Konjo Catering

In 2008, Konjo Catering emerged as the first Ethiopian catering company in Denver, driven by a passion for sharing authentic Ethiopian cuisine. After several successful years, the team took a bold step and launched Denver’s first Ethiopian food truck in 2015, attracting a line that stretched two blocks on opening day. This success fueled their dream of establishing the city’s first fast-casual Ethiopian restaurant. However, finding the right location that fit their vision and budget proved challenging. With a solid concept but needing guidance on financial projections, the team sought support.

The turning point came in 2018 when Konjo Catering participated in the SBDC’s “Trout Tank Food Frenzy” Pitch Competition. With SBDC’s expert guidance, they developed a comprehensive business plan that included market analysis, revenue models, and financial projections. This preparation was crucial in demonstrating the feasibility and potential of their business idea to investors.

Their hard work paid off when they won the competition, validating their concept and boosting their confidence. In November 2019, Konjo Ethiopian Food opened at The Edgewater Public Market, marking a significant milestone as Denver’s first fast-casual Ethiopian restaurant. Now, as they celebrate nearly five years in business, they credit the SBDC with playing an integral role in their journey. “The SBDC was an integral part of our success. They gave us the tools and the confidence we needed to execute our vision.”

Briar Common Brewery + Eatery

Kent Dawson is no stranger to the hard work it takes to start his own business. He learned young as he and his brother Greg spent their summer breaks helping their grandparents tend to their farm. “Spending time on ‘The Farm’ was no picnic: this wasn’t one of those grandparents spoiling the grandkids situation. It was exhausting!” Dawson recalled. Dawson and his wife moved to Denver in 2008, looking to enjoy what Denver and Colorado

Wong Way Veg

When Lisa Wong stepped foot into the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center in 2011, her dream of starting a food truck in Denver was just that – a dream. Wong envisioned herself running a business that would marry her love for vegetarian food with her passion for building community. Two years later, her dream became a reality. But Wong’s dream didn’t come to life without hard work. In the fall of 2012, she enrolled

Back2Basics

Brittany Winkfield is like a lot of entrepreneurs. She saw a gap in the marketplace and instead of waiting for someone else to fill it, she went after it herself. Led by a belief and desire that a Christian lifestyle magazine existed within the community, she used her creative skills, business network, and the SBDC to create Back2Basics Magazine. And she did it with the grace and style of a dedicated entrepreneur that understands how

Create Cooking School

Create Cooking School has actively engaged with the SBDC community for two years by taking advantage of Leading Edge, Trout Tank, financial classes and multiple consultants within the network. And now, owners Erasmo Casiano and Diego Coconati are on the brink of opening Create Cooking School in the Stapleton neighborhood of Denver. Leading Edge played an important role in the growth of the company. Casiano learned that adapting and pivoting is beneficial to your business,

Rupp’s Drums

Rupp’s Drums serves the Denver community with a wide range of music merchandise from drums and apparel to lessons and rentals. Run by a team of experienced musicians, they certainly know their stuff! Learn more about this accomplished SBDC client and finalist for Small Business of the Year at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce 2022 Business Awards below. Rupp’s Drums began back in 1984 and was later purchased in 2018 by Alex Simpson, a

Open Road Snacks

In January of 2007, Karen and Tim Bradley were looking for an opportunity to combine Tim’s expertise in consumer packaged goods, finance and operations with Karen’s background in graphic design, marketing and sales. That’s when they acquired Rocky Mountain Popcorn Company. “We work really well together and we wanted to use both sides of our collective brain,” Karen said. “With our experience in brand management, we recognized that, while Rocky Mountain Popcorn was proven in