Governor Proclaims March 22 as Small Business Development Day
Denver, CO (March 20, 2017) - Business has changed dramatically over the last 30 years, and theColorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network has been there throughout. Since 1987, Colorado's SBDC- the only statewide program of its kind -has helped aspiring and emerging small business owners achieve the American dream of entrepreneurship.
With nearly 70 locations across the state, the Colorado SBDC Network provides local businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources needed to succeed. In 2016, Colorado's SBDCs provided 12,000 hours of consulting to 6,236 client businesses, resulting in 3,770 jobs created; $95 million in sales growth; $122 million in capital investments; and 451 new businesses started.
To celebrate the collective impact and success the SBDC has had across the state and in local communities each year, Colorado is participating in the first national SBDC Day on March 22. SBDC Day is a national movement to help share the small business success stories and notable impact SBDCs have fostered in communities nationwide.
"For the past 30 years, the SBDC has worked to make Colorado a nationwide leader in job creation and small business growth," said director of the Colorado SDBC Network, Kelly Manning. "We are very proud of the work we have accomplished. Small business is the backbone of Colorado's economy."
Colorado's SBDC is the only SBDC program in the nation housed within the Governor's office and is one of only a handful of programs nationally accredited in technology development. It provides free, confidential consulting and no- or low-cost training programs and workshops.
"We are continually helping businesses bring new ideas and technologies to market and further escalating Colorado's innovative spirit," Manning said. "Our SBDC Network team of more than 250 staff and certified business consultants work in partnership to provide entrepreneurs with crucial information that can mean the difference between success and failure. "
Over 560,000 small businesses employ over 1 million people in Colorado.
"Our experts assist small businesses in every county throughout Colorado to create and retain jobs, increase sales, secure contracts and infuse capital into the economy," Manning added.
The day will include a Governor's Proclamation proclaiming March 22 as Small Business Development Day. The Proclamation will be read by Stephanie Copeland, executive director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), on the steps of the Capitol.
"We are thrilled to see SBDCs around the country working together to celebrate their clients and showcase the work they do for America's small businesses," said Charles "Tee" Rowe, America's SBDC President & CEO. "SBDC clients see an average job growth of 15.5 percent versus the national job growth average of just 1.9 percent. There is no denying the impact SBDCs have on the success of the small businesses in their communities and their local economies."
"SBDC Day is more than a one-day event," said Michael W. Myhre, America's SBDC Board Chairman. "By celebrating small businesses and supporting SBDCs on SBDC Day and year-round, everyone can play a part in strengthening our nation's economy."
To learn more about Colorado's SBDC network visit www.coloradosbdc.org, or to learn more about SBDC Day, and to join the movement, visit www.AmericasSBDC.org/SBDCDay.