AURORA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has recognized the Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as this year’s winner of the SBDC Excellence and Innovation Center award. The center is being recognized for its pivotal role in driving economic growth in Colorado and fostering the spirit, support and success of the state’s entrepreneurs and innovators.

Supporting and growing small businesses across Colorado

Today, Governor Polis and the Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced Coal Transition Community funding to establish a Northwest Small Business Development Center (SBDC) satellite office in northwest Colorado. The new office will serve Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt counties, supporting the creation and growth of small businesses as local communities look to diversify their economies and create new jobs.

Today, the Cannabis Business Office (CBO) within the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced the first recipients of Colorado’s Cannabis Business Loan Program, implemented in partnership with mission-based lender NuProject. These landmark loans will help social equity licensed cannabis businesses expand operations, increase revenues and retain or create new jobs.  

The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT), announced today that Adams State University has been selected as the new host for the San Luis Valley SBDC. 

Today, Governor Polis and the Business Support division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced the 40 recipients of the digital marketing grant that is distributed through the Small Business Accelerated Growth Program. This grant awards small businesses in Colorado $5,000 to help business owners across the state establish an online presence with a focus on social media and website best practices. 

Today, the Polis Administration and the Colorado Employee Ownership Office, housed within the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), announced four new businesses transitioning to employee-ownership with the help of the Employee Ownership Office including Idaho Springs’ Beau Jo’s Pizza. These conversions are part of a growing trend of employee-ownership in Colorado and continue the work of the Polis Administration to save businesses money while ensuring that everyone can benefit when a business thrives. 

Today, the Cannabis Business Office (CBO) within the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced 27 businesses selected to receive the CBO’s Cannabis Business Grant. Launched in 2022 as a pilot program, the Cannabis Business Grant has been continued to support the ongoing growth of Colorado’s small cannabis businesses and foster equity and diversity within the state’s cannabis industry.