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Humans are meant to move. Physical activity and good diets keep our bodies working as finely tuned machines. Not doing so, has unhealthy conseqences. Modern society has allowed for increasing inactivity in most people. Health and wellness clubs in communities play a vital role in helping their members remain motivated to pursue personal fitness goals that fit their lifestyle and share ideas on workouts, diets, and overall healthy living.

Imagine being Justin and Brittany growing up in New Mexico, playing in the outdoors there and becoming committed to healthy living. They also had a dream of moving north to Colorado when they could find the right opportunity to own an athletic club. Reality came to pass when they purchased San Luis Valley Health and Wellness in 2015, an existing club, but in need of many repairs, from a leaky roof to fixing the swimming pool, to updating 30 year old equipment.

Their vision also included bringing in new high tech bikes and treadmills to allow members to ‘go places’ where they have not ridden or run before via virtual reality screens in front of them. Ultimately the upgrades would help members create good gym habits while maintaining a regular routine in a busy world. Success in owning a gym would also require a need to change business practices to meet the needs of existing and new members.

The San Luis Valley SBDC helped them in several ways even before purchasing the club. The SBDC, according to Justin, “helped give us a feel for the business environment in Alamosa. We wanted to know how well we would be supported by other business members in the community and also get a better feel for the demographics here. After purchasing the club, they helped us find the right contacts for all the information we needed whether locally, or around the state to set up our gym properly with business licenses and Federal ID number.”

One critical thing they helped us do was to get a social media intern from Adams State which worked out well for setting up our Twitter Page and Facebook. Our cost was minimal for our return.”

Geneva always dreamed of starting her own bakery and has custom baked for friends and family for years.

“With the assistance I received from the Southeast Colorado SBDC, I was not only able to start a new career – I was able to follow my dream of having my own small bakery. I was supported with guidance and direction to become and stay successful. One of the best things I know is at any point I can call SBDC Advisers or Consultants and get the information I need.”

Geneva opened her bakery in Rocky Ford. Sweet Indulgent Creations Bakery creates custom cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, cake balls and cookies for any event.

Bob O’Borne was taught by his father at the age of 5 to shoot a long bow. When he was old enough, he harvested the mighty “Wapati” and joined the United States Air Force. He traveled around seeking out different animals with his bow until he settled in Colorado. Bob has always had a desire to own his own shop but did not have the time or opportunity. He believed, “You will never rise to the top by working for someone else.”

In addition to wanting to open his own shop Bob also wanted to help people. In May 2016 Bob’s dream came true and he opened Broken Arrow Archery in La Junta.

“If you never set a goal, you’ll never achieve it and you can with the SBDC at your side.”

Sit Means Sit Dog Training was opened in November 2008 by Jori E. Pollard who serves as the owner and head trainer. Located in Pueblo, CO Sit Means Sit Dog Training is located at 2424 N. Freeway, Pueblo, CO 81003. Sit Means Sit Dog Training is the fastest growing dog training company in the U.S. specializing in off leash training, aggressive dogs, and difficult issues. They provide an opportunity for dog owners to develop a great relationship with their dogs and allow them to be good members of their families. They offer in home lessons, indoor training facility, and life time training, including group classes. They also have the GO TEAM Therapy Dog team as well as offer Canine Good Citizen testing and Advanced Canine Good Citizen. Additional services to be added this year include puppy classes and the STAR puppy testing through AKC.

In December 2012, Jori and her team expanded the business with a purchase of a facility and opening of A Country Canine Resort. A year later Country Canine Grooming and Pet Spa opened in December 2013. A Country Canine Resort offers a wide variety of services including boarding, doggy daycare, dog supplies and food. They have a state of the art kennel that has cameras to view your dogs, radiant heated floors, indoor and outdoor dog runs. They are the only kennel in the city limits of Pueblo and the only kennel that co-mingles the dogs to allow them to play outside in a supervised dog park atmosphere. A Country Canine Grooming and Pet Spa is a full service grooming shop with a self-serve dog wash area. Specializing in Poodles and Labra doodles they are experts in keeping dogs breed specific and natural. They have a groomer with over 25 years of experience, offering full service “Spa” days for your pets. They also offer Doggy Daycare and Spa day packages with multiple dog discounts.

Jori’s journey with small business ownership began when she decided to open her own business because she wanted to offer a service she felt the community was in need of while offering the best service to clients in a homey atmosphere. Jori felt it was important to allow dog owners to be able to have the best relationships with their dogs and be able to make them be true members of their family. With a commitment to provide outstanding customer service and quality care for their customers ( 4 legged ones) and families, Jori and her team want their clients to consider the Canine Report to be their home away from home.

“I always look at the courses offered and I feel the SBDC is an asset to our community.”

Jori and her employees have faced many challenges and their biggest challenge was taking an eyesore 60 year old dilapidated building and remodeling it into their dream. They had to overcome many obstacles including a sewer system that was not recorded in the city plans because of the age of the building. It was a treasure hunt for a sewer and quite a challenge. They continue to remodel and improve the building daily. Jori loves hearing the stories from the community regarding the history that goes along with it. They were vandalized and the building was broken into many times during construction. The building was persevered and opened after many hours of clean up, construction, and hard labor. The dedication of her employees, the community support and good old fashion hard work helped them to achieve one of their biggest accomplishments.

Part of the community support provided was services and training provided by the Southern CO SBDC. Jori is a graduate of the CO SBDC Leading Edge Program, a twelve-week entrepreneurship program that helped her prepare a successful business plan and obtain a small business loan to assist in operations. The program gave Jori the opportunity to network with other business owners and members of the community to help mentor and assist her in opening her business. Jori also learned to work well with the State Regulatory a

Shelley McPherson will be the first to tell you that starting her own business from scratch was very challenging both mentally and physically. Even with Shelley’s past managing experience with a wiping rag business her father started in California, there were still challenges. Incorporating her dream of operating her own business with her desire to make a difference in the world through recycling led her to create a line of unique and practical products she offers for retail sale.

Before Shelley set off on her start-up business adventure she contacted the Southern Colorado SBDC and began working on a business plan. Shelley identified immediately with the importance of a business plan and was able to begin working on one while receiving entrepreneur training through the state certified SBDC Leading Edge Program.

“After graduating from the SBDC Leading Edge Program, I was able to secure a small business loan with a private community revolving loan fund (EPIC) and six months later we opened our doors for business to Southern Colorado.”

American Wiping Rags, Inc. (AWR), manufactures six different types of disposable cotton wiping rags. The rags are manufactured from 100% recycled, clean cotton material that is sorted, cut to size and packaged. In 2006 the company also began offering a product line of microfiber cleaning cloths, mops and dusters. The durable cloths can handle at least 200 washes and are biodegradable. In 2009, AWR added their latest sorbent line which is a product made of paper, wool and cotton and is designed for containment of oil-based spills and hazardous liquids.

By continuing to participate in SBDC business development offerings, Shelley continues to receive on-going and invaluable business advising, support and encouragement. “With all the changes in the economy and just the business itself, it’s important for any entrepreneur to continue to educate themselves and incorporate new ideas. The SBDC is a great resource to do so.”