Small businesses drive Colorado's economy. With over 730,000 small businesses employing between 1 and 500 workers, they account for 99.5% of all businesses statewide. These small businesses are the backbone of our economy, employing 1.2 million people and accounting for nearly half of Colorado’s total workforce. The economic power of small businesses is undeniable, with small manufacturers alone generating $3.9 billion in annual wages.
OEDIT hosts the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) which supports up to 20,000 small businesses of all sizes and across every industry each year. The Colorado SBDC delivers impactful, low- to no-cost business advising, training, and essential connections to ensure business owners have the resources to succeed. In 2025 alone, the Colorado SBDC advised 10,944 clients and 13,230 attended training programs.
Let’s explore the Colorado SBDC’s statewide impact in 2025.
$75 Million in Capital Secured for Small Businesses
The Colorado SBDC provides strategic guidance to help entrepreneurs secure loans, find investors, and conduct financial planning. In Fort Morgan, Michael Blecha launched AnywhereCam to provide reliable, remote surveillance solutions for rural communities. Working with the Colorado SBDC serving East Colorado, his team utilized LivePlan software and worked with an advisor to build financial models and an investor-ready pitch deck. With this strong foundation, AnywhereCam successfully raised $750,000 in seed funding to pursue full-scale operations and product development.
385 Businesses Successfully Launched
In 2025, the Colorado SBDC helped 385 new businesses launch across the state, guiding entrepreneurs through the essentials of launching and growing a successful business.
Creating and Retaining over 1,550 Jobs
The Colorado SBDC serves all 64 counties in Colorado and this statewide impact helped create and retain over 1,550 jobs by providing the guidance and tools to navigate and maintain a stable workforce.
Gabriela Jacobo founded El Alba Cooperative in Aurora, a commissary kitchen designed to serve as a launchpad for local food entrepreneurs. With strategic mentorship from the Colorado SBDC in Aurora-South Metro, the cooperative secured vital funding and successfully retained local jobs.
Increased Sales of $31 Million
By combining strategic advice with expert marketing support, the Colorado SBDC helps small businesses refine their brand and drive sales growth, including guidance for digital marketing and e-commerce strategies to build a strong online presence.
In Pueblo, Rob Brazil, owner of Brazil Beef, needed new tools to grow his grass-fed beef business beyond word-of-mouth. The Colorado SBDC in Southern Colorado connected him with an advisor to build a website, refine his marketing strategy, and implement electronic invoicing. This digital transformation increased his visibility, converting his sales from one new customer every few months to consistent weekly inquiries.
13,230 Attendees Gain Essential Business Skills
The Colorado SBDC offers both virtual and in-person workshops and courses for entrepreneurs and small businesses to refine and develop operational skills. Courses like the Leading Edge workshop series guides clients through the creation of comprehensive marketing, operations, and financial plans.
Terry Breheny, founder of Ohm on the Range, Ltd. in Golden, enrolled in the Leading Edge course to turn his passion for electric vehicles into a scalable business. The structured curriculum and support from the Colorado SBDC serving North Metro Denver helped him shift his perspective and develop a dynamic business plan outlining scalable opportunities.
To explore more on how the Colorado SBDC is supporting small businesses across the state, visit the Colorado SBDC’s website.