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Entrepreneurship Support
Federal - State - Regional - Local - Internet Business Resources
Federal
UNITED STATES SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 1.800.827.5722 Denver SBA Office Denver District Office 721 19th Street, Suite 426 Denver, CO 80202 Phone: 303.844-2607
• Free small business startup kit • Business plan basics • Marketing research and plan • Competitive analysis • E-marketing • Financing information • Counseling resources • Library and resources
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR • Business and Industry • Employment and Training Administration • Business Relations Group 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Room N-4643 Washington, DC 20210 202.693.3949
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is focused on understanding business' needs and funding training programs to help meet those needs. The information below will help you improve your workforce and take advantage of existing government programs.
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADE OFFICE 1.800.786.9199 Promotes the progress of science and the useful arts by securing for limited times to inventors the exclusive right to their respective discoveries (Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution).
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Greeley Service Center 4302 W 9th Street Rd Greeley, CO 80634-1317 970.356.8097
USDA MARKETING SUPPORT
USDA BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
USDA RESEARCH REPORTS AND PAPERS
NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory 1617 Cole Blvd. Golden, CO 80401-3393 303.275.3000
NREL is the only federal lab working on renewable energy, and we are fortunate to have them located here in Colorado. The NREL Technology Transfer team works with private and public sector agencies to move NREL-developed technologies and expertise into commercially viable products and businesses. NREL offers several technology transfer services, providing outside organizations the opportunity to create a research and development partnership, license NREL technologies, utilize our research facilities, and develop business connections.
NREL offers research and technology development opportunities with industry partners, utilities, state agencies, universities, and other economic development organizations to foster the transfer and application of NREL's research expertise and technology. Experts at NREL can partner with or work for your organization to develop clean energy and energy efficiency technologies. Their facilities are also available for use by industry and research organizations.
NREL also provides technologies available for licensing to industry for the development of commercial products using NREL discoveries that have been protected by patents, copyrights, and trademarks. NREL's Economic Development program helps develop business connections to meet the needs of entrepreneurs, and provides networks supporting the success of early-stage clean energy companies.
NREL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The NREL Economic Development program links investors and entrepreneurs to provide avenues to financial services, and connects small businesses with their Incubator Alliance. NREL supports the growth of renewable energy and energy efficiency businesses. Through the Enterprise Development program they help clean energy businesses develop market orientations by facilitating strong links with the financial community, as well as other key stakeholders in the commercialization process.
NREL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) offers business and research opportunities, and works with industry, academia, government agencies, and a diversity of businesses outside the Laboratory. NREL offers a variety of mechanisms for businesses to benefit from the resources of the Laboratory. NREL's Contracts and Business Services Office manages NREL's procurement activities, including purchasing and subcontracting. Contracts with industry, university, or federal partners through Technology Partnership Agreements. Coordinates the Lab's small business and other socioeconomic programs. NREL continually seeks to partner with small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, HUB-Zone, Veteran owned, and Disabled Veteran owned businesses.
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION - BUSINESS RESOURCES
Colorado
COLORADO BUSINESS EXPRESS
Colorado Business Express provides Colorado business owners, for the first time, a single site where they can easily access all the vital information they need to interact with state government. Until now, they needed to contact each agency separately to get the same information.
COLORADO OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE 1700 Broadway, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80290 303.894.2200
Files documents relating to various business organizations and business names; files trade names for certain business entities; registers trade marks; files financing statements, notices of security interests in agricultural products; federal tax liens; and other miscellaneous statutory liens; performs searches of those records; provides copies of filed documents; issues related certificates; and provides pertinent educational services.
LOCAL OFFICE: Colorado Department of Revenue Fort Collins Regional Center 1121 W. Prospect Rd., Bldg D Fort Collins, CO 80526 970.494.9805 • Register a Business • Register a Tradename or a Trademark • Reserve a name for your business
STATE OF COLORADO: OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
The Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) fosters a positive business climate that encourages quality economic development through financial and technical assistance provided in support of local and regional economic development activities throughout the State of Colorado.
OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support Business Development at every level. They include business retention and relocation services, a bioscience and emerging industries program, Business Finance programs, the Colorado Tourism Office, the Colorado Council on the Arts, the Colorado International Trade Office, the Colorado Small Business Development Centers, Minority and Women-owned business services and economic research.
STATE OF COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Includes:
• E-Services for businesses • Provides information regarding tax laws
COLORADO BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE
Includes:
• Starting a Business Checklist • Business Entry Options • Legal Structure and Registration • Taxes • Employer Responsibilities • Bookkeeping • Sources of Assistance • Choosing Your Advisors • Business Plan • Marketing • Financing Options • Liabilities and Insurance • Trademarks, Copyrights and Patents
SCORE
The SCORE Association, Counselors to America's Small Business, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide.SCORE Denver offers small business owners free confidential counseling and low cost small business workshops. We are a volunteer organization staffed by successful business leaders willing to share their experience and skills. Some counselors are willing to travel north, as well. You can schedule your counseling session online.
SCORE also offers Small Business Webcasts: Learn from home, office or anywhere you have access to the internet and phone. You get the highest level of training taught by practicing professionals or experts. Subjects are selected for their applicability to small businesses and range from 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours in length.
COLORADO DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES Local Office: South Platte River Basin, Water Division 810 9th Street, 2nd Floor Greeley, CO 80631 970.352.8712
The Colorado Division of Water Resources (Office of the State Engineer) administers Colorado's water resources to meet the demands of today, and to provide for the needs of tomorrow. Addresses origin issues, reserved rights, wetlands, endangered species recovery and interstate water issues on an already limited water supply. Oversees: • Well Permits • Well Designations
COLORADO DATA BOOK
The Colorado Data Book provides a broad overview of a number of topics of interest to businesses, whether they are already in Colorado, or considering expansion or relocation. Information covers the state's economic base, population and demographics, employment and job training, technology resources, business taxes and public financing programs. The Data Book also contains education statistics, description of the transportation system, recreation and tourism, and quality of life indicators.
COLORADO ASSOCIATION FOR MANUFACTURING AND TECHNOLOGY (CAMT)
The Colorado Association for Manufacturing and Technology is a state-level association providing a collaborative forum and knowledge exchange for manufacturers in Colorado. The Association sponsors public workshops, events, and programs that benefit the manufacturing industry as a whole. There are over 6,000 manufacturing companies in Colorado with employee wages higher than statewide averages, making this industry sector a significant and vital part of Colorado's economy.
CAMT also hosts the Colorado MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership), part of a national network of manufacturing extension offices. CMEP is supported by federal dollars (NIST/Dept. of Commerce), matching funds from state governments and consulting fees from companies.
CMEP provides technical assistance to manufacturers in four main areas: • Lean Enterprise • Quality Improvement (ISO and Six Sigma) • Strategic Management and Policy Deployment • Marketing and Growth Planning
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT) ENTREPRENEURSHIP WIKI (Colorado-focused)
This wiki is maintained by a Boulder group and includes some valuable resources and information about starting a tech business in Colorado. The wiki includes ICT innovation in Colorado, venture capital firms in Colorado, other entrepreneurial suppport organizations in the state, and information about what makes Colorado unique from a start-up perspective.
Regional
LARIMER COUNTY SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC)
The mission of the Fort Collins/Larimer SBDC is to provide high-quality and cost effective small business assistance, information, and support which fosters the successful growth and development of small businesses and results in a positive long-term economic impact on our communities. Their mission is accomplished through:
• Free one-on-one business counseling • Low-cost workshops • Help in identifying potential financing • Help in networking with local, state, and federal resources
Key Bank Tower 125 South Howes, Suite 150 Fort Collins, Colorado 80521 970.498.9295
NORTHERN COLORADO FOOD INCUBATOR
The Northern Colorado Food Incubator (NCFI) is dedicated to fostering local food-related businesses. If you are starting a food business in Fort Collins or nearby -- a restaurant, a catering firm, a company selling anything from salsa to exotic herbs, or technology related to the food industry -- NCFI is dedicated to providing support, guidance and assistance.
NORTHERN COLORADO'S START-UP CENTER
While this site is not intended to answer all of your questions regarding enterprise setup and initial compliance, this information, including concise illustrative examples, is provided to answer many of the questions that may have arisen from your own prior research and input from colleagues, friends and family. Website includes information on Business Setup, Relocating a business to Colorado, compliance (sales and payroll tax rules), commercial personal property, licensing and permits and deadlines. The sample situations are particularly helpful.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN INNOVATION INITIATIVE (RMI2)
The Mission of the incubator is to accelerate the creation of primary jobs through: identifying and accelerating the success of high growth potential technology startup companies; fostering the development and growth of an entrepreneurial culture in Northern Colorado, and supporting Northern Colorado industry clusters and CSU technology transfer. Services and support offered to businesses by the incubator include:
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Access to capital
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Access to experienced mentors and advisors
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Access to talent
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Networking and education events
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Facilities and services
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Fostering a regional entrepreneurial culture
200 W. Mountain Avenue, Suite C Fort Collins, CO 80521 970.221.1301
RMI2's SAGE PROGRAM
The SAGE (Social & Advisory Group for Entrepreneurs) program is a monthly forum where a group of volunteer technology-business executive advisors meet to network and offer advice and assistance to entrepreneurs at an early stage in the development of their business concept.
City of Fort Collins
CITY OF FORT COLLINS INNOVATION
Great information on starting, growing or financing your business in Fort Collins!
POUDRE RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT: BUSINESS & NONPROFIT CENTER
Contact the Business Librarian for research to start or expand your business. You have free access to tools such as:
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Access to Biz Toolkit - a free gateway to help businesses explore, begin, grow, manage and mature their business.
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Resources for nonprofits.
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Small Business Resource Center - for business research
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Access to Reference USA: Whether the mission is finding other complimentary businesses to work in conjunction with on materials and purchasing or finding new markets for products, this database can help your business. ReferenceUSA also includes a lifestyle module which allows users to search specific geographic areas for potential customers who are known to have interests in the products/services offered by the business. Economic factors such as median home income and median home value can also be incorportated into the search to target specific clusters of prospects.
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CITY OF FORT COLLINS ECONOMIC ADVISOR 970.416.2259 • Site location and development assistance • Database and market research assistance and competitive analysis • Incentives • Development review assistance
FORT COLLINS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 225 South Meldrum St. PO Drawer D Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.482.3746
The Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce is the leading not-for-profit, membership-driven business organization dedicated to creating a climate in which business can succeed.
CONVENTION CENTER & VISITORS BUREAU 19 Old Town Square, Suite 137 Ft. Collins, CO 80524 Toll Free 800.274.3678 970.232.3840
The Fort Collins Convention and Visitors’ Bureau leads the Fort Collins area hospitality industry in attracting special events, conventions, cultural activities and recreational opportunities to the Fort Collins area. The FCCVB runs educational and consultative programs to advise and guide businesses as they develop their plans in this industry.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 Old Town Sq, Ste 230 Fort Collins, CO 80524 970.484.2020
Created in 1981, the Downtown Development Authority uses tax increment financing to stimulate redevelopment in the central business district. The Authority focuses on projects that have benefit for the entire community. Typically the DDA will partner with a developer, business owner, or property owner to re-store and revitalize Old Town Fort Collins.
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 19 Old Town Square, Suite 230 Fort Collins, CO 80524 970.484.2020 The Downtown Business Association, a non-profit corporation, is organized to promote the businesses of downtown Fort Collins, Colorado.
CITY OF FORT COLLINS- FINANCIAL SALES AND USE TAX 215 N. Mason St. Fort Collins, CO 80524 970.221.6780 The City Sales and Use Tax office issues City Sales and Use Tax Licenses and Colorado Business registrations for new businesses or for those planning to sell at a special event (fair, bazaar, etc.). Application forms may be obtained at the Sales Tax office or by downloading from the internet. No city business license is required. Applications for home occupations licenses may be dropped off at the Sales Tax office; licenses are issues by the Zoning Department.
FORT COLLINS LAND USE AND MUNICIPAL CODES
FORT COLLINS COMMUNITY PLANNING 281 N. College Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80524 970.221.6750 Community Planning includes: Advance Planning, Building and Zoning, and Current Planning.
CITY OF FORT COLLINS - BUILDING AND ZONING 281 N. College Ave Fort Collins, CO 80524 970.221.6760 The Building and Zoning Department provide field on-site inspections and construction plan examinations for all new buildings and construction plan examinations for all new buildings, additions, and alterations to assure compliance with Code. This Department provides licensing information and registration for in-home, home-based, or entrepreneurial businesses operating from a residential dwelling with the City of Fort Collins.
CITY OF FORT COLLINS UTILITIES SERVICES 330 S. College Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80524 970.212.2900 (24-hour access) The Power-to-Save Team at Fort Collins Utilities: 970.221.6700 or e-mail powertosave@fcgov.com Electric Efficiency Program - cash incentives for energy-efficiency projects. Integrated design assistance for new buildings: The Integrated Design Assistance Program (IDAP) offers financial incentives and free technical support to those interested in delivering high-performance buildings that exceed building code requirements for energy performance. Free Evaluations of Efficiency Opportunities: Fort Collins Utilities offers free energy assessments to commercial electric customers. They help you to identify money-saving opportunities, understand your electric rates, improve operations and upgrade equipment. An energy assessment includes: • a review of your electricity bills; • an energy audit of your building; and • a follow-up report and meeting to relay money-saving opportunities, including available incentives.
FORT COLLINS SALES TAX 215 North Mason Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 Mailing Address: PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 970.221.6780 Fort Collins requires that any entity doing business within the City obtain a Sales and Use Tax License. For information on all taxes and licenses required for businesses within the city, contact the Sales Tax Department.
FORT COLLINS ENTERPRISE ZONE
City of Loveland
CITY OF LOVELAND's BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE
Prepared by Business Development Office & Loveland Business Assistance Network
LOVELAND ECONOMIC GARDENING PROGRAM
This program assists Loveland businesses by providing tools and information to support small businesses. Assistance is also provided in other areas such as marketing and general business management support. All services are free.
Loveland Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 5400 Stone Creek Circle Loveland, CO 80538 970.667.6311
CITY OF LOVELAND 500 East Third Street Loveland, CO 80537 Business Development Manager 970.962.2304 Downtown Planner 970.962.2577
• Administers Urban Renewal Authority and Downtown Project area. • Historic Preservation Commission provides access to state and federal tax credits. • Tax increment financing support • City Ombudsman for local businesses • Initial Market and Site Info
CITY OF LOVELAND PURCHASING 500 East Third Street Loveland, CO 80537 970.962.2695
LOVELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 5400 Stone Creek Circle Loveland, CO 80538 970.667.6311
Assists businesses, especially small businesses. The Chamber strives to enhance the economic well-being of our members and the community. The Chamber: • Promotes the Members’ Businesses • Provides Educational Programs • Holds Networking Events • Sponsorships • Partnerships • Committees.
LOVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY – BUSINESS LIBRARIAN 300 N. Adams Loveland, CO 80537 970.962.2402 • Space for Seminars, Workshops • Information regarding Patents/Trademarks, Business Formation/Legal entity, Intellectual property • Information regarding Market Research and Competitive Analysis • Guidance on resources for businesses • Databases: Reference USA, EbscoHost: Business Premier, Proquest.
DOWNTOWN LOVELAND ASSOCIATION 231 w. 4TH Street Loveland, CO 80537 970.278.4065 The Downtown Loveland Association is a volunteer, non-profit community association that is committed to revitalizing the heart of Loveland. Their mission is to redevelop downtown Loveland, promote a sense of community and provide a unified voice for the downtown businesses.
LOVELAND HIGH PLAINS ART COUNCIL 970.663.2940 Heralded as one of the finest outdoor juried exhibitions of three-dimensional artwork in the United States, Sculpture in the Park features sculptors from around the world. The event, attracts thousands of art lovers and collectors from across the country to Loveland.
City of Greeley
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 1000 10th Street Greeley, CO 80631 970.350.9876 Greeley’s Economic Development Manager provides assistance to existing or relocating businesses, acts as the liaison with other governmental agencies and economic development partners, and connects businesses to resources.
ECONOMIC GARDENING PROGRAM 1000 10th Street Greeley, CO 80631 970.350.9876 Greeley’s Economic Gardening team has subscribed to numerous sophisticated corporate tools to help Greeley businesses compete. These tools include high powered databases that provide immediate tactical and strategic help to increase your sales, improve market share and find new markets and vendors. Services are free to Greeley businesses. Services include: • Precision marketing • Customer mapping • Demographic information • Industry Trends • Strategy development • Customized business research • Competitive Intelligence
CITY OF GREELEY BUSINESS PAGES • Development Assistance • Demographics & Statistics • Permits & Licenses • Standards & specifications • Doing Business with the City • Starting a Business • Business License • Sales & Use Tax
GREELEY DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE 970.350.9269 The City of Greeley has a Development Coordinator who can help you with developing property in the City of Greeley. As a single point of contact for anyone interested in development within the City, the Coordinator: • Provides a single point of contact for all developers, engineers, and contractors to get updates on the status of their projects and to set up meetings with City staff to discuss issues with projects. • Answers questions about the development process in Greeley. • Works with developers and contractors to resolve problems that may arise during the design and construction of development projects. • Works with an Administrative Review Team (ART) for development projects. This allows a developer to sit down with representatives from various City departments to ask and get immediate responses to questions.
GREELEY BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATIONS 1000 10th Street Greeley, CO 80631 970.350.9725 The general business packet consists of the following four applications. You maybe required to submit all of the applications or partial applications depending upon the type of licensing you are applying for. Review individual check-lists listed below for specific details required for your licensing procedure. • Application for Business License • Application for Sales and Use Tax License • Sales Tax License / Zoning Review / Occupancy Certificate - Check Off List • Commercial Sewer User Classification Questionnaire
GREELEY UTILITIES 1000 10th Street Greeley, CO 80631 970.350.9725 Clerks: 970.350.9720 970.350.9721 970.350.9260 970.350.9729
GREELEY CONVENTION CENTER & VISITORS BUREAU 902 7th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 800.449.FUNN (3866) or 970.352.3567
CITY OF GREELEY- SALES AND USE TAX 1000 10th Street Greeley, CO 80631 970.350.9725 Business information and guidance on: • General Tax Information for Colorado businesses • If you need Sales and Use Tax Form for the state of Colorado • Wage Withholding Tax Forms • Income Tax Form for Colorado businesses
CITY OF GREELEY PLANNING 1100 10th Street, Suite 202 Greeley, CO 80631 970.350.9780 Look up “Planning” in the online City of Greeley directory: http://greeleygov.com/InformationDirectory.aspx#P The Planning Division (also known as Planning and Zoning) provides guidance and recommendations to the seven-member Planning Commission to aid in performing its functions. The Division serves as a liaison between the city and other local, state, and federal entities. The department consists of the Community Development Director, a Planning Manager, six City Planners, one Natural Resources Planner, the Neighborhood Resource Office with one Neighborhood Planner and two support staff members. • Annexation • Subdivision of Land • Building Permits • Zoning & Municipal Code Enforcement • Farmer's Market • Annual Growth and Development Projections
CITY OF GREELEY BUILDING INSPECTIONS 1100 10th Street, Suite 114 Greeley, CO 80631 970.350.9830 The Building Inspection Division is here to assure the public a safe and enjoyable environment to live and work in by providing minimum standards. Services include: • Building Permits • Plan Review •Inspections
GREELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 902 7th Avenue Greeley, Colorado 80631 970.352.3566 The Greeley Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit membership-driven organization that exists to promote healthy business growth in the area. Services include: • Small Business Start-up Counseling – One-on-one business “start-up” counseling for emerging entrepreneurs and new business owners • Small Business Development Assistance – Confidential small business counseling assistance in the areas of marketing, management, financing, and information technology • Small Business Educational Training - Online internet classes (forthcoming) covering business start-up, management, marketing, and financing topics, AND a (traditional classroom) 12 week NxLevel Small Business Planning Course • Small Business Information Forums – Community forums providing information on marketing, management, financing, and information technology topics combined with Community Connections to local business and economic development resources • Small Business Research – Access to MCB student resources and business librarians at the UNC Michener and High Plains District Library The Chamber offers its members with numerous opportunities to network with other businesses, to advertise, and in essence, to meet their next customer. Members can attend and sponsor special events such as Business After Hours, the annual Prairie Dog Classic Golf Tournament, and the Annual Banquet, as well as advertising in our numerous publications and other venues.
GREELEY DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 810 9th Street, Suite 120 Greeley, Colorado 80631 970.356.6775 The Greeley DDA is part of the Colorado and national Main Street Program, which use the Four-Point Approach to Revitalization that includes projects in Organization, Promotion, Economic Development, and Design, A few of the DDA’s project and services for downtown include: • Downtown business recruitment and retention projects • Historic preservation technical assistance • Architectural assistance for property owners • Information about incentives for new businesses and property rehabilitation. • Special events • From entertainment venues to retail stores, professional services to residential spaces, Greeley Downtown is working to create a well-rounded, versatile, vibrant downtown.
GREELEY/WELD SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER Monfort College of Business University of Northern Colorado 902 7th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631 970.352.3661 Provides emerging entrepreneurs and existing business owners with easy access to small business development assistance.
Internet Resources
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
What is a social entrepreneur? "A social entrepreneur identifies and solves social problems on a large scale. Just as business entrepreneurs create and transform whole industries, social entrepreneurs act as the change agents for society, seizing opportunities others miss in order to improve systems, invent and disseminate new approaches and advance sustainable solutions that create social value." (http://www.pbs.org/opb/thenewheroes/whatis/) The City of Fort Collins Library and CSU Library sponsored a panel presentation on Social Entrepreneurship in 2008 and created this great resource guide. If you are interested in learning more, email Lucinda.
THE KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION
The Kauffman Foundation is working to further understand the phenomenon of entrepreneurship, to advance entrepreneurship education and training efforts, to promote entrepreneurship-friendly policies, and to better facilitate the commercialization of new technologies by entrepreneurs and others which have great promise for improving the economic welfare of our nation.
EDWARD LOWE FOUNDATION
The foundation envisions a society that actively embraces and encourages entrepreneurship as the source and strategy for economic growth, community development and economically independent individuals. They research and support entrepreneurship and the free enterprise system.
CENTER FOR RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The Center for Rural Entrepreneurship is a Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI) national research and policy center. The rationale for the Center is rooted in a clear opportunity for building more prosperous, dynamic and sustainable economies in rural America through entrepreneurship development.
BUSINESS PLAN RESOURCES
CSU's Entrepreneurship Center hosts a strong collection of internet resources for writing your business plan.
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