Connecting Skilled Trades Entrepreneurs with New Business
Skilled trades, facilities maintenance, and light construction are crucial services in the community. Running a business in this industry can be complex and isolating, and for BIPOC and immigrant-owned businesses, additional barriers often exist.
Building with Entrepreneurs in Skilled Trades (BEST) focuses on growth strategies for skilled trades and facilities maintenance businesses within the construction industry that leverage community resources and collaboration. Participants share their challenges, experiences, and expertise and partner to support one another and look for creative and realistic solutions.
This program includes structured networking sessions, job opportunities with large institutions, open discussions, and support to elevate your business.
Join us as we empower skilled trades entrepreneurs, forge valuable relationships, and build a foundation for lasting success.
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BEST Offers:
Networking events
Opportunities to work with institutions
Skill-building sessions
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Upcoming Events
🗓️ January 23rd | January 30th | February 15th
From Tax Basics to Loan Ready: Financial Foundations for Business Growth
A Free Three-Part Series for Skilled Trades Businesses
Transform your business finances with expert guidance designed specifically for construction, skilled trades, and facilities maintenance businesses. This comprehensive series connects you with financial professionals who understand what it takes to grow a successful trades business.
Program Schedule
Session One | January 23, 2025 | Virtual, Evening
Business Tax Compliance Demystified
With Teresa Plaugher, CPA - Managing Partner at ClearPath Advisors
Session Two | January 30, 2025 | Virtual, Evening
Accounting Essentials Unleashed
With Pamela Benson - Manager at RubinBrown's Tax Services Group
Session Three | February 15, 2025 | In-Person, Aurora
Becoming a Bankable Business
With:
- Marie Peters - Fund Director, B:Side Capital and B:Side Fund
- Micki O'Neil - Technical Assistance Director, CEDS Finance
- Rosie Delgado - Community Loan Officer, Colorado Enterprise
- Frances A. Padilla - Colorado District Director, SBA
- Patty Brewer - Export Finance Manager, SBA Office of International Trade
What You'll Learn
- Practical tax strategies to protect your profits
- Time-saving financial systems that scale with your business
- Direct connections to lenders who understand trades businesses
- Steps to prepare for funding opportunities
Funding Opportunity
Complete all three sessions to access B:Side Fund's specialized lending program:
- Working capital loans starting at $10,000
- Flexible collateral requirements
- Transparent, responsible lending terms
- Available to businesses in Colorado
Who Should Apply
All business types are welcome, with special encouragement for:
- Women-owned businesses
- BIPOC-owned businesses
- Veteran-owned businesses
- Businesses that meet low-income criteria
Support Services
- Bilingual support (English/Spanish) for all sessions
- Free childcare available for in-person session
- One-on-one guidance
- Direct access to lenders
Important Notes
- Attendance at all three sessions is mandatory to complete the program and access B:Side funding opportunities
- Additional paperwork will be required for loan consideration
- Space is limited to 60 participants to ensure personalized attention
Ready to strengthen your business finances?
Questions? Contact Kimberly Bonner at [email protected]
A program of Center for Community Wealth Building in partnership with CEDS Finance and B:Side Fund.
Meet Your Facilitators
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Teresa Plaugher, CPA A Managing Partner at ClearPath Advisors with over 15 years of experience in tax and advisory services. A Regis University alumna specializing in strategic tax planning and small business advisory. She excels in helping clients achieve financial clarity and success while maintaining a balanced approach to life through travel, hiking, and continuous learning.
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Pamela Benson Manager in RubinBrown's Tax Services Group with over 20 years of tax compliance experience. Her focus spans hospitality and real estate industries, with current emphasis on real estate and low income housing. She reviews and consults on a variety of tax compliance matters, bringing deep expertise to complex financial situations.
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Micki O'Neil Has led CEDS Finance's technical assistance department supporting applicants and clients in strengthening their business operations. Her background as an entrepreneur, financial analyst, and educator informs her passionate advocacy for underserved communities. A Colorado native, she returned home in 2020 after years working in Chicago, New York City, and DC.
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Marie Peters As Fund Director of B:Side Capital and B:Side Fund, she leads direct lending programs designed for under-served entrepreneurs. Through the program's 13-year history, she has helped deploy over $25 million to hundreds of small businesses. She serves on multiple boards including Habitat for Humanity Colorado and CEDS Finance.
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Rosie Delgado A bilingual community loan officer at Colorado Enterprise with over 17 years in banking and lending. Raised surrounded by entrepreneurs, she brings deep personal understanding of small business's role in communities and families. A Colorado resident for 12 years, she originates from El Paso, Texas.
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Frances A. Padilla Named Colorado District Director for SBA in January 2017, she directs the delivery of SBA's programs and services across Colorado. Her 25-year career spans public finance, guaranteed lending, and community development. She manages relationships with financial institutions, resource partners, and officials serving Colorado's small business community.
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Patty Brewer Export Finance Manager at the U.S. Export Assistance Center in Denver, serving Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, Utah, and Wyoming. Prior to joining SBA, she worked at the Export Import Bank of the U.S., helping companies finance U.S.-made goods globally. She brings additional perspective from 25 years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve.
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