The Southern Colorado Economic Development District has launched a new program, Scale Up Your Business with SCEDD.
Potential participants can apply for the program via the SCEDD website, SCEDD.com. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Jan. 3.
“This unique opportunity provides small business owners with training and resources that are critical to establishing their business and developing their customer base, thus positioning them for future success,” said Leslie Mastroianni, executive director of the Southern Colorado Economic Development District.
During the two-year program, participants will participate in a regional small business incubator program and access business development resources including support, education, virtual workshops and networking and mentoring opportunities. Scale Up Your Business will include in-person and virtual programming.
“Our two (in-person) sites are going to be somewhere in Chaffee County and then probably Lamar or somewhere in Prowers County,” Mastroianni said. “We’re kind of touching the corners of our vast region.”
All are invited to apply, regardless of which county they live in. Scale Up Your Business is funded by the Rural Business Development Grant.
“Our emphasis is on existing businesses who have their feet wet,” Mastroianni said. “Now, it’s like, ‘OK, I need more help with this.’ … That’s a gap that’s missing.”
This program will also allow business owners to assess the market, solidify their business plan and develop a competitive advantage with the benefit of real-time experience.
“I think we’ll just keep going after our initial debut,” Mastroianni said. “We have local businesses that are more than willing to share what they know and what they’ve been through with these new businesses.”
For more information, contact Mastroianni at [email protected] or 815-238-3929.
“Spots are limited,” Mastroianni said. “That way we can give the businesses the best that we can and give them the personalized attention they deserve.”
SCEDD supports the economic development efforts of 13 counties in southern Colorado – Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Lake, Las Animas, Otero, Pueblo and Prowers.