Across Colorado, the restaurant industry employs over 303,000 people and contributes over $20 billion to our state’s economy. Sixty-nine percent of those restaurants are independently owned, and four out of five restaurant owners say their first restaurant job was an entry-level position.
Colorado is also home to a thriving small business ecosystem, with small businesses contributing to significant job growth and new businesses in the state. As of 2024, over 715,000 small businesses operate in Colorado, employing 1.1 million people—nearly half of the state’s employees.
To help support small businesses, the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is the state’s only nationally accredited business resource providing confidential, one-on-one no- or low-cost business support. With 14 regional service centers, over 25 satellite offices, and approximately 300 business experts, the Colorado SBDC delivers impactful business advising, actionable training and essential connections to community and state partners and resources.
Here’s a look at three restaurants supported by the Colorado SBDC last year.
A local cafe serving drinks, sandwiches and treats in Fort Collins, Cups Community Coffee found support through the Colorado SBDC in Larimer County. After an ownership change during the pandemic, new owner Amy Snider sought guidance to ensure long-term success and growth for her business.
Amy received comprehensive advising, strategic planning, and financial management from the Colorado SBDC. They also assisted in refining the company’s QuickBooks, streamlining the cafe's financial management. Ultimately, this continued guidance allowed Amy to expand services, such as catering, and explore new opportunities.
“I found the reconnection with the (Colorado) SBDC to be just what I needed to feel the support, have accountability, and get advice and resources to propel me forward,” said Amy.
A pioneer in Denver’s food scene, Konjo Ethiopian Food began as Denver’s first Ethiopian catering company in 2008. Later in 2015, owner Fetien Gebre-Michael launched The Ethiopian Food Truck and soon her culinary vision expanded to opening a restaurant.
The Colorado SBDC in the Denver Metro region supported Fetien’s vision with in-depth market analysis, a revenue model, and detailed financial projections. This guidance helped demonstrate Konjo's potential to investors. Konjo Ethiopian Food opened in 2019 within the Edgewater Public Market and the restaurant now thrives in the city’s culinary landscape.
“The (Colorado) SBDC was an integral part of our success. They gave us the tools and the confidence we needed to execute our vision,” said Fetien.
Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub serves the Salida, Colorado community hand-tossed pizzas, brewed beer and handmade sodas. Owners Kyle and Brenna Buskist reached out to the Colorado SBDC in the Central Mountain region for guidance navigating COVID-19’s impact on the restaurant industry.
Experts at the Colorado SBDC provided strategic planning, profit and margin analysis, and assisted with a successful partnership buyout for their business. With this transition, Mountain Pizza & Brewpub retained 60 jobs and continues to support their community through fundraising and donations to local programs.
Restaurants interested in exploring similar resources can visit the Colorado SBDC’s website to set up an appointment with an advisor, explore online classes or sign up for a business training or event.