How the Colorado SBDC network empowers Colorado's entrepreneurs at every stage of the business journey
Last year, the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network supported over 13,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses, helped launch more than 450 new businesses, created and retained over 3,300 jobs, and increased sales at small businesses by over $81 million. The SBDC also helped the state’s small businesses access over $120 million in funding.
That’s why we are excited to see the East Colorado SBDC add a new satellite office in Lamar, expanding their reach across the eastern plains with access to no- or low-cost advising, training, and workshops.
Among the entrepreneurs supported by the East Colorado SBDC, Gloria and Blanca Mosqueda brought their passion for desserts to Fort Morgan when they founded Mosqueda Delicacies Ice Cream & More in 2016. The SBDC's East Colorado Business Advisor, Merle Rhoades, provided vital support to help them launch the business, guiding them through zoning, strategic planning, financial analysis, and marketing.
Four years later, during the pandemic, the Colorado SBDC assisted them in securing grants and conducted a financial analysis that helped them realize they could preserve the business rather than sell. This support, combined with a feature on HGTV’s "Home Town Take Over," transformed Mosqueda Delicacies Ice Cream & More into a thriving destination, demonstrating how the Colorado SBDC can help small entrepreneurs navigate challenges and achieve success.
“The guidance from the SBDC has been the cherry on top of our success sundae—thank you for helping our dreams scoop higher,” said co-owners Gloria and Blanca Mosqueda.
With 14 Service Centers and more than 25 satellite offices across the state, the Colorado SBDC network is readily accessible statewide. In western Colorado, Chef Safari's African Fusion is a Durango food truck that serves authentic African cuisine. Chef and owner, Arnold Safari, began his culinary journey in Kenya's most prestigious resorts, and he has since honed his skills in Germany, Sweden, Sardinia, Barcelona, Zanzibar, and the United States.
When Chef Safari decided to pursue his entrepreneurial dream, he worked with the Southwest Colorado SBDC to open a food service establishment. Through QuickBooks workshops and a 12-week Leading Edge program, composed of courses geared to help both start-up and existing businesses in the areas of finance, marketing, management and more, he gained crucial business acumen. The Colorado SBDC also provided Chef Safari with guidance on cash flow management, financial projections, and the intricacies of forming his LLC, while facilitating a pivotal GoFundMe campaign.
“The SBDC helped me put together my business plan and financial projects when I was first starting out. They are the first place I go when I need help with my business now,” said Chef Safari.
In 2023, Chef Safari's African Fusion opened as a food truck at the Ska Brewing World headquarters in Durango. Thanks to the Colorado SBDC's unwavering support and Chef Safari's dedication, his business continues to thrive, delighting customers with authentic African cuisine and his infectious warmth.
From helping small businesses get started, like Chef Safari's African Fusion, to providing ongoing support during challenging times, as with Mosqueda Delicacies Ice Cream & More during the pandemic, the Colorado SBDC is a trusted and steadfast partner at all stages of the business journey. Through many programs like Leading Edge, the SBDC equips businesses with the tools and training needed to cultivate a skilled workforce, stay competitive, and ultimately thrive. The SBDC's dedication to fostering a stronger business environment makes it a cornerstone of Colorado's economic landscape.