Denver Metro Small Business Development Center

10/01/2026

LEADING EDGE™ for Startups is a 6-week business development course for pre-venture and early-stage startup business owners. The program is a combination of virtual group sessions, interactive learning exercises, and conversations with subject experts. By the end of the course, you will have laid the foundational groundwork of a business plan to use as a roadmap going forward. Starts Wednesday, October 7.

More information and registration: https://socgov38.my.site.com/ColoradoSBDC/s/event-function?language=en_US&c__recordId=a0HV100000Bek8gMAB

09/28/2026

WIN $25,000 IN AI DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT!

Need help with your business?
Financial management?
Operations and Workflow?
Update your marketing plan?
Improve customer experience?
Create a website?
You name it!

This is your chance to PITCH THE PROBLEM - to win $25,000 in AI Assistance to SOLVE THE PROBLEM!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjlY14pKCWlgu5mB-5e0u3DIlNhieuJeBnNysSG1sutmaIzw/viewform?usp=header

09/25/2026

LAST CALL FOR TROUT TANK PITCH ACCELERATOR - Full Scholarships Available

Learn what the Lenders are looking for.
· Get Your Financials Ready for Prime Time.
· Create a Pitch Deck.
· Sharpen your pitch skills with coaching from Professional Communicators.
· Build connections with fellow entrepreneurs.

https://socgov38.my.site.com/ColoradoSBDC/s/event-function?language=en_US&c__recordId=a0HV1000008HJHmMAO

09/15/2026

Small Business Roundtable - ACQUISITIONS & THE SILVER TSUNAMI

Wednesday, September 16 • 9 AM - 1 PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-business-roundtable-acquisitions-the-silver-tsunami-tickets-1998406542765?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

How to Acquire a Business: Learn what to look for when evaluating a business for purchase, how to approach the acquisition process, and what buyers need to consider before making an offer.

Expanding Through Acquisitions: Explore how acquiring an existing business can become a strategic growth opportunity—from expanding your customer base and entering new markets to adding capabilities and increasing revenue.

Accessing Capital to Buy a Business: Gain insight into the financing options and capital considerations involved in acquiring a business, including what lenders and other capital providers look for when evaluating potential buyers.

09/10/2026

09/08/2026

Scholarships available!

The 2026 Trout Tank Pitch Accelerator is a 6-week intensive designed to help Colorado entrepreneurs refine their financials, build a 5-minute winning deck, and pitch for a $2,500 Grand Prize!

A limited number of scholarships available. For more information, eligibility, and application email Christopher at [email protected]

Learn what lenders and investors actually look for.
Refine your storytelling with professional communicators.
Move past basic numbers to high-level financial models.

Dates: Sept 29 – Nov 12, 2026 (Tuesdays, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Location: Red Rocks Community College (Lakewood, CO)
Cost: $500
To Apply: . Email Christopher Goetz at [email protected].
Space is strictly limited

09/06/2026

LEADING EDGE™ for Startups is a 6-week business development course for pre-venture and early-stage startup business owners. The program is a combination of virtual group sessions, interactive learning exercises, and conversations with subject experts. By the end of the course, you will have laid the foundational groundwork of a business plan to use as a roadmap going forward.

Starts Wednesday, October 7. More information and registration: https://socgov38.my.site.com/ColoradoSBDC/s/event-function?language=en_US&c__recordId=a0HV100000Bek8gMAB

08/31/2026

Leading Edge for Startups - 6 week program - starts October 7th.

For more information and to register for our flagship program: https://socgov38.my.site.com/ColoradoSBDC/s/event-function?language=en_US&c__recordId=a0HV100000Bek8gMAB

08/28/2026

The 2026 Trout Tank Pitch Accelerator transforms your vision into a winning 5-minute pitch in just 6 weeks. Get expert coaching, build a professional pitch deck, and get a chance to win $2,500.

Master Your Pitch: Learn financial modeling, storytelling, and investor strategy.

The Grand Prize: Compete for $2,500!

When & Where: Tuesdays starting Sept 29 at Red Rocks Community College.

Who should apply? Colorado startups and businesses seeking funding with an MVP, business plan, or early traction. Spots are limited!

Registration: https://socgov38.my.site.com/ColoradoSBDC/s/event-function?language=en_US&c__recordId=a0HV1000008HJHmMAO

For scholarship application email [email protected].

08/28/2026

Big news for Colorado’s small business community! 🎉

We are proud to introduce the 2026–2028 Colorado SBDC Advisory Board! Composed of eight incredible business leaders, ecosystem builders, and industry experts from across the state, this team brings decades of experience to our organization.

Their expertise will guide the Colorado SBDC as we continue innovating to help local businesses start up, scale, and thrive.
Please help us welcome our new advisory board members:

🔹 Wendy Lea-Co-Founder, Energize Colorado
🔹 Simone Morrison-CEO, Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce
🔹 Cory Finney-Managing Partner, Howdy Partners
🔹 Laura Rubio-Founder, Renata Rubio Silver
🔹 Jenifer Waller-President & CEO, Colorado Bankers Association
🔹 Eric Lazzari-Executive Director, Civic Center Conservancy
🔹 Jice Johnson-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, BBI Professional Services
🔹 Lisa Hudson-Business Community Partnerships Administrator, Greeley/Evans School District 6 Administrative Offices, Greeley, Colorado

These board members will work closely with Hannah Krieger, Colorado SBDC State Director.

Visit sbdc.colorado.gov to learn more.