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The Colorado Business Resource Guide

How much would you pay for a 72 page book that showed provided you with a checklist for starting a business, an overview of the various business legal structures (with pros and cons for each), information on tax (income, property, sales tax), employer responsibilities, marketing, financing, business owner liability, and much much more? Such a book, if it existed, would surely cost $24, $75, or even $100…right?

Well, such a book does exist but it doesn’t cost a penny. The Colorado Business Resource Guide is produced by the Colorado SBDC and is available for free as a PDF on our website and as a physical book at our Centers across the state. The Guide is available in both English and Spanish language versions. This book is an excellent primer for anyone considering going into business here in Colorado. The most commonly asked questions in regards to starting a business are answered within this book. In addition, the guide empowers readers to help themselves by providing contact information for the various state offices that oversee business here in Colorado.

And what’s already good is about to get even better when later this year the SBDC will unveil a newly revised version of the Colorado Business Resource Guide!

Help with Labor Law Posters

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One of the many responsibilities that come with having employees is the posting of mandatory workplace posters. These posters ensure that employees know their rights regarding compensation and fair treatment, among other things. But not every business needs every poster, so how does one know what must be prominently displayed in that breakroom or common area? The U.S. Department of Labor website elaws (Employment Laws Assistance for Workers and Small Businesses) can help.

Just like their name would indicate, elaws is an employment law assistance website for small businesses and their employees. The website is packed with information regarding pay and benefits, health and safety, as well as employment posters. The elaws “Firststep Poster Advisor” asks you a series of questions about your business to determine what posters you need to display.

Once you determine what posters you need, you can download PDF copies and print them off to display them from the U.S. Department of Labor website. For state labor posters, visit the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment poster page where you also download and print PDF copies of the necessary posters. If you have any questions about this reach out to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment at 303-318-8000. Good luck, and happy posting!

Banish Your Tax Fears: Free Business Tax Classes & Tax Help

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Are you starting or running a business? Do you find tax-related issues intimidating? Have no fear, the experts at the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Taxation Division have you covered. They offer free classes specially designed for business owners and tax professionals. The classes cover a variety of subjects including sales tax, special event tax, consumer use tax, wage withholding, licensing and filing tax returns.

The classes are offered monthly in the Taxpayer Service Centers located in Fort Collins, Denver, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, and Pueblo. You must go online and register for these free classes, which you can do by going here. If you aren’t able to attend these sessions in person you can even watch a recorded class online, again for free. There are even presentation slides you can download to view at your leisure.

Still have tax questions? The fastest way to get your tax questions answered is to pick up the phone and call 303-238-7378. You can also write an email your general tax questions to DOR_TaxpayerService@state.co.us, though it can take up to 4 days for you to get a response.

Free Business Basics Training Videos

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Starting a business can be daunting, which is why the Small Business Development Center exists. We’re here to help. Whether you’re starting your journey into business for the first time or you’re an experienced pro starting your second business-the SBDC has something to offer you. Our Centers offer low-cost classes and workshops on a variety of business topics. The SBDC will also pay a consultant to meet with you to discuss your business. If you are reading this and you’re on the fence about signing up for services-go for it. Find the Center closest to you (click here) and get connected with your local Colorado SBDC.

But what if it’s 3:00 a.m. and you’d like to start your journey into business? What if it’s the weekend? Or you are snowed in at home? If you’re itching to get started and learn about what it takes to go into business for yourself you can start watching our free, online tutorial videos. The Colorado SBDC has posted several great videos on a variety of topics ranging from the basics of starting a business to managing your finances and even basic marketing principles. These videos are a great first step in educating yourself on what it takes to start a business.

Save the Date: National SBDC Day is Coming!

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Did you know that Wednesday, March, 18th is National Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Day? SBDC Day is a national celebration of the positive impact America’s Small Business Development Centers have on the small business community and the economy at large. There will be celebrations all over the country including right here in Colorado! The Colorado SBDC will be hosting a National SBDC Event on Thursday, March 19th at the State Capitol Building located at 200 East Colfax Avenue in Denver.

The event will provide members of the small business community an opportunity to network and meet with various legislators, community leaders, and fellow business owners. Colorado SBDC Day will also feature exhibitor tables showcasing some of the best local businesses and local Colorado products. There will also be free food and beverages! If you’d like to attend Colorado SBDC Day on Thursday, March 19, 2020 click here to reserve your free event ticket.