Upcoming changes at the Larimer Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will benefit local businesses and the area economy. The SBDC provides street-smart business education, through free one-on-one confidential consulting, low-cost classes, and connection to useful resources.
Out of 14 SBDC centers in Colorado, the Larimer center is consistently one of the state’s top performers. In 2018, the Larimer SBDC helped clients within the county increase their sales by $24.8 million, and secure $18 million in capital funding for their businesses.
So what’s changing? Larimer SBDC’s current director Mike OConnell has been promoted to senior director. In this new, higher-profile role, he now reports directly to the vice president of FRCC’s campus in Fort Collins.
“By streamlining our reporting structure, the SBDC will be able to more directly impact businesses right here in northern Colorado,” said Jean Runyon, vice president of the college’s Larimer campus. “This tightens the connection between our local SBDC and FRCC’s Larimer campus, while helping both organizations evaluate and focus on how best to serve northern Colorado entrepreneurs.”
“FRCC students and alumni in certain programs are highly likely to work for—or start—a small business in our area,” OConnell pointed out. “Having the SBDC more closely connected to the Larimer campus gives us better access and outreach to potential clients, and improves an already strong long-term relationship.”