Presence
The Northeast-East Central Colorado SBDC is currently working to expand its presence in the Northeastern region of the State of Colorado.
Many organizations in this territory are unfamiliar with the SBDC program and its impact on the community.
In addition to providing these entities information directly from SBDC staff, we would like to present feedback from our current program sponsors on the benefits they see in the program.
Sponsor Testimonials
Don Gudmundson Ph.D.
Dean of the Monfort College of Business
“The Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado sponsors the Northeast-East Central Small Business Center because I believe it is a part of our mission. We strive to provide high quality business education that provides our students and the community with resources needed to be successful contributors to the business community in our region, state and beyond. The NEECCO SBDC provides access to a group of individuals that we would not otherwise be able to serve. The success of the NECCO SBDC in recent years is a great testimonial to the important role it plays in economic development in our region and state. I feel it is a great partnership for MCB. ”
Daryl D. Moellenberg
Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Bank
“Wells Fargo and the Small Business Development Center share a common goal – to help local businesses thrive. We’re proud to contribute to the Small Business Development Center because it provides vital services to startup and existing businesses that wouldn’t otherwise have access to the counseling, guidance and loan packaging services the Center provides. In these tough economic times such services are often critical to the success or failure of a small business. The community benefits in two ways. First, is the new capital generated by the SBDC that stimulates the local economy and creates/saves jobs. Second, it helps businesses remain successful by providing professional business counseling.
We have been fortunate enough to refer several clients who needed the assistance that only the SBDC could provide. In addition, we also have had the opportunity to reviewseveral credit requests prepared with the SBDC’s assistance. I would encourage all financial institutions to support your local SBDC.”
Warren Yoder
Weld County Garage Buick, GMC
“Weld County Garage has seen the SBDC take an interest in our business and they truly care about helping us succeed. Dick has been very helpful and resourceful especially when we were needing to obtain a business loan. We have also used the SBDC’s staff to help facilitate our yearly goal planning meetings. I believe our investment has been a valuable partnership.”
Jessica MacMillan
Vice President Business, Great Western Bank
“Great Western Bank has been pleased to be able to support the business development efforts of the Northeast -East Central Small Business Development Center for the simple reason that Dick Pickett has been leading a very strong charge to support start up and existing business expansion for the past 18 months. The success the organization has seen in the number of contacts is due to his diligent work with the University of Northern Colorado, the Monfort School of business and his awareness of the needs of a very diverse business footprint for the Greeley area and northwestern Colorado. Great Western bank supports the entire northern Colorado market in the economic development area, and we understand that whatever success the Greeley-Northeast SBDC achieves benefits ALL the communities where we live, work and play.”
Bill Garcia
Weld County Commissioner
“In these economic times, small business start ups are the hope for those seeking opportunities to shape their future. The SBDC has proven itself to be the preferred source of information to Weld County residents seeking guidance in starting, maintaining or growing small business. Regular reporting and tracking of measurable results are characteristic of this outstanding organization. Thank you for the service you provide to Weld County businesses.”
Robert P. Harding
Senior VP, Bank of Colorado
“Bank of Colorado believes in the mission of the SBDC. We recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery – and we believe in contributing to that success in order to help small businesses thrive and grow. Here in Northern Colorado we have watched SBDC assisting businesses, from offering entrepreneurial training programs to free one-on-one counseling services in the areas of business research and marketing, new business feasibility analysis, business consulting, business plan preparation, and other small business topics. The kind of support that SBDC offers can make the difference in the success of a business, new or existing. Bank of Colorado presently supports and will continue to support the Small Business Development Center to ensure strength and economic stability in the local communities of Northern Colorado.”
Kelly Arnold
Town Manager of Windsor
“Prior to three years ago, there were limitedresources available for small businesses -entrepreneurs in Windsor to seek assistance. Since SBDC has established a presence in Windsor, small businesses now have a place and resource to gain more information and assistance in succeeding in Windsor. It has been very beneficial to the community to have a readily accessible program available to small business owners.”
Bruce M. Biggi
City of Greeley, Economic Development Manager
“The NEECCO SBDC has been an important partner in the City of Greeley’s economic development efforts, providing invaluable small business development assistance to our small business owners. Their help in acquiring essential small business loans in tight capital markets has helped to maintain our small business activity, community employment, and retail sales numbers during the economic downturn. We appreciate their partnering efforts and consider our funding support to be a wise investment in our community’s future.”
Lori Annand
VP New West Bank
“The SBDC has the ability to connect small business owners with the right tools and resources they need to help them succeed in today’s changing economic environment. New West Bank sees the direct economic impact the SBDC is having in the community. We have chosen to partner with the SBDC and support the center’s operations and growth to insure that small businesses continue to have access to this valuable resource.”
Sarah L. MacQuiddy
President, Greeley Chamber of Commerce
“The Greeley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to sponsor and have the Small Business Development Center located with us at the Historic Union Pacific Depot. We realize that many small businesses want professional services and often do not have the financial means to secure those services. Our SBDC specializes in providing professional expertise and guidance to help businesses stay competitive and relevant in today’s world. Whatever stage your business is in (startup to well established) they will provide confidential counseling at no cost. We are very proud of the accomplishments and successes of this SBDC office – and consider them to be the best in the state!”
Bob Churchwell
City Administrator of Burlington
“It gives me great pleasure to create this document in support of the Northeast East Central SBDC partnership and the City of Burlington. Being in such a partnership has been a benefit to potential entrepreneurs exploring opportunities to receive local community personnel assistance instead of being required to travel to other areas. The City of Burlington finds itself with many diverse avenues for business opportunities within the area. Agriculture being a large portion of the success of the community, but also small restaurants, hotels and manufacturing operations retail outlets, etc., brings revenues, jobs, and stability to the area.
Without the support of various loan/grant agencies, some of these dreams could not be fulfilled. SBDC partnering with communities creates the successes desired, not only from individual’s future, but the future of the community as well. It is a pleasure to partner with such a fine organization.”
Jo Downy
Prairie Development Corporation
“Prairie Development Corporation sponsors the Northeast-East Central Colorado Small Business Development Center because they provide key services which add value to the small businesses in the counties we serve. PDC has a strong demand for these services, particularly assistance in preparation of a strong Business Plan. Such a plan is required before PDC can assist with financing. SBDC services are in demand as small businesses become aware and look to receive assistance in starting, maximizing or expanding their business. This may include, but is not limited to counseling, education, and assistance in obtaining capital. We believe the SBDC compliments the Prairie Development Corporation in providing Economic Development Services so crucial to the financial well being of our counties. We are grateful for these services provided and are happy to be one of the sponsors for the SBDC.”
Richard O’Connell
Executive Director of Logan County Economic Development
“Small business is such an important part of economic development, especially in a rural area such as Logan County. Having the SBDC counselor available in our community on a regularly scheduled basis is a great resource, plus additional support from Greeley provides small business owners access to proven strategies throughout the state. We experienced a successful 2010, and are looking forward to working closely with SBDC to grow our local economy.”
Lance Bolton, Ph.D.
President, Northeastern Junior College
“We began supporting the SBDC and will continue this support because we believe a central role of NJC is support of entrepreneurial development in Northeast Colorado. The SBDC ideally compliments NJC’s business training programs. Further, I believe that economic growth in Northeast Colorado can bring better employment opportunities for our youth and greater prosperity to our region. I view the work of the SBDC as supporting those goals.”
Scott Rulon, CPA
Managing partner Rickards Long & Rulon, LLP (RLR)
“As a business owner that runs a small regional CPA firm, I understand the challenges that we all face. While it may be necessary and even a smart strategic move to cut costs, reduce overhead and focus internally during these hard economic times.
At some point if you do not invest in your future you will not survive to see tomorrow. The successful business finds the time and the resources to invest in itself - to invest in technology, to invest in training, to invest in its clients, to invest in its community and to invest in its strategic partners. RLR has invested in the SBDC not only with financial support, but we volunteer our time to assist the clients of the Center as well. We see a direct benefit to our staff and our clients in the education and training the SBDC provides. We see numerous indirect benefits including, new businesses and new entrepreneurs creating jobs and wealth in our communities, existing business finding assistance & resources to stay in business, and an overall stronger community and region. The more healthy small business we have in our communities, the better off we all are. Our investment in the SBDC is not about surviving; it’s about “Thriving” in business.”
Kerry Hart, DME
President, Morgan Community College
“While every organization plays a unique role in fostering the economic vitality of Colorado, a healthy economy is dependent on all partners working together for the common good. A primary role of Morgan Community College (MCC) aligns with the mission of small business development in meeting the training needs of business and industry. Supporting the Northeast-East Central Colorado Small Business Development Center (NEECCO SBDC) enables MCC students, faculty, and staff to optimize their contributions to the business communities throughout MCC’s 11,500 square-mile eastern Colorado service area while fulfilling a critical role in nurturing a successful business climate. MCC considers the relationship with SBDC to be a win-win proposition and is proud to be a supporter and partner with NEECCO SBDC.”
Steven Kahla Ph.D.
Dean Continuing Education, Aims Community College
“The SBDC is an integral part of our local community. Individuals interested in building a business from an idea have to have a resource that will guide them through the process of funding and building their enterprise. The SBDC is that resource. The Northeast East Central SBDC has consistently proven to be valuable to small businesses, large businesses and the local education community as well. Aims Community College is pleased to have been a partner with the SBDC for many years and looks forward to a great future.”