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By Tameka Montgomery

One of the keys to business success is to build on your strengths and strengthen your weaknesses. That is why it is so important to keep your skill sharp and make education an ongoing part of your business strategy.

The Denver Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of a nationwide network of “business learning centers” where entrepreneurs turn to find answers to problems that are challenging their business. The SBDC program provides high quality business consulting at no cost to you and affordable training in proven management fundamentals helping small business owners and potential owners make sound decisions for the successful operation of their business. The Denver Metro SBDC is a part of the Colorado SBDC network which is supported in part by the SBA.

Here is what every new business should know about the Denver Metro SBDC:

1. Does the Denver Metro SBDC Work with New Businesses? Yes. The SBDC offers Startup Seminars for individuals who want general information on starting a business, or who are in the initial startup phase. These seminars provide the basis of how to start a business in Colorado, including legal structures, required licenses and forms, tax requirements, financing considerations, and more. Upon completion of the Startup Basics seminar, individual consulting services will be available and you will be assigned a consultant who will guide you through the development process.

2. What kind of help does the SBDC offer new businesses? We have over 14 consultants with varying expertise available to help you sort through the start-up process and avoid unnecessary mistakes. Services include, but are not limited to: Steps to starting a business, creating a business plan, assessing the feasibility of your business concept, developing a marketing strategy, obtaining financing, gathering market and industry research, understanding financial statements and obtaining small business certifications.

3. What Topics Do Your Seminars Cover? The Denver Metro SBDC offers seminars on a variety of topics ranging from QuickBooks Basics, Business Plan Basics, Brand Building, Tax Planning, Marketing Plan Basics and more. The seminars are held at convenient times throughout the year. The seminars are taught by Denver Metro SBDC staff and leading business professionals in the community.

4. What can I expect if I work with one of your consultants? During your initial meeting, your consultant will listen to your needs and then determine a course of action and identify areas that both of you will be responsible for completing. While there is no charge for consulting services, SBDC consulting services differ from consulting firms’ services because our clients very actively participate in the work. Generally, the SBDC clients use consulting services to guide their process and their thinking; the clients do the work. The clients rely on the SBDC for guidance, ideas and feedback from a neutral source as well as for leading edge ideas and resources as they critique their own businesses.