LOCAL RESOURCES
YOUR LOCAL ADVANTAGE STARTS HERE
Tap into trusted organizations across El Paso County that help small businesses start, grow, and scale – right here in our community.
Survive & Thrive is just one piece of a much bigger ecosystem. Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region are built on strong partnerships, experienced mentors, and organizations that show up for business owners.
If you’re serious about growth, these are the people and programs worth knowing.
LOCAL RESOURCES
YOUR LOCAL ADVANTAGE STARTS HERE
Tap into trusted organizations across El Paso County that help small businesses start, grow, and scale – right here in our community.
Survive & Thrive is just one piece of a much bigger ecosystem. Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region are built on strong partnerships, experienced mentors, and organizations that show up for business owners.
If you’re serious about growth, these are the people and programs worth knowing.
Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Serving Pikes Peak
Hosted by the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, the Colorado SBDC Serving Pikes Peak is a nationally accredited program of the Colorado SBDC Network, serving El Paso and Teller Counties. As the region’s go-to resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners, the SBDC provides no-cost one-on-one consulting, practical training programs, and strategic guidance to help businesses launch, grow, and thrive.
Through expert advising, innovative workshops, and strong community partnerships, the SBDC supports business owners in creating jobs, accessing capital, increasing sales, and navigating complex growth challenges — fueling innovation and economic vitality across the Pikes Peak region.
City of Colorado Springs
One of the primary roles of the Economic Development Division for the City of Colorado Springs is to assist in the business development process. Getting your business off the ground is no easy task, but there are many free resources and tools available to assist and to make the process easier. This is a starting point for small business owners who have questions about how the City can enable their business to thrive. You will find resources, tools, and guidance to help open a small business or to grow and scale.
Win More Government Contracts
The Colorado APEX Accelerator helps small and mid-sized businesses break into – and succeed in – government contracting.
Whether you’re new to the space or ready to scale, APEX provides:
- No-cost advising on federal, state, and local contracting
- Help with registrations (SAM.gov, certifications, compliance)
- Bid matching and opportunity identification
- Training on FAR, CMMC, and procurement strategy
If you’re serious about diversifying revenue and securing long-term contracts, this is one of the most valuable resources in the region.
Contact:
(719) 575-8944 (Colorado Springs office)
Build Trust. Get Chosen.
Trust still wins – and the BBB helps you earn it.
BBB Accreditation strengthens your reputation while positioning your business for modern discovery, including AI-driven search and recommendation platforms.
They also provide:
- AI and marketing training
- Reputation management tools
- Marketplace insights
If you want to stand out in a crowded market, credibility matters.
Investing in Downtown Growth
If you’re operating in downtown Colorado Springs, the DDA offers real financial support to help your business thrive.
Programs include:
- Building Enhancement Grants
- Retail Incentives
- Tree Canopy Grants
- Special Project Grants
- TIF reimbursement opportunities
This is how smart businesses leverage location into growth.
Fueling Business Growth at Every Level
El Paso County takes a practical approach to economic development – focusing on incentives, housing, and long-term community growth.
Businesses can access:
- Tax credits and rebates
- Loan programs
- State and federal funding opportunities
If you’re looking for financial leverage to grow, start here.
Contact:
katieplutz@elpasoco.com | 719-520-7493
saralobato@elpasoco.com | 719-520-6480
Connect with Defense & Space Innovation
The Innovation Hub is where small businesses connect with real government opportunities.
Through partnerships with Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation, Space Systems Command, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, IHub provides:
- Access to 30+ Department of Defense teams
- Technical and business support
- High-value networking and workforce events
If you’re building in tech, defense, or space – this is a serious advantage.
Contact:
Build with Confidence
Planning a commercial space or remodel? The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department is your first stop for plan review, permitting, and inspections.
They offer:
- Free consultation appointments
- Guidance on commercial projects
- Free Commercial Property classes
Get clarity before you commit – and avoid costly mistakes.
From Stability to Scale
The Thrive Network meets entrepreneurs where they are – and helps them move forward with structure and support.
Programs include:
- Personal Baseline (stability + foundation)
- Startup Incubator (business planning, validation, operations)
- Scale Accelerator (systems and revenue growth)
Offered in both English and Spanish, Thrive delivers real-world support – not theory.
Contact:
English: andip@thethrivenetworks.org
Spanish: karina@thethrivenetworks.org
Built for Those Who Served
The VBOC supports veterans, active duty, military spouses, and families in building successful businesses.
Services include:
- Business counseling
- Training and mentorship
- Technical skill development
If you’ve served, this is one of the strongest business resources available to you.
Contact:
Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Serving Pikes Peak
Hosted by the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, the Colorado SBDC Serving Pikes Peak is a nationally accredited program of the Colorado SBDC Network, serving El Paso and Teller Counties. As the region’s go-to resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners, the SBDC provides no-cost one-on-one consulting, practical training programs, and strategic guidance to help businesses launch, grow, and thrive.
Through expert advising, innovative workshops, and strong community partnerships, the SBDC supports business owners in creating jobs, accessing capital, increasing sales, and navigating complex growth challenges — fueling innovation and economic vitality across the Pikes Peak region.
City of Colorado Springs
One of the primary roles of the Economic Development Division for the City of Colorado Springs is to assist in the business development process. Getting your business off the ground is no easy task, but there are many free resources and tools available to assist and to make the process easier. This is a starting point for small business owners who have questions about how the City can enable their business to thrive. You will find resources, tools, and guidance to help open a small business or to grow and scale.
Win More Government Contracts
The Colorado APEX Accelerator helps small and mid-sized businesses break into – and succeed in – government contracting.
Whether you’re new to the space or ready to scale, APEX provides:
- No-cost advising on federal, state, and local contracting
- Help with registrations (SAM.gov, certifications, compliance)
- Bid matching and opportunity identification
- Training on FAR, CMMC, and procurement strategy
If you’re serious about diversifying revenue and securing long-term contracts, this is one of the most valuable resources in the region.
Contact:
(719) 575-8944 (Colorado Springs office)
Build Trust. Get Chosen.
Trust still wins – and the BBB helps you earn it.
BBB Accreditation strengthens your reputation while positioning your business for modern discovery, including AI-driven search and recommendation platforms.
They also provide:
- AI and marketing training
- Reputation management tools
- Marketplace insights
If you want to stand out in a crowded market, credibility matters.
Investing in Downtown Growth
If you’re operating in downtown Colorado Springs, the DDA offers real financial support to help your business thrive.
Programs include:
- Building Enhancement Grants
- Retail Incentives
- Tree Canopy Grants
- Special Project Grants
- TIF reimbursement opportunities
This is how smart businesses leverage location into growth.
Fueling Business Growth at Every Level
El Paso County takes a practical approach to economic development – focusing on incentives, housing, and long-term community growth.
Businesses can access:
- Tax credits and rebates
- Loan programs
- State and federal funding opportunities
If you’re looking for financial leverage to grow, start here.
Contact:
katieplutz@elpasoco.com | 719-520-7493
saralobato@elpasoco.com | 719-520-6480
Connect with Defense & Space Innovation
The Innovation Hub is where small businesses connect with real government opportunities.
Through partnerships with Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation, Space Systems Command, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, IHub provides:
- Access to 30+ Department of Defense teams
- Technical and business support
- High-value networking and workforce events
If you’re building in tech, defense, or space – this is a serious advantage.
Contact:
Build with Confidence
Planning a commercial space or remodel? The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department is your first stop for plan review, permitting, and inspections.
They offer:
- Free consultation appointments
- Guidance on commercial projects
- Free Commercial Property classes
Get clarity before you commit – and avoid costly mistakes.
From Stability to Scale
The Thrive Network meets entrepreneurs where they are – and helps them move forward with structure and support.
Programs include:
- Personal Baseline (stability + foundation)
- Startup Incubator (business planning, validation, operations)
- Scale Accelerator (systems and revenue growth)
Offered in both English and Spanish, Thrive delivers real-world support – not theory.
Contact:
English: andip@thethrivenetworks.org
Spanish: karina@thethrivenetworks.org
Built for Those Who Served
The VBOC supports veterans, active duty, military spouses, and families in building successful businesses.
Services include:
- Business counseling
- Training and mentorship
- Technical skill development
If you’ve served, this is one of the strongest business resources available to you.
Contact: