Introduction and Facts
This guide is designed as a tool to start, maintain, and grow a small business in the Greater Fountain Valley. This guide provides business owners and entrepreneurs with the tips and resources necessary to navigate the numerous obstacles in starting and operating a business from understanding your target market customer reach, to navigating regulatory/permitting requirements, to networking and educational opportunities.
Disclaimer: This guide is primarily intended as a clearinghouse for external business resource contacts. Please consult with either a legal and/or financial advisor with respect to actually starting and operating a small business.
Small Business Facts
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are 33.2 million small businesses in the United States, accounting for roughly 40% of the United States’ gross domestic output, which equates to trillions of dollars of economic activity
According to the U S Small Business Administration, small businesses have accounted for 61.1 percent of net new job creation (or 20.2 million new jobs) since 1995.
As of December 2023, the Colorado Springs region accounted for 74,287 small businesses (98.7 percent of businesses) and 121,651 small business employees (47 4 percent of employees)
As of June 2024, The City of Fountain contained roughly 170 brick-and-mortar small businesses, contributing around 730 total jobs to the local economy
Self-Assessment Business Checkist
Category Statements
I am a self-starter; I get going on my own
Personal Ranking
Initiative
Attitude
Leadership
Responsibility
Organization
Discipline
Decision-Making
Sincerity
I am creative; I conceive of new ideas easily
I am positive/cheerful
I am patient with others
I am courteous to others
I am forceful / decisive
I inspire confidence in others
I am open-minded to consider new ideas
I lead by example; others follow my lead
I seek out challenging tasks
I handle well under pressure situations
I have a method to track my activities
I finish what I set out to do; I don’t quit
I don’t hesitate to act when the time comes
I don’t procrastinate
I am truthful in my words and actions
I am dependable
Self-Assessment Business Checkist
Category Statements
Perserverence
Health
Finance
Studiousness
Judgment
Confidence
Competitiveness
Visionary
I push through challenges despite hardship
I seek out others’ help in times of need
I am okay with long hours / working overtime
I know when my body is under stress
I have $ up front and initial operating costs
I can identify a support network of family/friends
I am capable of a 3-5-10 YR business forecast
I am comfortable with uncertainty and risk
I pursue further direction through study
I try to learn from past experience / mistakes
I stay up to date on the latest industry trends
I choose actions that yield the best results
I am capable of determining financial risk
I believe in myself and my abilities
I strive to win in my pursuits
I maintain the long view / greater vision
I have a strategy to achieve my vision
TOTAL
Personal Ranking
Self-Assessment Business Checkist
Grading Rubric
Grade Range
103 - 136
137 - 170
Explanation
You’ve identified hinderances in capacity to start a business endeavor. Consider the areas of weakness to assess a path forward in preparedness This guide may lend you a mix of local/regional resources to forge ahead with an entrepreneurial endeavor
You’re on the cusp of being prepared to take on the journey of a small business endeavor. Take the time to further assess the key variables which require refinement and seek additional advisement/resources available at the local/regional level through this guide.
You’ve demonstrated the stamina and capacity to move into action planning to start your own business Lean into this guide to launch your small business game plan into action – Ready, Set, Go!
Strongly Agree
New Business Action Plan
Get Ready Get Set Go!
Define your PRODUCT or SERVICE (i e what is does, who it serves, demand for, etc.)
Understand your MARKET (trends in the industry, competitors, etc.)
Create a BUSINESS PLAN (value proposition, executive summary, goals and objective, etc.)
Create a FINANCIAL PLAN (projected profits, cash-flow, capital and operational expenditures, etc )
Identify your LEGAL STRUCTURE (sole proprietorship, S-Corp, LLC, LLP, etc )
Seek out external ADVICE & ASSISTANCE (SBDC, Chamber, Accountant, Broker, Insurance Agent, Attorney, etc.)
Establish LEGAL & FINANCIAL matters (register business with State Secretary, obtain state and local tax licenses, obtain special licenses, etc.)
Choose a LOCATION (research rent rates, property taxes, market demographics, zoning & development standards, etc )
Pursue LAND ENTITLEMENT & PERMITTING approvals (planning and zoning, utilities, building, etc.)
Complete INSPECTIONS (fire, public health, building, utilities, etc )
Mitigate LIABILITY and RISK (property insurance, health insurance, worker’s compensation, etc )
Create a MARKETING PLAN (online website, social media, SEO and content marketing, sales strategy, etc.)
PROTECT your ideas (trademarks and patents, copyright policies, etc )
OPEN for BUSINESS!
Clusters:
City of Fountain Resources
Land Use Permitting, Licensing, and Inspections
(116 S. Main Street, Fountain CO 80817)
Planning Services
Development review applications, entitlements, and zoning code / development standards.
(719) 322-2015
Planning DepartmentCity of Fountain
Public Works/Streets
Street sweeping, paving, patching and crack sealing, grading, snow removal, street signs, traffic signs/signals/control devices
(719) 322-2070
Street Division - City of Fountain
Safety and Compliance
Neighborhood Services
Code compliance (junk, debris, trash, nuisance, weeds, zoning) and rental/leased property maintenance
(719) 322-2032
Neighborhood ServicesCity of Fountain
Engineering Services
Right-of-way permits and public facilities inspections (sidewalks, drainage, streets, etc )
(719) 393-4930
Engineering ServicesCity of Fountain
Economic Development
Business development, retention, and expansion, job creation, financial incentives, economic vitality programs, district revitalization
(719) 322-2056
Economic Development - City of Fountain
Fountain Fire / EMS
Fire suppression, prevention and education, basic and advanced medical life support, ambulance transport, property inspections
(719) 382-7800
Fire & EMS - City of Fountain
City Clerk
City Council Liaison, Business licensing, property records, and special event permits
(719) 322-2024
City Clerk - City of Fountain
Fountain Police
Public safety, law enforcement community events, business security, crime prevention tips and support.
(719) 382-8555
Police - City of Fountain
City of Fountain Resources
Fountain Utilities (Water & Electric) Utilities
Account set-up, service assistance, utility billing fees and rates, and sustainability programs.
101 N Main St, Fountain, CO 80817
(719) 322-2010
Utilities/Customer ServiceCity of Fountain
Security Water & Sanitation
Account set-up, water quality & wastewater treatment, collection services, fees and rates, design criteria/construction specifications.
231 Security Blvd, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80911
(719) 392-3475
Home - Security Water and Sanitation District
Fountain Sanitation
Account set-up, wastewater treatment, collection services, fees and rates, design criteria/ construction specifications
(719) 382-5303
Black Hills Energy Fountain Sanitation District
Widefield Water & Sanitation
Account set-up, water quality & wastewater treatment, collection services, fees and rates, design criteria/construction specifications.
8495 Fontaine Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80925
(719) 390-7111
Home - Widefield Water and Sanitation District
Account set-up, service assistance, utility billing, fees and rates, energysaving programs.
(719) 322-2024
Black Hills Energy
Underline Infrastructure, Inc.
Fiber internet account set up, service assistance, commercial line installation/expansion, business assistance programs.
(719) 223-7001
Underline Fountain
Financial Assistance
SBA Lenders provide financial assistance to small businesses through government-backed loans. Programs include SBA-approved 7(a), CDC/504, and microloan lenders.
USA Grant Application is an online resource created to empower individuals with the tools they need to find and apply for all different types of free grant funding.
B: Side is a non-profit that provides long-term, responsible business loans to underserved and lowincome communities in Colorado, Utah, Arizona & New Mexico
C-PACE enables owners of eligible commercial and industrial buildings to finance up to 100% of energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation improvements
Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy
The Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) helps small businesses that don’t meet traditional financing guidelines with flexible term loans along with free navigation services
El Paso County’s Business Loan Fund program provides loan funding to private, for-profit, and start-ups business through nonconventional lenders as well as wrap-around support services.
Business Loan Fund - El Paso County Administration
The Venture Capital Authority (VCA) supports Colorado’s innovative economy by expanding access to venture capital for Colorado's entrepreneurs and startup businesses
The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) partners with lenders and economic development professionals to provide access to financial capital for businesses
Accion Colorado is a leader in US micro-finance, developing and scaling responsible digital financial solutions such as business microloans for underserved people globally
Venture Capital Authority
B:Side Fund
CHFA: Business Lending
Home – USA Grant Applications
Colorado Enterprise Fund
Lenders | U S Small Business Administration
Entrepreneurial Support Resources
Startup Colorado is a 501 (c)3 notfor-profit supporting business opportunities for rural entrepreneurs throughout Colorado through a free peer-topeer Entrepreneur Network, scholarships, event programming, and collaboration with local business support organizations
Ignite is a high-energy evening giving voice to the ideas and insights of Colorado’s brightest, most creative, and most influential people. It includes 5 minutes presentations on individual projects, initiatives, and visions that inspires action
The National Entrepreneur Center provides comprehensive support and resources to small business owners and entrepreneurs through industry connections, business counseling and relevant business training.
PO Box 7585 Colorado Springs CO 80933
(719) 291-5545
One Million Cups is an organization dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs with networking and business development
Presentations are given every week to help entrepreneurs work through business challenges and identify opportunities
SCORE provides complementary entrepreneurial mentoring, education, and support to help start, grow, and transition a new business. Includes workshops and events, templates, and toolkits.
13395 Voyager Parkway, Suite 130Colorado Springs, CO 80921
(719) 249-1711
1 MC: Colorado Springs, CO
Catalyst Campus is a collaborative ecosystem where industry, small business, workforce training, entrepreneurs, startups, and venture capital intersect with the aerospace and defense industry to create community, spark innovation, and stimulate business growth.
555 E Pikes Peak Ave, Suite 120 Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 896-5087
Southern Colorado | SCORE
Ignite Colorado Springs Home - Startup Colorado
National Entrepreneur Center
Catalyst Campus
Economic Partner Resources
Regional Partners
The Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center is dedicated to helping existing and new businesses grow and prosper in the Pikes Peak Region by providing free and confidential consulting and no or low-cost training programs
559 E Pikes Peak Avenue, Suite 101 Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 667-3803
The Pikes Peak Workforce Center connects vital businesses with work-ready job seekers and employer-driven services It helps with career transition, job searching, and training opportunities.
The Pikes Peak State College offers free training in select career fields through Career Advance Colorado, a program funded through House Bill 23-1246, which dedicates $38.6 million to fully cover enrollment costs for training programs in sectors with significant workforce shortages.
5675 S Academy Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 502-2000
1675 Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
(719) 667-3700
The UCCS Economic Forum is the premier resource for local economic information - provided for and supported by local business and government partners. The Forum explains trends and dynamics occurring at all government levels, and how they will impact your business
1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy Colorado Springs, CO 80918
(719) 255-8227
Career Advance Colorado
Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center
Pikes Peak Workforce Center | Your Employment Resource Hub
UCCS Economic Forum | College of Business
Economic Partner Resources
Networking Partners
The Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce is a member-based organization of business professionals working together to make the Fountain Valley a better place for everyone to live and work The focus on business education, relationships, networking, and promotion
120 E Ohio Ave, Fountain, CO 80817
(719) 382-3190
Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC is a leading resource in the region for business growth, innovation, and advocacy, dedicated to serving businesses of all sizes Its focus is on increasing brand awareness and credibility to businesses
102 S Tejon Street, Suite 1200, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 471-8183
Visit COS is the premier marketing organization for Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region, offering business partnership and marketing opportunities to help promote your business
515 S Cascade Ave Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 635-7506
Visit Colorado Springs
The Southern Colorado Business Partnership is an organization comprised of multiple community partners working collectively in the pursuit of regional economic betterment with a shared voice, mission and focus. It collectively represents over 4000+ businesses, and over 140,000 employees
(719) 231-5353
The Colorado Springs Executive Association is Colorado Springs’ oldest active business networking group. Its purpose is to act as a mechanism to help its members generate new business and run their businesses and organizations effectively (719) 291-5545
Southern Colorado Business Partnership COS Exec Association
Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC
FOUNTAIN VALLEY CHAMBER
Economic Partner Resources
The Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce supports, develops, and creates opportunities for woman in business through education, information exchange, collaborative partnerships, and alliances which promote economic empowerment
6385 Corporate Dr Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
(719) 442-2007
Southern Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce
The Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber promotes, serves, and advocates for Hispanic and multicultural businesses in the Colorado Springs market.
6050 Stetson Hills Blvd #439 Colorado Springs, CO 80922
(719) 231-5353
Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber - The Concilio
Veterans/Military Partners
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center provides transition and employment assistance, behavioral health and wellness, supportive services, connection to community resources, and safe event space for veterans, military members and their families
(719) 772-7000
https://www veteranscenter org/
The VBOC provides counseling, training, technical skill development, comprehensive business assessments, and mentoring services to aspiring and existing business owners who are Active Duty, veterans, members of the National Guard or Reserve, military spouses, and family members.
Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) - Mt Carmel Veterans Center
The Colorado Springs Black Chamber of Commerce connects Black professionals with the resources needed to help them grow their business ventures and create economic empowerment.
3609 Austin Bluffs Parkway Colorado Springs CO 80918
(719) 301-1737
Colorado Springs Black Chamber of Commerce
Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) connects the military community service members, military spouses, and veterans with American businesses to create economic opportunity and a strong and diversified workforce.
1-800-638-6582
Home Page - Hiring Our Heroes
Economic Partner Resources
State/Federal
The Colorado Department of Revenue’s (CDOR) Taxation Division provides information on tax licensing, tax guidance publications, webinars, videos, and forms.
2447 North Union Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(303) 238-7378
Businesses | Department of Revenue - Taxation
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is the state's umbrella regulatory agency, charged with managing licensing and registration for multiple professions and businesses.
The Colorado Secretary of State provides business registration services, including establishing legal structure, filing trade name (i e dba), and document recording
1560 Broadway, Suite 110 Denver, CO 80202
(303) 894-7855
Services | Department of Regulatory Agencies
The Colorado Business Development Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-forprofit organization working to provide funding, resources, and technical assistance programs to small businesses in Colorado
PO Box 722 Littleton, CO 80160
(720) 441-5243
https://www coloradobdf org/
The Better Business Bureau creates a community of dependable businesses and charities – by encouraging and supporting best practices, educating consumers and businesses, celebrating business role models, and addressing substandard marketplace behavior.
121 W City Center Dr , #205 Pueblo, CO 81003
(719) 636-1155
https://www bbb org/all/bu siness-resources
1700 Broadway, Suite 550, Denver CO 80290 (303) 894-2200
Business Organizations
The US Small Business Administration is an independent agency of the federal government tasked to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns; preserve free competitive enterprise; and maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.
409 3rd St., SW Washington, DC 20416
1 (800) 827-5722
https://www sba gov/
Economic Data Resources
SizeUp COS provides valuable sector-specific data using intelligent platforms to empower small businesses, entrepreneurs, and our region’s economy. Assists with finding suppliers and competition, marketing optimization, and business scaling.
(719) 884-6976
SizeUp COS | Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC
Workforce, labor economics, and statistics provided by the U S Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
U S Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Pikes Peak Library District offers a variety of business resources to assist small business owners looking to start up or expand, including business databases, guides, classes, tutorials, and learning opportunities
The living wage calculator helps individuals, communities, employers, and others estimate the local wage rate that a full-time worker requires to cover the costs of their family’s basic needs where they live.
The Colorado Department of Local Affair’s (DOLA) Demography Office provides population estimates and forecasts for Colorado’s regions, counties, and municipalities Access to data visualizations, publications, spreadsheets, maps, and links.
Living Wage CalculatorEl Paso County, Colorado
National, international, regional and industry economic measures provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis
U S Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
Colorado State Demography Office (303) 864-7750
Demographic and economic data provided by the U S Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census
U.S. Census Bureau Homepage
P O Box 1579, Colorado Springs, CO 80901
(719) 531-6333
https://ppld org/
Real Estate / Property Resources
The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department provides building plan review, permit issuance, and codecompliance / inspections (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc )
The El Paso County Assessor’s Office is responsible for discovering, listing, classifying, and valuing all property in El Paso County They provide parcel data, residential and personal property valuation, and mapping services.
2880 International Circle, Colorado Springs, CO, 80910
(719) 327-2880
PPRBD - Pikes Peak Regional Building Department
SCCB provides commercial real estate Brokers, Realtors and Business Affiliate organizations in the Southern Colorado region with a platform that promotes business integrity and ethical practices, and provides educational/networking opportunities, and accurate marketing information
(303) 320-3844
Southern Colorado Commercial Brokers
1675 W Garden of the Gods Road, Suite 2300
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
(719) 327-2880
El Paso County Assessor
LoopNet is the #1 commercial real estate services online search site, with more site traffic, more members, and more geographic coverage than any other company Provides free access to commercial and industrial sale and lease listings
The Pikes Peak Association of REALTORS (PPAR) is an organization composed of REALTOR members who primarily assist and advocate for homeownership, but are also knowledgable on commercial properties within the Pikes Peak Region
430 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(720) 441-5243
Pikes Peak Association of Realtors® (PPAR)
Colliers is the leading diversified professional services and investment management company, with expertise in commercial real estate. Services include valuation and advisory, capital markets, and project management.
(800) 613-1303
LoopNet: Commercial Real Estate for Sale & Lease
Commercial Real Estate Services | Colliers
Media Resources
General Advertising (719) 330-7448
dhobbs@coloradomediagroup. com
https://coloradomediagroup com/the-digest/
Classified Advertising: (719) 444-SELL (7355)
Retail Advertising: (719) 636-0306
https://gazette.com
Sales Line: (719) 634-2844
kktv-salesinfo@gray.tv
https://kktvadresults.com
Advertising@ppmc live
https://ppmc.live
https://www consumeraffairs com
General Advertising (Media Kit): (303) 954-1133
Classified Advertising: (303) 954-1133
https://www.denverpost.com
Sales Line: (719) 575-6262
https://krdo com/about-us/ advertise-with-us/
General Advertising (719) 544-0166
Marketing Assessment: 1-855-263-7659
https://www.chieftain.com
Main Line: (719) 544-5781
https://www.koaa.com/about-us/ contact-news5/sales-contact
Appendix
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