National Small Business Week is an annual opportunity to celebrate small businesses, access resources and network with peers. Started by the Small Business Administration (SBA), the celebration this year will be focused on resilience and renewal. The SBA will be hosting free, virtual events throughout the week for business owners to meet and get expert advice.
#ShopLocalColorado
When we support local small businesses, we are creating jobs, allowing buying power for local workers and reinforcing a more active economy.
Colorado is home to over 653,000 small businesses accounting for about 99.5% of all Colorado businesses. Our small businesses demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic of those who call our state home. These small businesses employ 1.1 million Coloradans.
To help us celebrate and support our Colorado small businesses, use our #ShopLocalColorado toolkit. This toolkit is updated monthly to highlight various industries and holidays, creating opportunities to shop your local small businesses. You can interact with the toolkit by using the social media copy on your own business and personal channels. If you would like to be featured in a future Shop Local blog, complete our submission form.
Small Business Development Center network
The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network helps small businesses achieve their goals by providing free, confidential consulting and low or no-cost training programs across the state.
We encourage small businesses to find their local SBDC for technical assistance or to sign up for workshops and events. It’s easy and painless to find your local SBDC. Visit the SBDC website and hover over the map to find your local center.
The SBDCs can train you in topics including marketing, business planning, financial assistance, loan packaging, contracts, certifications and many more topics. Explore consulting topics to learn more.
Small business resources
In addition to our SBDC network, our office offers many programs and opportunities that are specifically designed for small businesses. To access programs, funding and other resources, visit our programs and funding directory and check “small business assistance” to find resources designed for you.
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade also manages two business directories that connect buyers with businesses. If you are a good fit for the Minority Business Office directory or Outdoor Recreation Industry directory, please sign up now.
Join the #SmallBusinessWeek campaign
To further engage with Small Business Week, please use the hashtag #SmallBusinessWeek and #ShopLocalColorado to support Colorado small businesses and help their voices be heard.
View the Governor's proclamation for Small Business Week.
View the Small Business Week PSAs
*photo credit to fill & refill, dedicated to reducing single-use plastic waste with sustainable bath, body and home products for a low-waste life. fill & refill is a client of the Small Business Development Center network.