Region 10 Colorado

USPTO Trademark Boot Camp
2023-10-05 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Denver) | Region 10 Offices, 145 S Cascade, Montrose, CO, 81401, United States
Learn best practices to protect your ideas, grow your business, and protect your brand.

Join a trademark attorney from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a one-day Trademarks Boot Camp. This in-person, single-day workshop covers:
-Fundamentals of Trademarks (trademarks & intellectual property, benefits of federal registration, selecting a trademark, likelihood of trademark confusion, strength of the trademark)
-Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) Basics (word and design mark searches)
-Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) Basics (application requirements for drawings, identifications of goods and services, filing basis, and specimens) and demonstration
-Responding to an Office Action (timeframes and deadlines, office action basics, and tips for successful response)
-Keeping Your Registration Alive (required post-registration filings)
-How to Find Help

Lunch is available for $15 per person. Please make your lunch reservation here: www.region10.net/uspto-lunch-reservation

USPTO Trademark Bootcamp
with a USPTO trademark attorney
Thursday, October 5, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
in person, no cost (+$15 for lunch)
REGISTER TODAY!

Caregiver Summit | October 6, 2023
2023-10-06 13:00 - 16:30 | Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive, Montrose, CO, 81401, United States

How to Start a Mobile Food Businesses in Western CO: Design, Workflow, and Operations (part 3 of 4)
2023-10-06 16:00 - 18:00 | The Business Cultivator, 300 Hap Court, Olathe, CO, 81425, United States
This month’s first Foodie Friday is the third in a four-part series covering everything you need to know to start a mobile food business in Western Colorado. Cost is $25 or $45 for the full series.
To join the entire series, register here: How to Start a Mobile Food Business in Western Colorado – Four-part series
For this session we will be meeting in person only at the Business Cultivator in Olathe (300 Hap Ct) where Joseph Kean of Homestead Hut will be setting up his mobile food trailer for a demo. We will discuss how to design or shop for a mobile food unit that meets all of the necessary requirements in Colorado as well as how to plan out day to day operations in the unit and create a workflow including:
*Staffing workflow
*Equipment
*Power
*Waste disposal
*Food storage
*Approved food sources
Mobile food businesses are unique in that they can do business in multiple cities, counties, and even states. But how do you make sure you have all of the necessary operating licenses and are accurately remitting sales taxes for each location? In this session, Joseph Kean, industry consultant and owner of the Homestead Hut mobile food trailer, and Callie Koch, West Central SBDC program coordinator, will discuss licensing and answer questions about how to stay on top of all of the requirements. This webinar is open to the public. Cost is $25 or $45 for the full series. Pre-registration is required.
Not only are food trucks and mobile food units trending in the food industry offering unique and creative concepts and the ability to bring products to target markets rather than waiting for customers to come to a brick and mortar, they also allow startup food businesses to launch an idea with lower overhead costs and test products in a variety of markets.
For this comprehensive workshop series the West Central SBDC is partnering with Joseph Kean, an industry consultant and owner of Homestead Hut, a mobile food unit in Gunnison. Joseph designed his food trailer from the ground up to meet all regulatory requirements and to be a versatile unit that can be utilized by other food businesses and chefs and as an educational tool for helping people understand how to build an optimal mobile food business.
In this four-part series, we will explore all aspects of starting and operating a mobile food business in Western Colorado covering these topics and much more!

Speaker(s): Joseph Kean, Homestead Hut Callie Koch, West Central SBDC James Lammers, The Business Cultivator

How to Start a Mobile Food Business in Western Colorado (part 3 of 4)
with Joseph Kean, Callie Koch, and James Lammers
Friday, October 6, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
in person, $25
REGISTER TODAY!

How to Start a Mobile Food Business in Western CO: Menu and Operations Planning (part 4 of 4)
2023-10-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Online, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401
This month’s Foodie Friday is the final session in a four part series covering everything you need to know to start a mobile food business in Western Colorado.
In this session we will follow up on the previous in person demo to further discuss how to create an optimal menu for your business concept that works within the confines of a mobile food unit as well as further considerations for day to day operations.
This online webinar is facilitated by Joseph Kean of Homestead Hut, Callie Koch of the West Central SBDC, and James Lammers of The Business Cultivator. This webinar is open to the public. Cost is $15 or $45 for the full series. Pre-registration is required.
Follow this link to register for the entire series: How to Start a Mobile Food Business in Western Colorado – Four-part series
Not only are food trucks and mobile food units trending in the food industry offering unique and creative concepts and the ability to bring products to target markets rather than waiting for customers to come to a brick and mortar, they also allow startup food businesses to launch an idea with lower overhead costs and test it in a variety of markets.
For this comprehensive workshop series the West Central SBDC is partnering with Joseph Kean, an industry consultant and owner of Homestead Hut, a mobile food unit in Gunnison. Joseph designed his food trailer from the ground up to meet all regulatory requirements and to be a versatile unit that can be utilized by other food businesses and chefs and as an educational tool for helping people understand how to build an optimal mobile food business.
In this four-part series, we will explore all aspects of starting and operating a mobile food business in Western Colorado covering these topics and much more

Speaker(s): Joseph Kean, Homestead Hut Callie Koch, West Central SBDC James Lammers, The Business Cultivator
How to Start a Mobile Food Business in Western Colorado (part 4 of 4)
with Joseph Kean, Callie Koch, and James Lammers
Friday, October 20, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Online, $15
REGISTER TODAY!

Business Plan In A Day!
2023-10-25 09:00 - 17:00 | Region 10 Offices, 145 S Cascade, Montrose, CO, 81401, United States
A business plan can help you get funding, bring in new business partners, or serve as a roadmap for each stage of starting and managing your business. During this full-day class, we will guide you in creating your own business plan. We will cover all the elements of writing a plan including the executive summary, company description, market analysis, competitive analysis, S.W.O.T. analysis, service or product line, marketing plan, operations, management, and financial projections. Bring your laptop or electronic notepad. We will have two short breaks and a working lunch (lunch and snacks provided).

Speaker(s): Susan Bony is a member of the West Central SBDC staff and a long-time consultant for the Colorado SBDC focusing on business start-up and company development and growth. Her education and experience working for both small and large multi-national corporations with a unique background in banking, teaching and market development provide the perfect combination to support writing business plans.
Business Plan in a Day
with Susan Bony
Wednesday, October 25, 9:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Online, $75
REGISTER TODAY!

Finance Friday: Understanding Your Value and Wealth
2023-10-27 14:30 - 15:30 | Online, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401
Are you ignoring the money side of your business? Don’t leave this important area of your business for someone else to manage. Take control! Knowledge is power! Learn tips and tricks to stay on top of your business finances and watch your profits grow.
Meet Our Facilitator Kelly Johnston
Kelly is a valued member of the West Central SBDC workshop facilitator team, teaching bookkeeping, cash flow, and accounting boot camps. She also serves as a West Central SBDC consultant. She graduated from the Leading Edge business planning series five years ago and her business has grown exponentially ever since. She is experienced in both the public accounting and private industry accounting fields. Her background includes a bachelor’s in finance and a master’s in accounting, with experience in the healthcare industry with critical access hospitals and physician offices, audit and tax preparation. Her education and experience add value to new start up organizations, developing businesses, and healthcare entities by creating a strong financial reporting set up and assisting in new financial reports.
Finance Friday: Understanding Your Value and Wealth
with Kelly Johnston
Friday, October 27, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

Bookkeeping Bootcamp: Understanding Financial Statements
2023-11-02 09:00 - 15:00 | The Business Cultivator, 300 Hap Court, Olathe, CO, 81425, United States
Learn how to set up and track business accounting records. Gain better control of your business by learning how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow projections are prepared and what they can tell you about your business.

Speaker(s): Helen Roe
Co-Sponsor(s): Region 10, The Business Cultivator
Cancellation Policy If you are unable to attend a class/ workshop for which you have pre-registered, you must contact Michelle Meyers by calling 970-765-3140 or emailing mmeyers@region10.net) at least 24-hours in advance of the class to receive a full refund. No refund will be given on notifications received after that time or in any no-show situation. If a cancellation is not made 24-hours prior to the class, a credit will be given towards a future class. Refunds or credits are not available once a class or workshop begins. If a class/workshop is canceled by Region 10 |West Central SBDC, those who have registered and paid will receive a full refund or the opportunity to credit their registration and fee to another class. Region 10 |West Central SBDC reserves the right to modify, withdraw, or make substitutions for any announced classes and to change instructors.
Fee: $ 75.00
Bookkeeping Bootcamp: Understanding Financial Statements
with Helen Roe
Thursday, November 2nd, 9am-3pm
at The Business Cultivator in Olathe, $75
REGISTER TODAY!

SmartStart: How to Start a Business (online)
2023-11-07 12:00 - 14:00 | Online
Thinking about starting a business in Western Colorado? Starting a business takes more than being great at something or having a good idea. Come and learn what is required by state and local officials to get started and the ins and outs of running a successful business. This 2-hour webinar provides an overview of everything you need to know to start and grow your business.
Topics include:
* How running a business is different than being an employee;
* Things to consider as a business owner;
* Trade name search;
* Legal structure selection;
* State registration;
* Licensing requirements;
* Business plan over view;
* Marketing for your Target market(s);
* Market research;
* Financing options; and
* Human Resources

This webinar will be presented on Zoom. Please register to receive the link to join.
Speaker(s): Susan Bony, MBA

Smart Start: How to Start a Business
with Susan Bony
Tuesday, November 7th, 12pm-2pm
Online, $30
REGISTER TODAY!

Business Plan in a Day
2023-12-06 09:00 - 16:00 | Region 10, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401, US
A business plan can help you get funding, bring in new business partners, or serve as a roadmap for each stage of starting and managing your business. During this full-day class, we will guide you in creating your own business plan. We will cover all the elements of writing a plan including the executive summary, company description, market analysis, competitive analysis, S.W.O.T. analysis, service or product line, marketing plan, operations, management, and financial projections. Bring your laptop or electronic notepad. We will have two short breaks and a working lunch (lunch and snacks provided).

Speaker(s): Susan Bony is a member of the West Central SBDC staff and a long-time consultant for the Colorado SBDC focusing on business start-up and company development and growth. Her education and experience working for both small and large multi-national corporations with a unique background in banking, teaching and market development provide the perfect combination to support writing business plans.
Business Plan in a Day
with Susan Bony
Wednesday, December 6th, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
in person in Montrose, $75 includes lunch and a textbook
REGISTER TODAY!

Finance Friday: End of Year Financials
2023-12-15 14:30 - 15:30 | Online, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401
Are you ignoring the money side of your business? Don’t leave this important area of your business for someone else to manage. Take control! Knowledge is power! Learn tips and tricks to stay on top of your business finances and watch your profits grow.
Meet Our Facilitator Kelly Johnston
Kelly is a valued member of the West Central SBDC workshop facilitator team, teaching bookkeeping, cash flow, and accounting boot camps. She also serves as a West Central SBDC consultant. She graduated from the Leading Edge business planning series five years ago and her business has grown exponentially ever since. She is experienced in both the public accounting and private industry accounting fields. Her background includes a bachelor’s in finance and a master’s in accounting, with experience in the healthcare industry with critical access hospitals and physician offices, audit and tax preparation. Her education and experience add value to new start up organizations, developing businesses, and healthcare entities by creating a strong financial reporting set up and assisting in new financial reports.
Finance Friday: End of Year Financials
with Kelly Johnston
Friday, December 15th, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

SmartStart: How to Start a Business (online)
2024-01-09 12:00 - 14:00 | Online, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401
Thinking about starting a business in Western Colorado? Starting a business takes more than being great at something or having a good idea. Come and learn what is required by state and local officials to get started and the ins and outs of running a successful business. This 2-hour webinar provides an overview of everything you need to know to start and grow your business.
Topics include:
* How running a business is different than being an employee;
* Things to consider as a business owner;
* Trade name search;
* Legal structure selection;
* State registration;
* Licensing requirements;
* Business plan over view;
* Marketing for your Target market(s);
* Market research;
* Financing options; and
* Human Resources

This webinar will be presented on Zoom. Please register to receive the link to join.
Speaker(s): Susan Bony, MBA
Co-Sponsor(s): Region 10, City of Montrose, Town of Telluride CCAASE

Smart Start: How to Start a Business
with Susan Bony
Tuesday, January 9th, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Online, $30
REGISTER TODAY!

Let's Talk: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Starting a Business
2024-01-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
This LIVE webinar serves to create an open forum of Q&A, with interactive conversation among participants and our SBDC Staff and Consultants – it will not be recorded!
In this session: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Starting a Business New year, new business? If you are considering starting a new business this year, join us to learn more about what it is required of business owners. It’s not just about having the startup money or having a product that all your friends and family love. Do you have a plan and do you have what it takes to be an owner/entrepreneur?
Meet Our Facilitator: Callie Koch
Callie is program manager of the West Central SBDC and a former small business owner.

Let’s Talk: 10 Things Your Need to Know Before Starting a Business
with Callie Koch
Tuesday, January 23rd, 12:00pm-1:00pm
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

Business Plan In A Day!
2024-01-24 09:00 - 16:00 | Region 10, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401, US
A business plan can help you get funding, bring in new business partners, or serve as a roadmap for each stage of starting and managing your business. During this full-day class, we will guide you in creating your own business plan. We will cover all the elements of writing a plan including the executive summary, company description, market analysis, competitive analysis, S.W.O.T. analysis, service or product line, marketing plan, operations, management, and financial projections. Bring your laptop or electronic notepad. We will have two short breaks and a working lunch (lunch and snacks provided).

Speaker(s): Susan Bony is a member of the West Central SBDC staff and a long-time consultant for the Colorado SBDC focusing on business start-up and company development and growth. Her education and experience working for both small and large multi-national corporations with a unique background in banking, teaching and market development provide the perfect combination to support writing business plans.

Business Plan in a Day
with Susan Bony
Wednesday, January 24th, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
in person in Montrose, $75
REGISTER TODAY!

Finance Friday
2024-01-26 14:30 - 15:30 | Online, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401
Are you ignoring the money side of your business? Don’t leave this important area of your business for someone else to manage. Take control! Knowledge is power! Learn tips and tricks to stay on top of your business finances and watch your profits grow.
Meet Our Facilitator Kelly Johnston
Kelly is a valued member of the West Central SBDC workshop facilitator team, teaching bookkeeping, cash flow, and accounting boot camps. She also serves as a West Central SBDC consultant. She graduated from the Leading Edge business planning series five years ago and her business has grown exponentially ever since. She is experienced in both the public accounting and private industry accounting fields. Her background includes a bachelor’s in finance and a master’s in accounting, with experience in the healthcare industry with critical access hospitals and physician offices, audit and tax preparation. Her education and experience add value to new start up organizations, developing businesses, and healthcare entities by creating a strong financial reporting set up and assisting in new financial reports.

Finance Friday
with Kelly Johnston
Friday, January 26th, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

Foodie Friday: Sell Your Food Products at This Year's Farmers Market
2024-02-02 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
Are you a small scale food producer who wants to get into farmers markets in Western CO? Join us for this informative webinar about everything you need to do now in order to be ready to apply for and become a vendor at this year’s farmers market! West Central SBDC brings area food enthusiasts “Foodie Friday”, the first Friday of each month. Online webinar, facilitated by Sammie Alteri of Valley Food Partnership who manages the Montrose Farmers Market, is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required.

Speaker(s): Sammie Alteri of Valley Food Partnership and the Montrose Farmers Market
Co-Sponsor(s): West Central SBDC The Business Cultivator Region 10 LEAP Valley Food Partnership

Foodie Friday: Sell Your Food Products at This Year’s Farmers Market
with Sammie Alteri
Friday, February 2, 9:00am – 10:00am
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

SmartStart: How to Start a Business (online)
2024-02-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Online, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401
Thinking about starting a business in Western Colorado? Starting a business takes more than being great at something or having a good idea. Come and learn what is required by state and local officials to get started and the ins and outs of running a successful business. This 2-hour webinar provides an overview of everything you need to know to start and grow your business. Topics include: * How running a business is different than being an employee; * Things to consider as a business owner; * Trade name search; * Legal structure selection; * State registration; * Licensing requirements; * Business plan over view; * Marketing for your Target market(s); * Market research; * Financing options; * Enterprise Zone Tax Credits; and * Human Resources This webinar will be presented on Zoom. Please register to receive the link to join.
Speaker(s): Susan Bony, MBA
Co-Sponsor(s): Region 10, City of Montrose, Town of Telluride CCAASE

Smart Start: How to Start a Business
with Susan Bony
Thursday, February 8th, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Online, $30
REGISTER TODAY!

Grow with Google: Get Found on Search and Thrive Online
2024-02-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Online, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401
Get Found, Get Growth is a training program designed to help businesses improve their online presence and increase their visibility on search engines. Led by expert trainer Maria Elena Duron, the program offers practical strategies to optimize your online presence and attract more customers. By attending this program, businesses can learn how to improve their search rankings, increase their online visibility, and thrive online
Meet Our Facilitator: Maria Elena Duron
Maria is a speaker for the Grow with Google partner program. She helps businesses profitably harness their personal brand, content, and referral marketing. Her wide range of clients includes hotels, restaurants, inventors, authors, and web series creators.
Maria is a guest lecturer at the University of Texas SBDC, editor-in-chief of the award winning Personal Branding Blog, and a contributing columnist for publications like Business Insider, American Business Journal, Fox Business, US News & World Report, Entrepreneur, The Huffington Post, and The Young Entrepreneurs Council. Maria was awarded the Texas Governor’s Excellence in Small Business Award and is the founder of #brandchat, a recognized online chat focused on marketing and branding. She earned her B.B.A. in marketing from Texas Tech University and graduate work at Cornell University, University of California in Davis, and University of Phoenix.
Grow with Google: Get Found and Search and Thrive Online
with Maria Elena Duron
Wednesday, February 14th, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

Grow with Google: Valuable Visibility - Being an Expert on Your Customer
2024-02-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Valuable Visibility: Being an Expert on Your Customer is a training that focuses on helping businesses differentiate themselves from their competitors by becoming an expert on their customers. By adopting a customer-centric approach, businesses can gain valuable visibility in their industry and become a trusted authority. The training covers topics such as market research, customer profiling, and communication strategies to ensure businesses understand their customers’ needs and effectively communicate their message.
Meet Our Facilitator: Maria Elena Duron
Maria is a speaker for the Grow with Google partner program. She helps businesses profitably harness their personal brand, content, and referral marketing. Her wide range of clients includes hotels, restaurants, inventors, authors, and web series creators.
Maria is a guest lecturer at the University of Texas SBDC, editor-in-chief of the award winning Personal Branding Blog, and a contributing columnist for publications like Business Insider, American Business Journal, Fox Business, US News & World Report, Entrepreneur, The Huffington Post, and The Young Entrepreneurs Council. Maria was awarded the Texas Governor’s Excellence in Small Business Award and is the founder of #brandchat, a recognized online chat focused on marketing and branding. She earned her B.B.A. in marketing from Texas Tech University and graduate work at Cornell University, University of California in Davis, and University of Phoenix.
Grow with Google: Value Visibility – Being an Expert on Your Customer
with Maria Elena Duron
Thursday, February 15th, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

Let's Talk: Business Insurance
2024-02-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Online, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401
This LIVE webinar serves to create an open forum of Q&A, with interactive conversation among participants and our SBDC Staff and Consultants – it will not be recorded!
In this session: Business Insurance What does an insurance policy do to protect your business and you as the owner? Is it required and how do you find the right one for your business? Join us to learn more and ask your burning questions about insurance!
Meet Our Facilitator Alex Lammers
Alex is the owner of Lammers Insurance Agency in Hotchkiss, CO.
Let’s Talk: Business Insurance
with Alex Lammers
Wednesday, February 21, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

Grow with Google: If You're Not Measuring, You're Not Marketing - The Metrics that Matter
2024-02-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Online, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401
In this seminar, participants will learn about the key metrics that matter in marketing and how to use them to optimize their campaigns. By measuring the right metrics, businesses can make data-driven decisions to improve their marketing strategies and see better results. This seminar will empower participants to stop wasting time and money on ineffective marketing and start using metrics to drive success.
Meet Our Facilitator: Maria Elena Duron
Maria is a speaker for the Grow with Google partner program. She helps businesses profitably harness their personal brand, content, and referral marketing. Her wide range of clients includes hotels, restaurants, inventors, authors, and web series creators.
Maria is a guest lecturer at the University of Texas SBDC, editor-in-chief of the award winning Personal Branding Blog, and a contributing columnist for publications like Business Insider, American Business Journal, Fox Business, US News & World Report, Entrepreneur, The Huffington Post, and The Young Entrepreneurs Council. Maria was awarded the Texas Governor’s Excellence in Small Business Award and is the founder of #brandchat, a recognized online chat focused on marketing and branding. She earned her B.B.A. in marketing from Texas Tech University and graduate work at Cornell University, University of California in Davis, and University of Phoenix.
Grow with Google: If You’re Not Measuring, You’re Not Marketing – The Metrics that Matter
with Maria Elena Duron
Thursday, February 22nd, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

Money Smart for Small Business: Managing Cash Flow
2024-02-22 12:00 - 13:30 | Online, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401
Do you have questions about how to manage your small business finances? Do you know your Cash Flow Cycle, and how it can help you manage your business? Do you have other questions about managing your business dollars? This 1.5-hour webinar provides an introduction to cash flow concepts and helps you start working on your Money Smarts!
Topics include:
* Why is managing cash flow important;
* What is a Cash Flow Cycle;
* What decisions affect your cash flow;

This webinar will be presented on Zoom. Please register to receive the link to join.
Speaker(s): Michelle Meyers, SBDC Consultant
Money Smart: Managing Cash Flow
with Michelle Meyers
Thursday, February 22nd, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

Finance Friday
2024-02-23 14:30 - 15:30 | Online, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401
Are you ignoring the money side of your business? Don’t leave this important area of your business for someone else to manage. Take control! Knowledge is power! Learn tips and tricks to stay on top of your business finances and watch your profits grow.
Meet Our Facilitator Kelly Johnston
Kelly is a valued member of the West Central SBDC workshop facilitator team, teaching bookkeeping, cash flow, and accounting boot camps. She also serves as a West Central SBDC consultant. She graduated from the Leading Edge business planning series five years ago and her business has grown exponentially ever since. She is experienced in both the public accounting and private industry accounting fields. Her background includes a bachelor’s in finance and a master’s in accounting, with experience in the healthcare industry with critical access hospitals and physician offices, audit and tax preparation. Her education and experience add value to new start up organizations, developing businesses, and healthcare entities by creating a strong financial reporting set up and assisting in new financial reports.
Finance Friday
with Kelly Johnston
Friday, February 23rd, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

Business Plan In a Day! (2-part Zoom series)
2024-02-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
A business plan can help you get funding, bring in new business partners, or serve as a roadmap for each stage of starting and managing your business. During this 2-part class, we will guide you in creating your own business plan. We will cover all the elements of writing a plan including the executive summary, company description, market analysis, competitive analysis, S.W.O.T. analysis, service or product line, marketing plan, operations, management, and financial projections.
Part 1- Tues, Feb. 27th, 9 a.m.- noon and Part 2- Thurs, Feb. 29th, 9 a.m.- noon
Upon registration, you’ll receive a Zoom link to attend. The Zoom link is the same for both sessions. Participation by at least 2 people is required to hold this class.

Speaker(s): Susan Bony is a member of the West Central SBDC staff and a long-time consultant for the Colorado SBDC focusing on business start-up and company development and growth. Her education and experience working for both small and large multi-national corporations with a unique background in banking, teaching and market development provide the perfect combination to support writing business plans.
Business Plan in a Day: 2-part Zoom series
with Susan Bony
Tuesday and Thursday, February 27th & 29th, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

Foodie Friday: Cottage Foods
2024-03-01 09:00 - 22:00 | Online, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401
Join us for insights and dos and don’ts around Colorado Cottage Food requirements. This is your chance to ask any and all questions about your cottage foods business and have them answered by a local health inspector!
West Central SBDC and the Montrose County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) bring area food enthusiasts “Foodie Friday”, the first Friday of each month. Online webinar facilitated by Montrose County Environmental Health Director Jim Austin, is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required.
Speaker(s): Jim Austin, director of Montrose County Health
Foodie Friday
with Jim Austin
Friday, March 1st, 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

Smart Start: How to Start a Business
2024-03-05 12:00 - 14:00 | Online
Thinking about starting a business in Western Colorado? Starting a business takes more than being great at something or having a good idea. Come and learn what is required by state and local officials to get started and the ins and outs of running a successful business. This 2-hour webinar provides an overview of everything you need to know to start and grow your business.
Topics include:
* How running a business is different than being an employee;
* Things to consider as a business owner;
* Trade name search;
* Legal structure selection;
* State registration;
* Licensing requirements;
* Business plan over view;
* Marketing for your Target market(s);
* Market research;
* Financing options;
* Enterprise Zone Tax Credits; and
* Human Resources
This webinar will be presented on Zoom. Please register to receive the link to join.
Speaker(s): Susan Bony, MBA
Smart Start
with Susan Bony
Tuesday, March 5th, 12pm-2pm
Online, $30
REGISTER TODAY!

Grow with Google: Get Customers, Market in Moments
2024-03-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
This program is a comprehensive online marketing training program that helps businesses attract and retain customers through strategic online marketing efforts. Led by expert marketer Maria, participants will learn how to identify and engage with their target audience, create compelling content, optimize their website for search engines, and more. With the knowledge and skills gained from this program, businesses can build a strong and successful online presence.
Meet Our Facilitator: Maria Elena Duron
Maria is a speaker for the Grow with Google partner program. She helps businesses profitably harness their personal brand, content, and referral marketing. Her wide range of clients includes hotels, restaurants, inventors, authors, and web series creators.
Maria is a guest lecturer at the University of Texas SBDC, editor-in-chief of the award winning Personal Branding Blog, and a contributing columnist for publications like Business Insider, American Business Journal, Fox Business, US News & World Report, Entrepreneur, The Huffington Post, and The Young Entrepreneurs Council. Maria was awarded the Texas Governor’s Excellence in Small Business Award and is the founder of #brandchat, a recognized online chat focused on marketing and branding. She earned her B.B.A. in marketing from Texas Tech University and graduate work at Cornell University, University of California in Davis, and University of Phoenix.
Grow with Google: Get Customers Market in Moments
with Maria Elena Duron
Wednesday, March 6, 10am-11am
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

Let's Talk: Sales Taxes
2024-03-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
This LIVE webinar serves to create an open forum of Q&A, with interactive conversation among participants and our SBDC Staff and Consultants – it will not be recorded!
In this session: Sales Taxes Sales taxes are a requirement for any business selling a product and, in Colorado, they can get complicated! Sales taxes must be collected in all incorporated cities/towns, counties, and for the state but are collected at different rates for each of those jurisdictions. Learn more about collecting and remitting sales taxes correctly to avoid fees, fines, and frustration.
Meet Our Facilitator Callie Koch
Callie is program manager for the West Central SBDC and a former small business owner.
Let’s Talk: Sales Taxes
with Callie Koch
Friday, March 15, 12:00pm-1:00pm
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

Grow with Google: Increase Sales with Google Tools
2024-03-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Online, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401
Learn how to promote your products online using Google tools. We’ll show how local brick-and-mortar businesses can list products on a Google Business Profile. We’ll also cover Google Merchant Center, a no-cost tool that allows both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar businesses to create free Product Listings on Google.
In this session we’ll show you how to:

Highlight products on your Google Business Profile
Use Pointy to promote in-store inventory with your point of sale system
Use Google Merchant Center to showcase in-store and online product inventory

Meet Our Facilitator: Maria Elena Duron
Maria is a speaker for the Grow with Google partner program. She helps businesses profitably harness their personal brand, content, and referral marketing. Her wide range of clients includes hotels, restaurants, inventors, authors, and web series creators.
Maria is a guest lecturer at the University of Texas SBDC, editor-in-chief of the award winning Personal Branding Blog, and a contributing columnist for publications like Business Insider, American Business Journal, Fox Business, US News & World Report, Entrepreneur, The Huffington Post, and The Young Entrepreneurs Council. Maria was awarded the Texas Governor’s Excellence in Small Business Award and is the founder of #brandchat, a recognized online chat focused on marketing and branding. She earned her B.B.A. in marketing from Texas Tech University and graduate work at Cornell University, University of California in Davis, and University of Phoenix.
Grow with Google: Increase Sales with Google Tools
with Maria Elena Duron
Wednesday, March 20, 10am-11am
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!

Business Plan in a Day!
2024-03-26 09:00 - 16:00 | Region 10, 145 S Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401, Montrose, CO, 81401, US
A business plan can help you get funding, bring in new business partners, or serve as a roadmap for each stage of starting and managing your business. During this full-day class, we will guide you in creating your own business plan. We will cover all the elements of writing a plan including the executive summary, company description, market analysis, competitive analysis, S.W.O.T. analysis, service or product line, marketing plan, operations, management, and financial projections. Bring your laptop or electronic notepad. We will have two short breaks and a working lunch (lunch and snacks provided).
Speaker(s): Susan Bony is a member of the West Central SBDC staff and a long-time consultant for the Colorado SBDC focusing on business start-up and company development and growth. Her education and experience working for both small and large multi-national corporations with a unique background in banking, teaching and market development provide the perfect combination to support writing business plans.
Business Plan in a Day
with Susan Bony
Tuesday, March 26, 9:00am-4:00pm
Online, $75
REGISTER TODAY!

Grow with Google: Learn the Basics of Google Ads
2024-03-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
In this workshop you will learn how to reach more customers and grow your business with Google Ads.
In this session we’ll talk about:

How to create an account and set up an ad campaign
How to write great ads, refine keywords, and include ad extensions
How to measure success

Meet Our Facilitator: Maria Elena Duron
Maria is a speaker for the Grow with Google partner program. She helps businesses profitably harness their personal brand, content, and referral marketing. Her wide range of clients includes hotels, restaurants, inventors, authors, and web series creators.
Maria is a guest lecturer at the University of Texas SBDC, editor-in-chief of the award winning Personal Branding Blog, and a contributing columnist for publications like Business Insider, American Business Journal, Fox Business, US News & World Report, Entrepreneur, The Huffington Post, and The Young Entrepreneurs Council. Maria was awarded the Texas Governor’s Excellence in Small Business Award and is the founder of #brandchat, a recognized online chat focused on marketing and branding. She earned her B.B.A. in marketing from Texas Tech University and graduate work at Cornell University, University of California in Davis, and University of Phoenix.
Grow with Google: Learn the Basics of Google Ads
with Maria Elena Duron
Wednesday, March 27, 10:00am-11:00am
Online, no cost
REGISTER TODAY!
