Red Rocks College becomes new home for Colorado SBDC

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Red Rocks Community College is now the host site for the Colorado Small Business Development Center serving Metro Denver, a move officials say will strengthen support for local entrepreneurs.

The new location allows the Colorado SBDC to expand its reach by partnering with an established community institution. The SBDC provides confidential guidance to small business owners facing economic uncertainty or seeking help refining business plans and pursuing funding.

Since 1987, the Colorado SBDC has supported thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners through:

• No-cost, confidential advising
• Actionable training and workshops
• Connections to essential community resources

Matthew Sweeney, dean of workforce services at Red Rocks Community College, said the partnership aligns with the school’s mission. “At Red Rocks Community College, we believe strong communities are built by strong local businesses,” he said. “Hosting the Colorado SBDC Metro Denver location aligns perfectly with our mission to connect education, entrepreneurship, workforce and opportunity to help small business owners.”

Red Rocks Community College President Landon Pirius said the campus expects the partnership to create new opportunities for students. “When we can provide more resources to our students and our community, it is a worthwhile investment,” he said. “I am excited for career-relevant experiences that may inspire and empower our students.”

The Colorado SBDC is funded in part through a Cooperative Grant Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and is the state’s only nationally accredited resource serving entrepreneurs at every stage of business. It operates 14 service centers, more than 25 satellite centers, and a statewide network of about 300 business experts who serve all 64 counties.

Colorado SBDC State Director Hannah W. Krieger said the partnership will strengthen support for small businesses in the Denver region. “By partnering with Red Rocks Community College, we are embedding the Colorado SBDC within a dynamic learning environment,” she said. “We are excited to deepen our community support and work together to accelerate growth and spark momentum for local entrepreneurs.”

The new SBDC location complements the college’s Entrepreneurship Center, which helps students develop and launch business ideas. The collaboration was one of the reasons Red Rocks Community College recently received the Community Partner Gateway Award from the Jeffco Economic Development Corporation.

Entrepreneurs and small businesses in Metro Denver can schedule an appointment by calling 303-914-6239 or emailing [email protected]
.