The Entrepreneur: José Esparza

José Esparza is best known for his work in Westwood and Morrison Road west In 2013 he became the Executive Director of BuCu West Development Association. Their mission is to create a destination that promotes and supports entrepreneurs, small businesses, cultural organizations, and residents in an authentic, energetic and colorful environment. He believes that his main goal is to unite people of all backgrounds and teach them that there are opportunities beyond those you already know He first got to Colorado in 2011 and decided to major in Urban planning at the University of Denver, Colorado He is originally from Michigan but to get to know Denver he interned with Livewell Westwood as a graduate student and then later on interned with BuCu West and in 2013 became the executive director

Now, José’s favorite thing about the neighborhood is the diversity in our community, not in the sense that we have everything, but we have people who are hard workers, ones that are trying to help, people who are really creative and trying to show our culture He loves that everyone is trying to create something or help make our community better

One of the businesses that he helps operate is Kitchen Network. Kitchen Network has 11 private and shared kitchens. One of the kitchens is rented hourly and is open to anyone in the community. Kitchen Network also works to promote entrepreneurship and is not only a space you can use, but rather a community of resources and support that can help you become an entrepreneur yourself with your own recipes

One piece of advice he gives to youth is that, “You’ll learn something from every job you have, stay open to education Ask questions to all adults or people whose career you are interested in ”

BuCu West

BuCu West is a non profit organization in our community that helps the Morrison Rd Corridor business community grow and thrive with the resources they’ve gathered in the last 30 years Resources include trusted referrals to contractors, counseling to help identify what your business needs, design that enhances your business environment, access to city partnerships, connections with residents, and more. No matter what your business is, BuCu West will help you succeed and flourish. Visit www.bucuwest.com

Rental And Utility Assisstance

BUCU West is assisting with the tenant's rent and utility assistance. People who are behind on their rent, need help with utilities, or are concerned about paying their mortgage can apply by calling this number