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Specialized Business Assistance Programs

Connect2Dot

Support for Highway Construction & Engineering Firms

The Connect2Dot program is an innovative partnership between the Colorado Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) designed to help small businesses in the transportation industry become more competitive and successful in contracting with CDOT and other local transportation agencies.

In addition to free unlimited consulting and business training, the Colorado SBDC Network provides online resources and events tailored to construction contractors and professional design, architecture and engineering firms. If you’re just starting your business and want to explore opportunities with CDOT, or if you’re an experienced subcontractor looking to grow and expand your business, Connect 2 Dot has the expertise and resources to help.

Consulting and training services and courses include but are not limited to Designated Busineses Enterprise and Emerging Small Business Enterprise Certification, contractor pre qualification, cost accounting, certified payroll, finance and bonding, operations, procurement, marketing to prime contractors, estimating, bidding, contractor compliance, and contract management. In addition to training and consulting, the program also provides technical support in downloading project plans and navigating online bidding using bid express and other platforms.

For more information, visit www.connect2dot.org.

Small Manufacturer’s AdvantEdge

The Small Manufacturer’s AdvantEdge program is an innovative approach to business assistance and unique partnership administered by Colorado Manufacuter’s Edge, the Colorado Small Business Development Center Network, World Trade Center Denver, and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The program provides small manufacturing companies with industry experts for coaching, consultation, and/or training.

The type of coaching and training assistance includes business strategy, advanced marketing analysis, operational excellence, export gap assessment and compliance, quality systems and certifications, facility layouts, new product development, supply chain management, and market diversification. Each manufacturer can receive us to 40-hours of support.

T o qualify for the program, companies must have less than 20 employees, be located within the state of Colorado, and have a qualifying manufacturing NAICS code.

For more information, visit www.manufacturersedge.com/small-manufacturers-advantedge/.

SBDC TechSource

The SBDC Technology Program (SBDC TechSource) is a multi-faceted program maximizing the economic potential of Colorado companies through direct assistance to technology ventures as well as assistance in utilizing new technology available to business owners.

The program is broken down into 3 distinct categories. Category 1 (Innovate) assists innovative and technology driven companies through custom fit expert consulting and relevant tech programs. Category 2 (Integrate) is focused on assisting any and all companies in the utilization of technology to enhance business outcomes. Category 3 (Cyber:CYA) is focused on assisting companies with cyber security issues.

Resources, consultations, and trainings provided within the Innovate track include but are not limited to; SBIR, STTR, and Advanced Industry grant proposals and compliance, technology commercialization, patent process and intellectual property protection, market research, market sizing, tactical planning, business development, building sales and distribution channels, building management teams, export and international trade development, and access to capital.

Resources, consultation and trainings provided within the Integrate track include but are not limited to; utilizing technologies for maximizing efficiency and outcomes, eMarketing assistance, client resource management system training and integration, website development and training, and graphic design.

Resources, consultations, and trainings provided within the Cyber track include but are not limited to; securing technology to meet compliance standards in government contracting, cloud computing, security measures using social media, and security measures around protecting against cyber attacks.

For more information, visit www.sbdc-techsource.org.

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