What is LEADING EDGE™?

The Colorado Small Business Development Center Network’s flagship strategic planning series, LEADING EDGE™, delivers comprehensive training to small businesses by providing entrepreneurs with access to expert consultants, educational framework, and peer engagement. 

LEADING EDGE: Business Planning for Startups helps startups throughout rural Western Colorado create a comprehensive business plan covering the areas of operations, marketing, finance, human resources, and more.

LEADING EDGE: Access to Capital will teach you how to identify your capital needs, assess your cash flow, create and use financial reports, and prepare for a funding application with expert instruction and guidance.

Northwest SBDC courses are designed to help rural business owners navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of doing business across the Western Slope of Colorado.

LEADING EDGE: Access to Capital for Growth
Course Length:
6 weeks:
Oct 15 – Nov 20
Start Date:
October 15, 12:00 noon
Kickoff meeting
Meeting Times:
On-demand modules with live discussions every other Wednesday, time TBD
Location:
Online/virtual
Cost:
$75*

Topics of study:

  • Identify Your Capital Needs
  • Assess the Health of Your Business
  • Understand Financial Documents
  • Prepare for a Loan Application
  • Learn About Different Funding Sources
Features: 3 on-demand modules, 2 months of LivePlan access, 3 interactive forums, and 1-on-1 consulting
LEADING EDGE: Business Planning for Startups
Course Length:
8 weeks:
Oct 16 – Dec 11
Start Date:
October 16, 12:00 noon
Kickoff meeting
Meeting Times:
On-demand courses with live discussions on Wednesdays at noon
 
Location:
Online/virtual
Cost:
$275*

Topics of study:

  • Begin with the End in Mind
  • Industry Analysis & Market Research
  • Marketing Strategy & Tactics
  • Pricing Strategy
  • Operations
  • Financial Budgets, Bookkeeping, and Taxes
  • Your Table of Advisors: Find Your Trusted Experts
  • Human Resources: Employees, Contractors, and Compliance
Features: 8 on-demand videos, 4 months of LivePlan access, 8 interactive forums, and 1-on-1 consulting

* Financial assistance and scholarships are available; contact Danise Cardona, Program Coordinator, danise@northwestsbdc.org

Questions?

Danise Cardona, Program Coordinator
danise@northwestsbdc.org

Contact Danise with questions about the event, whether this course is the right fit for your business, scholarships, or media inquiries.

Media Resources

SBDC Logos:

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Program Logos & Headers:

LEADING EDGE: Business Planning for Startups
LEADING EDGE: Access to Capital for Growth
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