Learn by Doing to Grow Your Business

The SBDC offers a variety of workshops, covering topics such as:

• Marketing/branding
• Start-up essentials
• Bookkeeping/accounting
• Website creation/e-commerce
• Taxes
• Legal
• Business planning, and more!

Opening Your Business: A Three-Part Series is designed to guide aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs through the essential steps of launching a business. From understanding legal requirements and business planning, to accessing local resources and building a solid financial foundation, each session is packed with expert insights and practical tools to help you start strong and grow with confidence. Attendance at all three sessions is encouraged for the most complete experience, but each session also stands alone and can be attended individually. Whether you’re just exploring an idea or ready to take action, this series will equip you with the knowledge and support you need to move forward.

Part I: Opening Your Business 101
Laying the Groundwork: What Every New Business Owner Needs to Know

🗓 Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
💻 Format: Online
🔗 Register: Click here to sign up

Description:
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Whether it’s your first time or your next big venture, this energizing workshop is your launchpad to success. Part I of our three-part series is designed to give aspiring entrepreneurs the foundational knowledge and confidence to get started — the right way.

Led by SBDC Lead Advisor Jesse Esparza, you’ll discover:

• The essential first steps to legally launch your business in Colorado
• How to choose the right legal structure (and avoid the wrong one)
• What licenses, taxes, and registrations you’ll need (and how to get them)
• The must-haves of a winning business plan
• Where to find free, ongoing support and powerful business resources

Opening Your Business: A Three-Part Series is designed to guide aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs through the essential steps of launching a business. From understanding legal requirements and business planning, to accessing local resources and building a solid financial foundation, each session is packed with expert insights and practical tools to help you start strong and grow with confidence. Attendance at all three sessions is encouraged for the most complete experience, but each session also stands alone and can be attended individually. Whether you’re just exploring an idea or ready to take action, this series will equip you with the knowledge and support you need to move forward.

Part II: Opening Your Business in Westminster & City Resources 101
Local Advantage: Unlocking Westminster’s Tools for Your Business Success

🗓 Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 – 8:30 AM
📍 Format: In Person at Westminster City Hall
📍 Location: 4800 W 92nd Ave. | City Council Chambers – Main Level
📧 Register: Email ecodevo@westminsterco.gov

Description:
Thinking of starting a business in Westminster? Already open but want to tap into more local resources and support? Join us for this in-person session designed to help both new and existing business owners navigate city processes and access valuable tools that can help your business thrive.

You’ll learn:

• What to know before opening your doors in Westminster
• City requirements, permitting, and processes
• Ongoing business support programs and resources
• How to connect with local departments and fellow entrepreneurs

This is a great opportunity to network with city leaders and other business owners, ask questions, and make valuable connections.

Opening Your Business: A Three-Part Series is designed to guide aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs through the essential steps of launching a business. From understanding legal requirements and business planning, to accessing local resources and building a solid financial foundation, each session is packed with expert insights and practical tools to help you start strong and grow with confidence. Attendance at all three sessions is encouraged for the most complete experience, but each session also stands alone and can be attended individually. Whether you’re just exploring an idea or ready to take action, this series will equip you with the knowledge and support you need to move forward.

Part III: Opening Your Business – Financial Basics for First-Time Owners

Funding Your Future: Smart Financial Moves for Startups

🗓 Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
💻 Format: Online
🔗 Register: Click here to sign up

Description:
Numbers don’t have to be scary — and they shouldn’t be a mystery. In this final session of our Opening Your Business series, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the financial basics every first-time business owner needs to know.

You’ll learn how to:

• Understand the connection between personal finances and early business success
• Manage personal debt and savings to reduce business risk
• Decode key financial terms like revenue, profit, margins, and cash flow
• Distinguish between one-time startup costs and ongoing expenses
• Create a realistic budget and revenue projections
• Avoid common pitfalls around cash flow management

You’ll also receive resources for next steps, and have time for Q&A with an expert.

Presented by the North Metro Denver SBDC’s Financial Management & Lending Team and Lead Advisor, Karen Patel, this session delivers straightforward guidance and practical tips to help you start strong — and stay strong — financially.