about SBA programs, loan and micro-loan programs available for small businesses through lending institutions, government contracting resources, State of Colorado and expanded SBDC services. There will be short presentation and opportunity to …
Look Before You Lease
Look Before You Lease — Explores the commercial and legal issues a business owner faces in leasing commercial property. Thursday, April 12th | 9AM – 12PM | $10/person Location: Aurora Municipal Center, 2nd floor ASPEN conference room Before you sign that business lease, learn about: code requirements, using a tenant broker; understanding the relationship between the broker, lessee and lessor; lease terms, letter of intent, exclusivity, triple net leases, and common area maintenance; sections of …
NEW at Havana BID
Welcome Chance Horiuchi! The Havana Business Improvement District (BID) Board has hired Chance Horiuchi for the executive director in-training position. Chance will be training under current Havana BID Executive Director, Gayle Jetchick, for a full year to learn the ropes before taking over as ED in April of 2019. Gayle can then semi-retire and drop back to part-time or help with specific projects only. For the past six years, Chance worked as the Director of Business …
