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.”

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

C-21 Project

Keaunna Figgers, Denver’s newest fashionista, is raising awareness of Down syndrome and doing so in style through her company The C-21 Project, which refers to the extra 21st chromosome that she was born with. Born with Down syndrome, Figgers faced obstacles from the start – she had open-heart surgery at just 3 months old and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at a very young age. Growing up with arthritis, Figgers would spend hours coloring in

Sky Blue Builders

When Mowa Haile set out to build a business with a couple of friends, they agreed on one fundamental principle: customer service. “The opportunity to be customer focused is what motivates us and differentiates us,” said Mowa, President of minority-owned Sky Blue Builders, LLC. “As consumers, we see the mistakes that big companies make – and we want to change that. Everything we do, we consider it from the perspective of the customer. If it

Alt Ethos

You may have seen their installations during Denver Startup week or read their name in 303 Magazine as “Denver Artists to Watch in 2018.” Alt Ethos is introducing a new way of capturing the attention of audiences through experiential design. By combining mixed reality (MR), augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to create interactive light displays, people are more than just viewers – they become part of the art display. CEO Ethan Bach and

Fireside Production

“With resources like the Denver Metro Chamber and the Denver Metro SBDC – and a community of entrepreneurs and leaders who are so willing to share their insights – I have to admit, learning how to run a business has been one of my greatest joys.” Naomi Binkley, founder and managing partner of Fireside Production said. Naomi Binkley and Tom McDonald make their living telling others’ stories through video. They are committed to bringing creativity,

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,