In partnership with The Colorado Health Foundation, DreamSpring will present three “Funding Your Small Business” workshops to rural Colorado communities this November. The free workshops will be held in La Junta on Monday, Nov. 14, Pueblo on Tuesday, Nov. 15, and Alamosa on Wednesday, Nov. 16. (See below for event details and registration links.)
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About the Workshops Each hour-long workshop presents a primer on funding both start-up and existing businesses. Topics cover informal and formal funding sources — including boot-strapping (using personal savings and credit cards), accessing capital from nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) , and working with banks. The workshops also include a host of business resources and other information that entrepreneurs can benefit from as they seek funding. The workshops are part of DreamSpring's engagement and education strategy, which aims to identify catalytic partnerships, remove barriers, and increase financial literacy and social capital among small business owners in communities across the United States. Meghan Rauker, DreamSpring Colorado Community Engagement Officer, designed the workshops to speak to the specific challenges and opportunities that business owners face throughout Colorado. The series kicked off with a virtual workshop in late October, reaching entrepreneurs in Northern Colorado and the Denver Metro Area. November’s workshops will take place in three rural Southern Colorado communities. |
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“Funding Your Small Business” Free Workshop & Registration Details La Junta Workshop Woodruff Memorial Library Monday, Nov. 14, from 4pm-5pm
Pueblo Workshop Rawlings Public Library Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 12pm-1pm
Alamosa Workshop Alamosa Public Library Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 12pm-1pm
Additional dates will be coordinated in the event of inclement weather. |
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Meghan Rauker, workshop facilitator and DreamSpring Colorado Community Engagement Officer |
“We are thrilled to grow intentional partnerships that support the rural entrepreneurial ecosystem in Colorado,” Meghan says. “By providing free workshops and responding in real-time to the needs of entrepreneurs in the area, we can share vital resources and opportunities for small business owners.” |
The workshops are free and geographically accessible thanks to the support of The Colorado Health Foundation. The Colorado Health Foundation’s partnership includes a $500,000 multi-year grant awarded to DreamSpring, recognizing that economic and financial factors are a significant determinant of overall health.
“The Colorado Health Foundation is excited to deepen its partnership with DreamSpring in supporting communities throughout the state,” says Ben L. Bynum, M.D., Senior Director Impact Investing at The Colorado Health Foundation. “These efforts aim to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and rural entrepreneurs in gaining access to the technical assistance and lending dollars needed to create jobs and generational wealth within their communities through business ownership.”
DreamSpring’s Meghan Rauker says the “Funding Your Small Business” series is only the beginning. With the support of The Colorado Health Foundation and other partners, DreamSpring will continue to roll out more educational opportunities tailored to the needs of rural entrepreneurs. (After “Funding Your Small Business,” next up is a “Marketing and Content Planning” workshop slated for Dec. 8, 2022.)
“As many entrepreneurs are facing obstacles to economic success, we are so grateful for The Colorado Health Foundation’s belief in our work and their generous support to help Colorado entrepreneurs achieve their business dreams,” says Anne Haines, President and CEO of DreamSpring.
About The Colorado Health Foundation
The Colorado Health Foundation is bringing health in reach for all Coloradans by engaging closely with communities across the state through investing, policy advocacy, learning and capacity building. For more information, please visit coloradohealth.org.
DreamSpring is a nonprofit community lender dedicated to eliminating systemic wealth inequities and accelerating the economic inclusion and strength of underserved communities. Founded in 1994, the organization, which operates in 26 states, provides rapid access to capital and customized wrap-around support to the most vulnerable small business owners, focusing on communities including people of color, women, low- to moderate-income earners, people with disabilities, and start-ups. To date, DreamSpring has issued more than 42,000 loans totaling over $465 million to small businesses that support an estimated 72,000 jobs. Learn more at DreamSpring.org.