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Small Business & Graduates Showcase

Let's Celebrate!!We will use this spot to highlight Colorado small businesses that have completed the Small Business Accelerator Program, and post current and future workforce development program certifications & achievements!

Asbestos Initial Worker Training: October 2021 Success!

  • Quilt Time is a sole proprietor business owned and operated by Wendy Larsen. Wendy caters to quilt customers in southeast Colorado. She has been a life-long quilter and seamstress. Many of her skills were developed through 4-H and sewing lessons from her mother. Her passion for quilting has grown in recent years and with the purchase of a long arm quilting machine in 2017 her dream of finishing all those quilt tops became reality. In 2020, she expanded to quilting for customers and enjoys quilting all quilt sizes ranging from crib to king size as well as wall hangings and placemats.

  • QUILT TIME PRODUCTS

  • Interview with Wendy Larsen

    We sat down with Wendy to gain her perspective on the Small Business Accelerator Program, and how it benefits a variety of businesses in southeast Colorado. Why did you decide to participate in the Accelerator program?I retired from the Colorado Judicial Branch in February, 2020 and I knew I wanted to stay busy and develop a business that incorporated my love of quilting. The Accelerator program was a great way to jump start my business and achieve my goal of owning a long-arm quilting business. What was the best part(s) of the Accelerator program for you?The best part of the Accelerator program was the resources that the instructors shared. They provided insight to create my company identity and secure important identifiers such as a trade name, a logo, a domain name and tagline. The instructors helped develop the graphics for my logo and website and made recommendations for social media access. It was extremely helpful to network with the other business owners who were taking the class with me. Each was in a different phase of their business -- some established, some still in the planning stage to purchase a business yet each offered great insight as to how they operate. I found it interesting to learn how one business organized their grand opening, another business owner shared some great records management platforms and one described their marketing strategy. It was great working knowledge to share and the best way to learn first-hand experience.

  • Interview with Wendy (Part 2)

    Would you recommend this class to other area small businesses? Why? I would highly recommend this class to other area small businesses, whether you are contemplating starting a business or have an existing business. The Six-Week Start-Up program was very condensed and covered a wide range to topics. If you need assistance with records management, financing, researching your target market, networking with others in your industry or just keeping the momentum going to build your business, the Accelerator Program can benefit you. Do you feel your small business is now better prepared to succeed long-term in our area of CO?I am proud to say that my Quilt Time business is growing and has an expanding customer base. With the help of the instructors, I was able to develop a website and create the financial system to track expenses and revenue. Developing a marketing plan that fits with my location and managing my own on-line presence will help guarantee the long-term success of my business.