Pikes Peak Region to Celebrate 11th Annual Small Business Week from June 2- 8, 2023
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 11, 2023 – The Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) of Southern Colorado is delighted to announce its collaboration with the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation (Chamber & EDC) to promote the 11th Annual Pikes Peak Region Small Business Week. The week of events celebrating our small business community is scheduled to run from Friday, June 2 through Thursday, June 8.
BBB of Southern Colorado is committed to supporting small businesses, as evidenced by more than 90% of our Accredited Businesses having 20 or fewer employees. The Pikes Peak SBDC similarly champions the small business community, catering to 100% of small businesses with 35 employees or less. The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC mission is to achieve economic prosperity for our region and act as a catalyst for business innovation and growth.
We are thrilled to kick off the sports-themed week with the highly anticipated Small Business BASH at Switchbacks Weidner Field. The Week’s events continue with a series of three in-person workshops hosted at ProRodeo Hall of Fame, iFly Colorado Springs, and Rocky Mountain Vibes UCHealth Park. Each workshop features business leaders and industry experts and has been tailored to address the questions small business owners, employees, and residents in the Pikes Peak Region are asking. The Week will culminate in a Closing Ceremony to be held at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.
“We are excited to celebrate our 11th annual Pikes Peak Region Small Business Week,” said Brandon Eldridge, Executive Director for Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center. “Small Business Week is a time to recognize the resilience, innovation, and economic power of the small businesses in our community. Small businesses are the driving force of our economy and the influencers of our culture. This is our time to honor their contributions to our region.”
“Small, locally owned businesses are the heart and fabric of our community that attracts and retains talent. These businesses create jobs, spark innovation, and support families,” said Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President & CEO of Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. “The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC is proud to host the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center and provide support for small businesses as they continue to transform and navigate market forces.”
“Our community continually amazes me on how well they step up to support small businesses in our region,” said Jonathan Liebert, CEO and Executive Director of Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado. “Small businesses have endured a lot during the past few years and have continued to show their innovation and resilience. This week is about celebrating their work and highlighting top performers. It is imperative that we continue to support and encourage small business owners in the Pikes Peak Region.”
See below for the complete agenda of the week’s events and registration information, or click here, or visit: pikespeaksbdc.org/sbw
Friday, June 2nd – Small Business BASH & Awards Celebration:
Cost: Tickets: $25, $50, VIP Tickets: $100
Time: 3:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: Switchbacks Weidner Field, 111 W Cimarron St, Colorado Springs, CO. 80903
Come and join us at Switchbacks Weidner Field for an unforgettable experience celebrating the accomplishments of small businesses in the community. This sports-themed celebration offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy an awards ceremony, delicious food, and drinks, and live entertainment from a talented band. The fun doesn’t stop there – stick around for a game at the stadium and support your local professional soccer team! This event is the perfect chance for local businesses to network, make valuable connections, and showcase their achievements in a fun-filled atmosphere. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up now and join us for an amazing evening of celebration, networking, and entertainment!
At the BASH, we will we honor the finalists in the following Small Business Awards categories:
Veteran Small Business Owner of the Year
- Enrique Camacho – Model Citizen Coffee Company
- Al Cazares – House Doctors
- Karl von Kessel – iFLY Colorado Springs
Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
- Ramon Alvarez – Minuteman Press of Colorado Springs
- Jenn Raulie – Bill’s Plumbing and Drain Service
- Gavin Urban – WireNut Home Services
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- Madeleine Costa – Succeeding Small
- Rafael de la Vega – Salt Athletic
- Janasia Rapp – Pawfection of Helping Hands Mobile Veterinary Acupuncture & Wellness Services
Small Business Champion of the Year
- Ramon Alvarez – Minuteman Press of Colorado Springs
- Theresa Garcia – Rubi’s Positive Empowerment
- Heather McBroom – Precision Services
Small Business Person of the Year
- Kristen Kells – Dr. Kells’ Weight Loss
- Sevan Stryker – Bob Penkhus Motor Company
The Small Business BASH tickets have been categorized into three types: gold, silver, and bronze.
- Gold Tickets ($100) Include:
-
- Small Business Awards Ceremony
- Networking, activities, and refreshments
- VIP seating for the game
- UNLIMITED food and beverages
- MVP swag bag filled with Small Business Week gifts and offers.
- Silver Tickets ($50) Include:
- Small Business Awards Ceremony
- Networking, Activities, and Refreshments
- Stadium seating for the game
- swag bag filled with Small Business Week gifts and offers.
- Bronze Tickets ($25) Include:
- Small Business Awards Ceremony
- Networking, Activities, and Refreshments
- Standing Room/Rail for the game
Regardless of the ticket type, all attendees will have the opportunity to attend the Small Business Awards Ceremony, engage in networking activities, and enjoy refreshments. It is entirely up to the attendees to choose the ticket category that meets their specific need and budget.
Monday June 5th: Workshop #1- Become a Marketing Champion!
Cost: $20
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Networking (Light breakfast served)
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Workshop
Location: ProRodeo Hall of Fame
Sponsor/Intro: Colorado Enterprise Fund
Format: Traditional Panel
Moderator: Adam Morley (Wolf and Key Marketing)
Panelists: Camille Blakely (AdPro 360), Brandon Lee (Edison Apps), Timothy Zercher (A-Train Marketing), & Daniel Campana (True Wind).
Description: Chat GTP and AI are revolutionizing business and marketing by enabling personalization, automation, predictive analytics, chatbots, image and speech recognition, and content creation. These advancements allow businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively, better understand and engage with their customers, and ultimately drive growth and profitability. As AI technology continues to advance, it is likely to become an even more essential tool for businesses and marketers in the years to come. Join us for this cutting-edge discussion on the emerging marketing trends that are likely to become increasingly important in 2023.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will continue to transform marketing. Businesses will use AI-powered tools to analyze customer data, personalize content and messaging, and automate repetitive tasks such as email campaigns.
- Voice search will become more prevalent as consumers increasingly use voice-activated assistants such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant to search for products and services. Marketers will need to optimize their content for voice search and develop strategies to engage with customers through voice-activated devices.
- Video marketing will continue to dominate as one of the most engaging forms of content. With the growing popularity of short-form video platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels, businesses will need to create snackable, shareable videos that capture consumers’ attention in just a few seconds.
- The rise of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) will provide new opportunities for marketers to create immersive brand experiences that can transport consumers to a different world. Retailers, for example, could use AR to allow customers to try on clothes virtually, or furniture stores could use VR to give customers a virtual tour of their showroom.
- Social media will remain a key channel for businesses to reach and engage with customers. However, as privacy concerns continue to grow, marketers will need to be more transparent about how they use customer data and find new ways to build trust with their audience.
These are just a few of the emerging marketing trends that are likely to gain momentum in 2023. As the marketing industry continues to evolve, businesses that stay ahead of the curve and adapt to new trends and technologies will be best positioned for success.
All Written by Chat GTP 4/11/23
Tuesday June 6th: Workshop #2- Flying at the speed of business – How to build for the future.
Cost: $20
Time: 9:00 AM- 9:30 AM Networking (Light breakfast served)
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Workshop
Location: iFly Colorado Springs
Sponsor/Intro: Colorado Enterprise Fund, El Paso County Economic Development
Format: Rotating Sessions. Two 30-minute presentations
Panelists: Dr. Joe Craig (UCCS Economic Forum) & Katherine Keegan (Director, Colorado Office of the Future of Work)
Description: As technology advances and the global workforce continues to evolve, the future of work is becoming increasingly uncertain. As we navigate this rapidly changing landscape, it’s important to explore what the future holds and how we can adapt to thrive in a new world of work. Our experts will provide insights into the trends and challenges shaping the future of work, and offer their perspectives on how individuals, businesses, and governments can prepare for what lies ahead. Join us as we delve into this critical topic and chart a path forward for the future of work.
Wednesday June 7th: Workshop #3 – Building a Winning Team- How to attract and retain MVPs.
Cost: $25
Time: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Networking and Lunch
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Workshop
Location: Rocky Mountain Vibes UCHealth Park
Sponsor Intro: GE JOHNSON, Colorado Enterprise Fund
Format: Traditional Panel
Moderator: Melissa Scruggs (Human Capital Consulting)
Panelists: Jim Johnson (GE Johnson), Shawn Gullixson (Director, O’Neil Group), Meridith Marshal (Uncharted), Ramon Alvarez (Alvarez Enterprises, Inc. & Minuteman Press)
Description: In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, having a strong team is essential to achieving success. However, building a winning team is not always easy – it requires a combination of leadership, communication, and collaboration skills; as well as a deep understanding of what motivates and inspires each team member. Managing all of this with the added pressure of operating in the midst of a global mental health crisis will also be a key topic of conversation. Our panel of experts brings a wealth of experience in building and leading successful teams and will share their insights and best practices for creating a high-performing team culture. Whether you’re a manager, entrepreneur, or simply interested in learning more about effective team-building strategies. This panel discussion promises to be both informative and engaging. Join us as we explore the key elements of building a winning team and discuss how to apply them to your own organization.
This year, Pikes Peak Region Small Business Week will end on Thursday, June 8th with a Closing Ceremony at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum that brings together all attendees and the community to celebrate the successes of small businesses in the region. The Title Sponsor of the Closing Ceremony is the City of Colorado Springs and includes keynote speeches from notable business leaders, networking, and sports-related entertainment that will run from 4:30-6:30 PM.
Pikes Peak Region Small Business Week is a fantastic opportunity for small business owners to connect with peers, learn new skills, and celebrate the achievements of their businesses. Whether you are a startup entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this week has something for everyone, and it is not to be missed.