The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) has named Nikki Maloney Director of Business Support. This position is instrumental in supporting small businesses throughout the state to prosper as a critical part of Colorado’s economy.
Maloney first joined OEDIT in 2019 to advance the development of the Employee Ownership Commission and Office that was created by Executive Order of Governor Polis. In 2021 Maloney was promoted to Deputy Director of the Business Support Division, then interim Director (Feb 2022) and now Director of the Business Support Division.
“Small businesses are the engine of our state economy. In Colorado 99.5% of all businesses are small businesses employing over one million Coloradans,” said Maloney. “As a former business owner, it’s an honor to serve in this capacity to advance the growth and impact of our business community on the state’s Gross Domestic Product. The role that small businesses play in all of our lives is something to be celebrated and I’m thrilled to continue to lead and work alongside a passionate team dedicated to helping Colorado’s diverse business community thrive.”
The Business Support Division provides technical and financial assistance to Colorado business owners and entrepreneurs to grow and advance their businesses through no or low cost consulting and access-to-capital programs offered through the Small Business Development Center Network, the Minority Business Office, the Employee Ownership Office and the Cannabis Business Office.
“In my capacity as former Chair and sitting Commissioner on the Colorado Employee Ownership Commission, I have worked with Maloney for the last 2.5 years. Maloney has been one of the most effective, action oriented and professional members of state government with whom I have ever had the pleasure of collaborating with,” said Jason Wiener, President of Jason Wiener, PC.
During her time at OEDIT, Maloney has worked tirelessly to help Colorado’s small businesses navigate the pandemic. Maloney and the Business Support team have created pathways for Colorado business owners to understand, explore and pursue employee-owned business structures as a way to provide for themselves, their employees and their communities even after they exit their businesses. In the past two years, they’ve assisted over 40 Colorado businesses add an employee ownership structure to their operations, equating to more than 1,100 Colorado employee owners.
“Maloney has had a tremendous, positive impact on the small business community of Colorado. Under her leadership, OEDIT’s Business Support team has put in place invaluable resources that have enabled small businesses and entrepreneurs to meet the challenges of the last few years and will no doubt help them thrive in the years to come. We are thrilled to have her as our Director of Business Support,” said OEDIT Executive Director Patrick Meyers.
In 2020, Maloney was recognized by Governor Polis as the Public Servant of the Year in recognition of the initiatives she led at OEDIT assisting businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maloney and her team also received the Small Business Administration Colorado District Office Diamond Award for activating a Business Support Hotline during the pandemic as well as the Colorado Lawyers Committee Pandemic Heroes Award. The latter came in recognition of their efforts to launch the Colorado COVID Legal Relief Program in partnership with the Attorney General’s Office, Colorado Lawyers Committee and the legal community.
Connie Talmage, Executive Director of the Colorado Lawyers Committee offered these insights into working with Maloney: “Nikki Maloney’s commitment to the recovery and success of small businesses is unparalleled—on numerous occasions when others suggested a referral to a bankruptcy attorney, Maloney was adamant that we consider alternative referrals that would increase the business’s chances for recovery. Maloney spent countless hours reviewing applications and making recommendations for the appropriate services to assist the small businesses. As one of the two non-lawyers on the Steering Committee, Maloney’s performance and insights were essential.”
Prior to joining OEDIT, Maloney was a manufacturing business owner operating in Denver, Colorado in the outdoor recreation space. She understands the stresses and challenges business owners face. Maloney also worked at the Denver Office of Economic Development & International Trade and at CH2M Hill where she created and managed the Colorado Environmental Business Alliance (CEBA) and the Strategic Environmental Project Pipeline (StEPP) Foundation.
A graduate of the University of Denver, School of Public Policy, Maloney is married with two college-aged children and enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending live music events and art exhibitions.
Maloney’s promotion to Director took effect in June of 2022.
About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the state’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Cannabis Business Office; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; Employee Ownership Office; and Rural Opportunity Office. Learn more at oedit.colorado.gov.
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