Starting a Business

The South Metro Denver Small Business Development Center understands how confusing and overwhelming the prospect of opening your own business can be. Many new entrepreneurs have an idea for a company, but are not sure where to start, what needs to be done, and in what order to do everything. Our consultants and staff are here to assist you every step of the day.

For new small business owners, we suggest the following:

• Attend the workshops in our Business Start-Up Series. Classes in the series include Business Start-Up Basics, Business Plan Basics, Cash Flow Fundamentals, and Marketing Fundamentals. These workshops should help you get a good idea of what you need to do to get your business off the ground, including registration/licensing, legal structure and tax issues, writing a business plan to give your business direction, tracking the finances of your business and where your money is going, and building your market and client base. To see when these classes are being held, and to register, please visit our Workshops & Events Calendar.
  
  
• Read the Colorado Business Resource Guide. Created by federal and state business assistance agencies and private sector partners, this comprehensive guide provides information on Federal Employer Identification Numbers (FEIN)(Form SS-4), industry specific licensing information, Colorado Business Registration (Form CR100), Trade Name Registration, sales tax, legal structure, and more. The Colorado Business Resource Guide can be viewed online, or you can pick-up a copy at the SBDC office.
  
  
• There are a number of great resources online that can help you start and run a successful small business. Government agencies, non-profit organizations, private companies, and news publications offer guides, services, information, news, and more. To view some of the sites we recommend our clients visit, go to the Business Resource Links page of our website.
  
  
• Read through the Business Start-Up Checklist to learn what basic steps you will need to take to get your business up-and-running.