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Virtual Small Business Accelerator Program
"Even experienced business owners can learn something new in this immersive course."
This 12-week LEADING EDGE™ series is designed to aid small business owners in starting, diversifying or improving their business. Utilizing critically acclaimed and SBDC Leading Edge™ endorsed curriculum "6 Week Start-Up" by Rhonda Abrams, alongside Harvard Business School-style roundtable discussions. The Virtual Small Business Accelerator Program is an intensive curriculum meant to prepare small business owners to overcome any challenges you may encounter, from developing your basic business plan to Opening Day!
Topics of Study Include:
Clarifying your business concept
Creating a corporate identity
Legal and licensing matters
Building your team structure
Establishing your network
Finding a location
Product distribution
Money matters and financing
Conducting market and competitor research
Developing your markeing plan
Finding suppliers and strategic partners
Establishing an online presence
Planning your Opening Day!!!
Upcoming Course Schedules:
Every Thursday
May 27 - August 12, 2021
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Stay Tuned for Fall 2021 Dates!
Accelerating SECO Small Businesses for Long Term Stability!
Over the past year, SECO SBDC has been collaborating with the BCDF and SECO SBI organizations to bring a unique opportunity to the small business leaders of southeast Colorado. The organization’s leaders saw a need in the area to quickly and effectively launch new business ideas and locally-owned small businesses to become better prepared for long-term success. According to LendingTree, “… data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows about 20% of U.S. small businesses fail within the first year. By the end of their fifth year, roughly 50% have faltered. After 10 years, only around a third of businesses have survived.”
The Small Business Accelerator Program plans on changing these statistics for the better. By the end of 2020 there were 18 graduates of the program from various industries such as beauty, agriculture, marketing, tourism, antiques, and more! Current participants are eager to organize their financial records, create business plans, and learn how to identify their target markets for increased business success.
This 12-week LEADING EDGE™ series is designed to aid small business owners in starting, diversifying, or improving their business. Utilizing critically acclaimed and SBDC endorsed curriculum "6-Week Start-Up" by Rhonda Abrams, alongside Harvard Business School-style Roundtable discussions, the Small Business Accelerator Program is an intensive curriculum meant to prepare small business owners to overcome any challenges they may encounter, from developing your basic business concept to opening day.
The next program rotation runs every Thursday from May 27th - August 12th, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm (MST). At the end of each rotation, participants that have completed the program are eligible to win a business computer giveaway valued at $2,500!
For more information about the Leading Edge: 12-Week Virtual Small Business
Accelerator Program, please contact:
Mary Ward
SECO SBI Administrator
(719)-456-0452
seco.sbi@gmail.com
Mary’s background includes:
● Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)● Oilfield accounting services● Dairy management● Veterinary Technician services● Bovine and Equine reproduction services● 5S Training – Lean manufacturing tool● Beef Fabrication & Packaging Management● Commercial Property Management (office, medical, retail, and industrial)● Commercial Facility Management● Yardi accounting processes (commercial office, medical, retail, and industrial)● Real Estate Legal Contracts● Vendor legal contract creation & implementation for HVAC systems, elevator, fire-safety systems, landscaping, snow removal, electrical, plumbing, pest control, and electric car-charging station needs
Mary is currently the Administrator for the Southeast Colorado Small Business Incubator, currently housed at the Bent County Development Foundation office in Las Animas, CO. She is a Colorado native with a diverse business background. She spent her younger years growing up on cattle ranches in Kiowa and Prowers counties, immersing herself in leadership roles within 4H, FFA, and the Colorado Junior Cattlemen’s Association. Her first place of employment “off the ranch” was a locally owned custom meat processing business that served the Lower Arkansas Valley. She worked as a Soil Conservation Technician for the NRCS office in Las Animas, CO while attending Lamar Community College, before attending Colorado State University. Mary’s diverse work experiences include the dairy, beef, and equine animal science sectors, oilfield accounting, and facilities management for commercial real estate. She is currently working on obtaining UC San Diego Extension’s Professional Certificate in Facilities Management, recognized by the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA).
Mary recently relocated to Bent County, Colorado to be closer to the rural community she calls home. She is excited to be a part of helping small businesses endure and grow in the area, and aid economic growth throughout the Lower Arkansas Valley region.
The Virtual Small Business Accelerator Program is presented by the Southeast Colorado Small Business Incubator, sponsored by Bent County Development Foundation, Southeast Colorado SBDC and Colorado SBDC Leading Edge™. Curriculum created in collaboration with SECO SBI.
