LEADING EDGE™ for Entrepreneurs

May

2015

Thu, May 14 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

11 sessions ending Thu, Jul 23

LEADING EDGE; for Entrepreneurs

Starting a business is not for the fainthearted. Most of us were never taught to be business owners; we were taught to be employees.

LEADING EDGE, formerly known as NxLeveL, is an 11-week course designed to teach you how to start and grow a successful business based on an actionable business plan. Through a blended-learning format combining an online learning platform with classroom sessions, participate in interactive learning exercises, hear from experts and receive online resources to help you start or run a business. By the end of the course, you will understand the aspects of running a business, have a written business plan or strategy and test your model for financial viability.

What to Expect:

Ten three-hour sessions including interactive group work and guest speakers
Access to an online learning platform with weekly reading and presentations, group discussion forums, homework, financial spreadsheets and templates to build your plan of action
Access to one-on-one consulting
Feedback on your business plan or strategy two times during the course
Introduction to potential lenders at a Funding Options Panel
Free registration to workshops (excluding QuickBooks I) at the Denver Metro SBDC while enrolled, valued at over $500
Entry into a class business plan competition for a chance to win prizes and have your business plan reviewed by a banker and an accountant
Entry into an annual statewide business plan competition with cash prizes
Eligibility for the Loan Request Preview program, putting you on the fast track to funding if needed
Optional participation in Trout Tank, an program ending in an event where you will pitch your idea to lenders and investors

Investment:

Payment must be made by the first day of class.

	$695	Standard Fee
	$395	Each additional employee
	$275	Retake Fee

Scholarship Opportunities:

Create Denver Scholarship for Creative Businesses
Create Denver is proud to partner with Denver Metro SBDC in supporting the growth and development of the creative sector by offering five scholarships for spring, summer and fall courses (15 total year round) to creative businesses, organizations and individuals in the city and county of Denver. Scholarship recipients will receive 50% off their LEADING EDGE; tuition fee. Applications will open Nov. 19, 2015.
Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) Scholarship for Creative Businesses
Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) is offering 75% Denver Metro SBDC Leading Edge tuition reimbursement for creative businesses located outside of the city and county of Denver. Applicants must be a start-up entrepreneur or current business owner working within the creative industries in Colorado. Click here for a list of eligible creative occupations. Apply now
KIMCO Realty Scholarship
Kimco Realty, the nation's largest owner and operator of neighborhood and community shopping centers, is offering LEADING EDGE; scholarships to first-time business owners in Colorado! Scholarship recipients will be reimbursed for 75% of their Leading Edge tuition fee. Submit your application anytime and your scholarship will be applied at graduation of the next course. Apply now
Transworld Business Advisors Scholarship for Business Buyers
Transworld Business Advisors, a world leader in the marketing and sales of businesses, franchises and commercial real estate, is now offering tuition reimbursement to two students each term who are interested in buying a business. Scholarship recipients will be reimbursed for 100% of their Leading Edge tuition fee. Apply now
Connect2DOT Scholarship for Construction Businesses
Connect2DOT, a partnership between CDOT and the Colorado SBDC, offers 50% tuition reimbursement on course fees for construction and transportation-related businesses. Scholarship recipients must attend at least nine out of ten sessions, actively participate in course discussions, submit a business plan and complete five hours of consulting with Denver Metro SBDC consultants. Apply now
Colorado Lending Source Scholarship
Colorado Lending Source is offering scholarships to LEADING EDGE participants who also enroll in their Ice House Entrepreneurship training. Complete Ice House Entrepreneurship before LEADING EDGE and get $75 off your LEADING EDGE tuition fees. Or enroll in Ice House Entrepreneurship after LEADING EDGE and receive a $75 discount.
To receive the scholarship, register for LEADING EDGE and let the SBDC know you are an Ice House Entrepreneurship graduate OR enroll in the Ice House program and let Colorado Lending Source know you are a LEADING EDGE graduate in order to get the discount.

Important Dates:

This course is held three times per year, in the spring, summer and fall.

	Registration Opens	Open
	Info Sessions	April 14, 2016 \| 5:30 - 7 p.m. \| RSVP May 5, 2016 \| 5:30 - 7 p.m. \| RSVP
	Registration Deadline	May 17, 2016
	Course Sessions	May 19 - July 21, 2016 \| Thursdays \| 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
	Graduation	August 18, 2016 \| 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
	Statewide Graduation at the Governor's Mansion	Jan. 2017

Location:

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
1445 Market St., 5th floor
Denver, CO 80202

Discounted valet parking for $6 is available through P.F. Changs valet service.

Meet the Facilitator:

Greg Durocher
Leading Edge Facilitator

For questions, please contact Olivia Rollene at Olivia.Rollene@denversbdc.org or (303) 620-8076.

With Gratitude to Our Sponsors:

Fee: $ 645.00

Payment may be made online in advance or at the door with credit card, cash or check. Contact Alea Kilgore at Alea.Kilgore@denversbdc.org for pricing questions.

Phone: 303-620-8076

Email: info@denversbdc.org

Location

Denver Metro SBDC

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce 1445 Market St., 5th Floor Denver, CO 80202