Business Assistance
One of the main focuses of the LLCEDC is business assistance. We offer free, confidential business assistance because we want businesses in Lake County to succeed, grow, and thrive. Our current direct forms of business assistance are explained below.
Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E)
Our BR&E program is a confidential interviewing program for existing businesses to share their barriers and opportunities and allow us to provide customized assistance. The LLCEDC also uses this information to develop programs for our local businesses. The data is then shared annually in aggregate with state and local utility and policy makers to help direct their efforts for greater business success. If you would like to participate in a BR&E interview, please email Nancy.
Workshops
LLCEDC
Workshops and trainings are part of the LLCEDC's business assistance. We will be offering a wide range of workshops for small and medium size business owners in Lake County. Check back for events as they are scheduled.
SCORE
The LLCEDC is proud to announce that it has become a branch of the Colorado Springs SCORE chapter. SCORE is a nation-wide business assistance program that connects small business owners and entrepreneurs with certified local mentors to gain the knowledge and experience needed to further their business. Our SCORE branch currently has 3 mentors and is growing. Learn more here.
SBDC
SBDC offers a wide range of live and on demand workshops in both English and Spanish. See the complete schedule.
Mentoring
Remote SCORE Mentors are Available
SCORE mentors are available to work remotely via phone, email and video. We also developed a new way to get advice LIVE through our Real-Time Mentoring platform. Both options allow you to connect safely to our expert mentors from your own home.
Introducing The Hispanic Business Owners Hub at SCORE
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, SCORE has launched a Hispanic Business Owners Hub. It is filled with resources and workshops, in English and Spanish, tailored to the unique challenges Hispanic entrepreneurs face. SCORE mentors are available to work with you in both languages as well.
SBDC Free, Confidential One-on-One Consulting
The Central Mountain Small Business Development Center provides consulting and training to current and prospective business owners and non-profits. We support entrepreneurs with all aspects of business planning, market analysis, management, cash flow, growth strategies and access to capital. The best part of the SBDC is that we offer no-cost, confidential one-on-one consulting. Meet with a local small business consultant who understands your situation to devise a personalized action plan. Click here to request an appointment
LLCEDC One On One Consultation
Scheduled one on one consulting with the LLCEDC Executive Director, Marla Akridge, is a great business assistance tool to help you figure out where you are as a business owner (or entrepreneur) and what steps you need to take to start heading in the right direction. Our director's schedule is very busy so please schedule an appointment by emailing Nancy, her Project Manager.
Colorado Mountain College
A series of classes designed as an opportunity to up-skill yourself now so you can return to the workforce with the skills necessary to lead a team in hospitality.
CMC is now offering a variety of non-credit courses online, for free, with our Community Education instructors! Some classes are pre-recorded, but many are live streaming. Learn from a few of your favorite non-credit instructors from campuses across Colorado. Be sure to check back because we'll be adding new ones regularly.
Check the Free-Online Courses box on top, choose an online class that interests you, register, and attend for free!