Business Connections

Sponsored by

Small Business & Technology Centers

Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center

559 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Ste. 101, Catalyst Campus • Colorado Springs 80903

719-667-3803 • www.pikespeaksbdc.org

Offers counseling, training and resources to grow existing and new businesses. Programs include specific help for disaster recovery, veterans assistance, the “Leading Edge” Business Training Program, and a variety of weekly workshops. Registration is available online.

A variety of publications and workbooks are available online. Satellite offices at:

Tri Lakes Chamber and EDC Fort Carson

166 Second St., Monument 80132 7366 Mekong St., Blds. 6237 667-3803 (request appointment) 667-3803 (For Veterans)

Office of Economic Development & International Trade

1600 Broadway, Suite 2500 • Denver, CO 80202

(303) 892-3840 Main Phone • (303) 892-3848 Fax • www.oedit.colorado.gov

Encourages economic development through financial and technical assistance provided in support of local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. The OEDIT offers programs and services tailored to support business development at every level, including business retention and relocation services, bioscience and emerging industries programs, business finance, the Colorado Tourism Office, Arts andCulture, an International Trade Office, Small Business Development Centers, minority and women-owned business services and economic research.

Colorado Springs World Affairs Council

631 N. Weber, Ste. 210, Colorado Springs 80903 719-579-8443 • www.csworldaffairs.org

International visitors programs includes monthly programs and speaker luncheons Professional networking series, high school student and teacher programs and workshops.

Other Resources

Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs

111 S. Tejon, Suite 703 • Colorado Springs 80903 886-0088 • www.downtowncs.com

The Downtown Partnership is the lead organization planning, advocating and promoting a vibrant downtown for Colorado Springs. The “partnership” reflects the affiliate organizations that are tied to this two-decade old venture: the Greater Downtown Colorado Springs Business Improvement District, Community Ventures, Inc., and the Downtown Development Authority.

Collaborating with local government, businesses, and civic and not-for-profit groups the Downtown Partnership works to make great things happen for downtown Colorado Springs. Primary goals of the Partnership are to draw businesses downtown, create and sustain an eclectic and lively residential neighborhood, recruit and support a growing mix of unique and mostly independent retail, further downtown as the location for an expanding arts and cultural scene and heighten the downtown’s appeal across ethnic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic diversities.

Established in 2006, the Downtown Development Authority provides programs and financial incentives to “push” downtown development, which usually costs four to five times more than the cost of suburban development.

Economic Development Division – El Paso County

9 E. Vermijo Avenue, Colorado Springs 80903 • 520-6236 • admin.elpasoco.com

The El Paso County ECDD is responsible for economic development, affordable housing and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). The main components of economic development include the El Paso County Enterprise Zone, the Business Loan Fund, Commercial Aeronautical Zone, and other business incentives. Affordable housing is addressed through the El Paso County Housing Authority and other housing programs. CDBG funds are available through the State of Colorado for HUD-approved purposes.

Pikes Peak Regional Development Corporation

322 S. Cascade Ave. • Colorado Springs 80903 • 471-2044 • www.pprdc.com

Formed in 1976 under the name of the Old Colorado City Development Company, the Pikes Peak Regional Development Corporation originally provided low interest loans to small businesses located within a six-block area of Colorado Springs’ Westside. Expanding beyond these humble beginnings the PPRDC has been certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide loans through the SBA 504 Loan Program. The PPRDC promotes local job creation and redevelopment strategies throughout its service area. Besides SBA 504 Loans, the PPRDC also has the El Paso County Business Loan Fund.

SCORE – Service Corps of Retired Executives Association

Counselors to America’s Small Business

13395 Voyager Pkwy., Ste. 130, PMB353, Colorado Springs 80921 377-3107 • www.score.org

Score is a group of over 50 experienced business men and women – many still active in their own careers – who want to see the small business climate in Colorado Springs be successful and growing. These executives provide free and confidential business counseling. They share their experience and knowledge by working with you to analyze your business, explore strategies, develop business plans and monitor progress. Counseling is also available in the Monument/Tri Lakes area at 719-481-3282.

Tri-Lakes Economic Development Corporation

P.O. Box 147 • Monument 80132 • 719-481-3282 • www.trilakeschamber.com

The Tri-Lakes EDC mission is to expand the Tri-Lake region’s economic base, achieving sustained growth and prosperity for Monument, Palmer Lake, Woodmoor, Gleneagle, King’s Deer and Black Forest. The Tri-Lakes EDC achieves this by working with local and regional stakeholders to help current primary employers expand their presence within the region; working to recruit and help relocate new primary employer businesses to the area and by creating and fostering relationships through outreach programs and community events.