Across Colorado, manufacturers employ over 150,000 people and contribute over $21 million to the economy. Nearly 6,000 manufacturers across the electronics, energy, aerospace, biomedical, and food and beverage sectors are advancing their industries with new technology developments.
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 Colorado 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 since 1987. 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 manufacturers supported by the Colorado SBDC.
Committed to responsible waste services in Saguache, Colorado, Conley Waste Management sought support to navigate changing truck costs and labor market. They reached out to the Colorado SBDC located in the San Luis Valley for guidance.
Experts worked with Conley Waste Management to identify grant opportunities for their company, ultimately discovering two business grants for their needs. This financial support enabled Conley Waste to expand, diversify efforts in renewable energy, and continue to serve as a strong community partner.
“The (Colorado) SBDC is an excellent business aid as they have a variety of management and technical assistance to meet the growing needs of businesses in 2025. We’re happy to be a client and look forward to utilizing the service for future grant related opportunities,” said Elvie Ray Conley, Founder & CEO and Elvie Ray Conley, Jr. M.A., COO.
In addition to support from the Colorado SBDC, Conley Waste Management also tapped into the CLIMBER Loan Fund, an OEDIT program that provides working capital to small businesses across the state. Conley Waste received a five-year loan to support their day-to-day operations, business resiliency and job retention.
Flora Materials is a biomaterials company dedicated to a more sustainable future for the construction industry and planet. The company uses bio-based alternatives such as algae to manufacture building materials and reduce environmental waste.
Flora Materials serves as the research and biomaterials development lab within West 40 Studio—a full-service architecture and design firm in Carbondale, Colorado. This partnership between materials scientists, engineers, and designers helps advance sustainability in the construction industry.
Owner Natalie York worked with the Colorado SBDC in Boulder County to apply for the TechVenture Accelerator. This 10-part series is designed to support the growth of emerging Boulder-based science and technology companies. It focuses on non-dilutive capital sources and transforming new technologies into businesses. Natalie credits this program with giving her the confidence to move forward with developing her algae-based flooring solution.
“Everyone I’ve reached out to working at (Colorado) SBDC has been so helpful and supportive and wants me to succeed as a small business here in Colorado,” she said.
Kenny’s Flamen Steel
High school entrepreneur Kenneth Zittel wanted to launch a business after crafting a project during shop class. His project, the ARC SKATE, is a portable device used to support a welder’s forearm while cutting and welding, helping to reduce strain and create more even cuts.
As a young entrepreneur, Kenneth had to balance full-time studies and a part-time job in addition to building his business. To advance his business knowledge, he enrolled in the Future CEO Summer Camp facilitated by the Colorado SBDC in Southern Colorado. This program paired Kenneth with mentors who offered guidance on business fundamentals and how to register a minor-owned business. Colorado SBDC Advisor, Kurt Madic, also helped Kenneth secure a provisional patent for the ARC SKATE, protecting his design.
“It's important to have other people believe in you and your dream, the (Colorado) SBDC does that!” said Kenneth.
Manufacturers 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. For additional state and federal manufacturing resources, visit the Colorado SBDC’s Manufacturing Resources page.