Leading Edge Business Seminar in Alamosa, Colorado
Leading Edge Course Gives Lessons in Proven Business Methods
How can I manage my business like a true business professional if I don’t have any formal business training, and I don’t have time to go to take classes at a college?
How can I plan for the growth of my company? How can I explain to my lender my need for financing and increase my chances of getting the loan approved?
If you have asked yourself questions like these, or you are an entrepreneur with a great idea for a business but no idea where to start, then you may want to consider enrolling in the Small Business Development Center’s Leading Edge course.
Leading Edge uses local business experts as speakers and the NxLevel© curriculum and is one of the best and most affordable entrepreneurial training programs on the market today. It aims for these results:
1. Provide basic business skills training, including preparing a business plan.
2. Provide practical guidance in marketing, financial projections and negotiating with lenders.
Over 600 communities in 48 states use the NxLevel© training material, with an average graduation rate of 65%. Existing businesses that have completed the program see a 28% increase in sales, and on average, create one additional job within one year of graduation. Of those graduates not in business, 40% go on to start a new venture.
From a recent San Luis Valley participant’s evaluation:
“If someone has an idea about starting a business, this is the class for you. You have to start somewhere. I know I am going to start a business soon; I am thankful for the Leading Edge Course because it got my wheels turning.”
Schedule for the Spring of 2011
Class will be facilitated by Donna Wehe. To register, contact Donna Wehe at 719-587-5151 or donna@slv-sbdc.com.
Classes will be on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Colorado Welcome Center/Train Depot in Alamosa, Colorado, located at the intersection of State Avenue and 6th Street (Hwy 160 East).
The 12 week seminar costs $250 per business. Up to 3 people per business may attend. Scholarships may be available.
The following schedule is subject to change:
February 9 Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Understand business ownership, develop goals, objectives and mission statement
February 16 Planning and Research - this class will be at the Adams State College Library in Alamosa
Use the resources at ASC to learn more about your industry, trends & demographics
February 23 Legal Structure and Tax Management
Learn from an attorney and CPA how the legal structure chosen for your business may help mitigate tax and other liabilities
March 2 Marketing Analysis and Effective Signage
Use market analysis to develop your customer profile and analyze the competition
How to incorporate a SWOT in your business plan
Watch and discuss a 20 minute video about effective signage
March 9 Marketing and Sales Strategies
Realize the importance of business image; learn what influences price/quality relationship, and examine tools used to promote your business
Learn effective sales techniques from an experienced business owner
March 16 Financial Overview
Gain an understanding of the basic financial statements and how they are used, how to calculate break even, and pricing your product strategies
March 23 Managing Money Strategies
Learn how budgets, sales forecasts and other tools provide performance feedback
Develop cash flows (hands on activity to understand profit and loss statement)
Develop a pro forma balance sheet
March 30 - take a break from class and work on your business plan
April 6 Cash Management and Risk Management
Learn about internal operation controls over cash and tax issues that face business owners
Understand all the different types of insurance requirements for small business owners and employers
April 13 Financial Statements and Business Ratios
Learn to calculate and use ratios in financial statement analysis
Learn from an experienced business owner how projections and ratios can be used to make decisions
April 20 Financing Your Business (Lender Panel)
From Angel Investors to traditional commercial loans, discussion with a panel of experts over ways to finance your business
April 27 Green Business
Learn the necessity of "going green," available resources and understand the importance and lingo of the "green business" market
May 4 Future Growth/Graduation
Now what? Growing pains that face businesses and how to handle them; hear the succes story of a local small business and how they got there
November 3, 2010
October 28, 2010
Create a Business Plan
You might gain some insight in how having a business plan can help your company. This You Tube video shows an entrepreneur who has had success in writing his plan.
Leading Edge class is a 12 week seminar designed to help you write your plan and understand what it takes to run a successful business. The next class will be offered in Alamosa beginning in February, 2011. If you are interested in signing up, send an email to Donna Wehe at donna@slv-sbdc.com.
Leading Edge class is a 12 week seminar designed to help you write your plan and understand what it takes to run a successful business. The next class will be offered in Alamosa beginning in February, 2011. If you are interested in signing up, send an email to Donna Wehe at donna@slv-sbdc.com.
October 21, 2010
Sonshine Acres is a New Business in the Monte Vista Area
Sonshine Acres Grains and Goods is your source for whole grain living! Robert and Rhonda Glover are your suppliers for grains and seeds, as well as a variety of grain mills, mixers and accessories. They are an independent, authorized dealer for Bosch and for L’ Equip. They also offer baking supplies, from yeast and RealSalt™, to bread pans and bags.
The advantage of making bread with freshly ground flour is the improved nutritional value. Vitamins in the flour begin to oxidize soon after the flour is milled. Rhonda explains, “People don’t realize how easy it can be to make their own bread, and it is so much better for you. You do have an initial investment in the machines and grains, but it is well worth it for the return when you think of it as an investment in your health.”
To help people learn about the fun and ease of making their own bread, Rhonda offers bread making classes at their home southeast of Monte Vista. They have been giving basic whole wheat bread classes and next month will begin classes for artisan breads. The classes cost $10 and are 2 – 2 ½ hours in length. Everyone gets to play with the dough to get a good sense of what good dough should feel and look like, and get a feel of the different things you can do with basic bread dough. The schedule can be found on the Sonshine Acres website, http://www.sonshinegrains.com/ and is posted at the Adams Street Emporium in Monte Vista and the Valley Food CoOp in Alamosa.
While living in Denver, the Glovers had been wanting to move to a smaller community. When Rob got the okay from his business to work from home, they felt like “this was the time” for the move. They have family in the San Luis Valley, so it was an easy next step to locate here. The Glovers have a friend in Denver with a similar grain business, so they had some experience with the products, as well as the concept for their company. They saw this business as an opportunity to start slowly and create a second income. Their business has been well received and people have been excited to have them here. Rob and Rhonda like the friendliness and support that they find in small town/rural living and look forward to being involved in the community. Rob met Donna Wehe from the SLV Small Business Development Center at a Kiwanis meeting. Deanne Elliott followed through with Rob and Rhonda as part of assisting and promoting new entrepreneurs in the Valley. The number for the SLV SBDC is 587-5151 or go to coloradosbdc.org.
The Glovers are looking to expand their business to a location in town. This would give their customers easier access to their products and classes, as well as giving better exposure to their business. For information or see their products, they can be reached by phone at 719-206-3062, email at info@sonshinegrains.com. They look forward to showing you their goods and starting and supporting you on the road to better eating.
August 30, 2010
New exterminator business in southern Colorado
New Exterminator Business based in Manassa Serves Entire San Luis Valley
Spiders, ants and mites…oh my! Who ya’ gonna’ call? Specializing in residential maintenance, Kristi Jarvies, owner of 5K Pest Management, is the newest exterminator in town and can also mitigate crickets, silverfish, stinkbugs, cockroaches, centipedes and more. Kristi has already treated over 40 homes and cabins since starting her business in June of 2010. Based in Manassa and totally locally owned and operated, Jarvies can service the entire San Luis Valley.
Over 20 years ago Kristi’s dad started a similar business in Albuquerque and called it 5K because he had 5 kids. Kristi and her husband Mitchell also have 5 kids, so they registered the business in Colorado with the same name. Kristi learned the business working alongside her father as well as attending several intense certifying classes. It has taken more than two years to learn everything she needs to know such as chemical use safety and identifying different pests and their habitats and characteristics. She has passed all her tests and each year has to keep up with continuing education to stay licensed. All of the certifications come from the Department of Agriculture. “Chemicals are always improving and becoming safer and more effective. Everything we use is biodegradable and wont’ hurt humans or pets. My dad says that some household products under your kitchen sink are more harmful than what we use,” Jarvies commented. She feels her business has a niche over other exterminators because she doesn’t require a yearly contract.
“I had my house serviced from another company and they didn't get rid of my bugs. Kristi came in and serviced my home and now my bugs are gone. Her pricing is more reasonable and she is more dependable than the other company,” remarked Sandy Smalley from Mosca, a satisfied customer. Kristi contacted the San Luis Valley Small Business Development Center for some assistance with marketing and business planning. She also attended a workshop held in conjunction with Ann Marie Velasquez and the Conejos County Chamber. Kristi may be contacted by calling (719) 843-5028 or (719) 580-9411.
Spiders, ants and mites…oh my! Who ya’ gonna’ call? Specializing in residential maintenance, Kristi Jarvies, owner of 5K Pest Management, is the newest exterminator in town and can also mitigate crickets, silverfish, stinkbugs, cockroaches, centipedes and more. Kristi has already treated over 40 homes and cabins since starting her business in June of 2010. Based in Manassa and totally locally owned and operated, Jarvies can service the entire San Luis Valley.
Over 20 years ago Kristi’s dad started a similar business in Albuquerque and called it 5K because he had 5 kids. Kristi and her husband Mitchell also have 5 kids, so they registered the business in Colorado with the same name. Kristi learned the business working alongside her father as well as attending several intense certifying classes. It has taken more than two years to learn everything she needs to know such as chemical use safety and identifying different pests and their habitats and characteristics. She has passed all her tests and each year has to keep up with continuing education to stay licensed. All of the certifications come from the Department of Agriculture. “Chemicals are always improving and becoming safer and more effective. Everything we use is biodegradable and wont’ hurt humans or pets. My dad says that some household products under your kitchen sink are more harmful than what we use,” Jarvies commented. She feels her business has a niche over other exterminators because she doesn’t require a yearly contract.
“I had my house serviced from another company and they didn't get rid of my bugs. Kristi came in and serviced my home and now my bugs are gone. Her pricing is more reasonable and she is more dependable than the other company,” remarked Sandy Smalley from Mosca, a satisfied customer. Kristi contacted the San Luis Valley Small Business Development Center for some assistance with marketing and business planning. She also attended a workshop held in conjunction with Ann Marie Velasquez and the Conejos County Chamber. Kristi may be contacted by calling (719) 843-5028 or (719) 580-9411.
August 5, 2010
Tumbleweeds Gift Gallery is a New Business in Fort Garland, Colorado
Whoa! What is happening in Fort Garland, Colorado? Long standing antique owner Sarah Vanderlaan is retired and the new owners have opened up Tumbleweeds Gift Gallery featuring southwestern gifts and home décor. You can’t miss the beautiful bronze elk inviting you to stop in and browse for unique gifts including rugs, hats, pottery, candles, mesquite lamps and homemade soaps, just to mention a few of their better selling items.
Scott and Jennifer Abbes, originally from Tennessee, have been travelling to the Southwestern states for the past 12 years as tourists. They finally decided to move to Colorado, buying Sarah’s house while still running their on-line business. Scott sells air filtration products under his other business, Clean Air Solutions LLC. Crispin and Iona Free from San Luis are their store managers.
Scott and Jennifer have felt welcomed into this community and see the huge potential as the first town travelers come to when entering the San Luis Valley on Highway 160 from the East. Scott has ideas for selling to hikers, tourists and locals. He is offering a “Sand Dunes” or “Hikers” survival kit, complete with mosquito repellant and sunscreen. Jennifer mentioned that early shoppers have purchased their jewelry, blankets and wall art, commenting that the quality is like Taos or Santa Fe but the prices are much better.
The Abbes have decorated their home with items such as mesquite lamps and southwestern rugs. When they looked around, they realized that other stores in the area were not selling these unique home décor items and decided to take a chance that others would like access to these as well.
Scott built the shelves and they re-did their cement floor with an acid wash. The place has so much charm inside and out, not to mention coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls, brownies and cookies, that it is a must stop on your next visit to Fort Garland. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 9-6 and on Sundays, 1-6. They are members of the local business association and contacted the SLV Small Business Development Center. To contact Scott or Jennifer, call 719-376-4149.
Scott and Jennifer Abbes, originally from Tennessee, have been travelling to the Southwestern states for the past 12 years as tourists. They finally decided to move to Colorado, buying Sarah’s house while still running their on-line business. Scott sells air filtration products under his other business, Clean Air Solutions LLC. Crispin and Iona Free from San Luis are their store managers.
Scott and Jennifer have felt welcomed into this community and see the huge potential as the first town travelers come to when entering the San Luis Valley on Highway 160 from the East. Scott has ideas for selling to hikers, tourists and locals. He is offering a “Sand Dunes” or “Hikers” survival kit, complete with mosquito repellant and sunscreen. Jennifer mentioned that early shoppers have purchased their jewelry, blankets and wall art, commenting that the quality is like Taos or Santa Fe but the prices are much better.
The Abbes have decorated their home with items such as mesquite lamps and southwestern rugs. When they looked around, they realized that other stores in the area were not selling these unique home décor items and decided to take a chance that others would like access to these as well.
Scott built the shelves and they re-did their cement floor with an acid wash. The place has so much charm inside and out, not to mention coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls, brownies and cookies, that it is a must stop on your next visit to Fort Garland. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 9-6 and on Sundays, 1-6. They are members of the local business association and contacted the SLV Small Business Development Center. To contact Scott or Jennifer, call 719-376-4149.
Mermaid Cafe now open for dinner in Creede Colorado
What are mermaids doing hanging out in the old mining town of Creede, Colorado? Several years ago when Sharon Brown decided to open up a café, she thought to herself, I want to really stand out and be different. She reminisced about one of her favorite songs called “Carey” on a Joni Mitchell album, where she mentions “the Mermaid Café” in her lyrics. Mermaids are known as the “sirens of the sea” and can “draw you in,” an effect she hopes to do with locals and tourists. The hand carved mahogany sign was created by John Homes of Todos Santos, Mexico. He also helped create the Boathouse in Creede.
The café is located on Main Street in a building that was damaged from a fire in 2006. When she was remodeling it, she was mindful to keep a part of history which is the warm, original brick wall, built in 1890.
Every restaurant owner faces unique challenges. One of the challenges in Creede is the boom and bust cycle that exists with the summer tourists and the quiet winters. Coming from Denver with over 25 years of management, entertaining and catering experience, Sharon fell in love with this quaint town which boasts a plethora of artists and home of the Creede Repertoire Theatre. She has local photos and paintings for sale by local artists that decorate her walls.
“My goal was to offer a different selection of food than what you can get at the other restaurants in town. I try to make my salads, soups and breads with the healthiest ingredients as possible. I like to be creative, so in addition to my regular menu, I rotate specials and have just added evening dining. Some of the patrons’ favorites are Salmon with Wasabi, Chipotle Meatloaf, Thai dishes and several Italian and Mexican specialties.”
The hours of the Mermaid Café are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday – Saturday, closed Thursdays. Sharon contacted Donna Wehe at the San Luis Valley Small Business Development Center at 587-5151 for assistance in marketing and financial analysis.
“Come on down to the Mermaid Cafe and I will buy you a bottle of wine…and we'll laugh and toast to nothing and smash our empty glasses down” by Joni Mitchell. There’s a community table near the kitchen so people can come in by themselves and join in local conversation and fellowship. Sharon can be contacted by calling 658-1112. The Mermaid Café is located at 115 North Main in Creede.
The café is located on Main Street in a building that was damaged from a fire in 2006. When she was remodeling it, she was mindful to keep a part of history which is the warm, original brick wall, built in 1890.
Every restaurant owner faces unique challenges. One of the challenges in Creede is the boom and bust cycle that exists with the summer tourists and the quiet winters. Coming from Denver with over 25 years of management, entertaining and catering experience, Sharon fell in love with this quaint town which boasts a plethora of artists and home of the Creede Repertoire Theatre. She has local photos and paintings for sale by local artists that decorate her walls.
“My goal was to offer a different selection of food than what you can get at the other restaurants in town. I try to make my salads, soups and breads with the healthiest ingredients as possible. I like to be creative, so in addition to my regular menu, I rotate specials and have just added evening dining. Some of the patrons’ favorites are Salmon with Wasabi, Chipotle Meatloaf, Thai dishes and several Italian and Mexican specialties.”
The hours of the Mermaid Café are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday – Saturday, closed Thursdays. Sharon contacted Donna Wehe at the San Luis Valley Small Business Development Center at 587-5151 for assistance in marketing and financial analysis.
“Come on down to the Mermaid Cafe and I will buy you a bottle of wine…and we'll laugh and toast to nothing and smash our empty glasses down” by Joni Mitchell. There’s a community table near the kitchen so people can come in by themselves and join in local conversation and fellowship. Sharon can be contacted by calling 658-1112. The Mermaid Café is located at 115 North Main in Creede.
July 19, 2010
Del Norte home to Dun-Rite Glass New Business Owner
Dun-Rite Glass
Dun-Rite Glass, focusing on quality service, is now open at 520 Spruce Street in Del Norte.
Pete George and Elizabeth Weaver are owners of the new business. Pete George has 26 years in the glass business. Elizabeth manages the office.
Pete is a certified auto glass technician with Sika, DOW and Essex manufacturing corporations. He is also certified by AGRSS, the All Glass Replacement Safety Standards Council.
“I take pride in my work,” said Pete. “I feel a responsibility for the safety of my customers and will never take shortcuts when replacing and installing a windshield.” Many people don’t realize that a windshield is part of the structural integrity of a vehicle. If the windshield pops out, for instance in a roll over, the roof of the vehicle may be smashed, increasing the risk of serious injury to passengers. Air bag release on the passenger side could also cause an incorrectly installed windshield to pop out. Dun-Rite Glass uses only quality OEM products (Original Equipment Manufacturer), further adding to the safety features of their work. They provide a lifetime warranty on workmanship and also offer free chip repair for their windshields to the purchasing owner. They offer a $20 chip repair service for any windshield and can usually have the job done in a half hour.
Dun-Rite Glass has their focus on auto glass, residential and heavy equipment, but can accommodate just about any glass job you bring to them. They will do rescreening, thermal units for windows, glass or mirror cutting and will work with any glass. They are the subcontractors with A & M Vinyl in Monte Vista, handling the glass and screen work for the handmade windows. They are now setting up equipment to make folding “phantom” screens for patio doors.
Pete and Elizabeth have lived in Grand Junction and Denver, but decided to move back to the San Luis Valley where Elizabeth has family in South Fork. They like the friendliness and quiet of a small town and look forward to building their business in serving the entire valley.
They have joined the Del Norte Chamber of Commerce and are glad to be part of the community. Pete and Elizabeth met Donna Wehe, Small Business Development Center, at a Chamber meeting. From the SBDC they were able to receive assistance in the technical issues of getting a business set up such as registering with the state and getting bookkeeping methods in place.
Dun-Rite Glass will have a ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 15th. Their Grand Opening will be Saturday, July 17th with free hot dogs and a raffle. Stop by to visit them and find out what a quality glass service can offer to you. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. They also can provide service after 5 pm, by appointment.
Their phone number is 719-657-2000. Check out their website at www.dun-riteglass.com.
Dun-Rite Glass, focusing on quality service, is now open at 520 Spruce Street in Del Norte.
Pete George and Elizabeth Weaver are owners of the new business. Pete George has 26 years in the glass business. Elizabeth manages the office.
Pete is a certified auto glass technician with Sika, DOW and Essex manufacturing corporations. He is also certified by AGRSS, the All Glass Replacement Safety Standards Council.
“I take pride in my work,” said Pete. “I feel a responsibility for the safety of my customers and will never take shortcuts when replacing and installing a windshield.” Many people don’t realize that a windshield is part of the structural integrity of a vehicle. If the windshield pops out, for instance in a roll over, the roof of the vehicle may be smashed, increasing the risk of serious injury to passengers. Air bag release on the passenger side could also cause an incorrectly installed windshield to pop out. Dun-Rite Glass uses only quality OEM products (Original Equipment Manufacturer), further adding to the safety features of their work. They provide a lifetime warranty on workmanship and also offer free chip repair for their windshields to the purchasing owner. They offer a $20 chip repair service for any windshield and can usually have the job done in a half hour.
Dun-Rite Glass has their focus on auto glass, residential and heavy equipment, but can accommodate just about any glass job you bring to them. They will do rescreening, thermal units for windows, glass or mirror cutting and will work with any glass. They are the subcontractors with A & M Vinyl in Monte Vista, handling the glass and screen work for the handmade windows. They are now setting up equipment to make folding “phantom” screens for patio doors.
Pete and Elizabeth have lived in Grand Junction and Denver, but decided to move back to the San Luis Valley where Elizabeth has family in South Fork. They like the friendliness and quiet of a small town and look forward to building their business in serving the entire valley.
They have joined the Del Norte Chamber of Commerce and are glad to be part of the community. Pete and Elizabeth met Donna Wehe, Small Business Development Center, at a Chamber meeting. From the SBDC they were able to receive assistance in the technical issues of getting a business set up such as registering with the state and getting bookkeeping methods in place.
Dun-Rite Glass will have a ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 15th. Their Grand Opening will be Saturday, July 17th with free hot dogs and a raffle. Stop by to visit them and find out what a quality glass service can offer to you. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. They also can provide service after 5 pm, by appointment.
Their phone number is 719-657-2000. Check out their website at www.dun-riteglass.com.
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