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Embarking on the journey of moving your business can feel like an overwhelming task. Yet, for those eyeing a location that seamlessly blends a vibrant business scene with an idyllic lifestyle, Lakewood, Colorado stands as an attractive destination. Lakewood’s thriving small business ecosystem, combined with the city’s commitment to promoting economic development, makes it a promising hub for entrepreneurs and established business owners alike. If you’re considering moving your business to Lakewood, CO, this guide will offer you insightful tips to make the transition smoother. We’re the Lakewood movers who understand the local business scene, and we’re here to ensure your move is successful.
Starting a Small Business in Lakewood
The process of starting a small business in Lakewood is not only thrilling but also well-supported by the local government and economic initiatives. The journey begins with some fundamental questions: Have you examined the State of Colorado’s “Starting Your Business” checklist“? Have you determined your business’s structure? Lakewood provides valuable resources designed to cater to the needs of start-ups and small businesses, ensuring they get a head start on their entrepreneurial journey.
Creating a Business Plan
A vital step in starting your business is drafting a comprehensive business plan. This document will serve as your roadmap, guiding your entrepreneurial journey and helping convince potential investors or lenders of your business’s viability. The plan should cover key components, including:
- Marketing Plan: Outlining your strategies for attracting and retaining customers.
- Financials: Detailing your funding, income, cash flow, and financial projections.
- Projections: Forecasting your business’s financial future and growth rate.
- Competitors: Analyzing your competition and how you’ll differentiate your business.
- Insurance requirements: Assessing what types of insurance your business needs.
In Lakewood, there’s an array of free resources available to guide you through the process of creating your business plan so that you can set up your venture for success from day one.
Expansion and Relocation in Lakewood
Business growth and expansion are exciting milestones. If your venture is flourishing and ready to spread its wings further, Lakewood offers plenty of opportunities for expansion and relocation. As trusted office movers in Denver, we can attest to the seamless process facilitated by the Lakewood Economic Development team. They are dedicated to helping businesses like yours find the perfect space, assist with tenant finish or build-out plans, and encourage community involvement. They also provide valuable insight into the history of the site, flood plain details, Enterprise Zone, and Urban Renewal designation. With a variety of office, retail, industrial, and vacant sites available, Lakewood truly caters to diverse business needs.
Finding the Right Location
Selecting the right location for your business is crucial for its success. Fortunately, Lakewood’s Economic Development Division offers a comprehensive site search based on specific criteria like lot size, building square footage, zoning, location, traffic counts, and prices. With assistance from interstate moving companies CO, moving your business to Lakewood can be carried out smoothly while The Division also provides valuable information about the site’s history and surrounding area demographics, ensuring you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.
Licensing and Permits
To ensure your business operates within the parameters of law and order, obtaining all necessary licenses and permits is crucial. These might include local, state, and federal permissions depending on the nature and scope of your business. Lakewood encourages transparency and support in the process, making it straightforward for businesses to comply with legal requirements.
Role of Lakewood Economic Development
The Lakewood Economic Development department plays an instrumental role in simplifying the licensing process. While they do not directly issue licenses, their assistance is invaluable in navigating the procedures. They can help you identify which licenses and permits are necessary for your business and guide you on the entities responsible for issuing them. Their support ensures you spend less time worrying about bureaucracy and more time focusing on what you do best – running your business. If you’re moving your business to Lakewood, CO, you can count on the Economic Development team’s expertise to make the licensing and permit acquisition process smooth and stress-free.
Access to Capital
A fundamental aspect of growing a business is access to capital. Capital can be used for various purposes, such as investing in equipment, scaling operations, or hiring staff. In Lakewood, the Economic Development Division provides guidance about loans, capital, or financing that may be right for your business. The City and County of Denver have compiled a comprehensive Capital Matrix of the most known funding sources for entrepreneurs and small businesses, opening doors to numerous potential resources.
Loan Opportunities for Small Businesses
For small businesses and entrepreneurs in Lakewood, there are several loan options available that can provide much-needed funding. For instance, ACCION is a nonprofit organization that invests in the community by providing business credit, loans, and training to emerging and existing entrepreneurs. They offer micro and small business loans up to $250,000. Another organization that can help is the Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute. They provide business development services and microloans to assist entrepreneurs in building businesses leading to economic self-sufficiency. The Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) is a nonprofit community development financial institution that helps small businesses by providing loans up to $150,000. CEF also offers access to management consulting and business training.
The Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade’s Business Finance Division brings together several financing tools, including debt and equity financing, cash incentives, grants, and tax credits, to support economic development activities. Moreover, for larger loans over $250,000, there are options such as the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). These entities provide various loan programs tailored for specific purposes, helping to stimulate economic growth and job creation in Colorado.
Finding and Training Employees
A significant key to any successful business is having the right people on your team. If you are moving your business to Lakewood, know that the Economic Development Division provides resources to assist you in recruiting and training new employees, from entry-level to experienced professionals. This includes tools like job listings, customized hiring events, pre-screening of candidates, and an On-the-Job Training (OJT) program. You may even find talented furniture movers CO based, which can be particularly beneficial for businesses that involve transportation or relocation.
Internship/Apprenticeship Opportunities
For businesses looking to foster young talent and shape future professionals, numerous internship and apprenticeship opportunities are available in Lakewood. The Jefferson County Business and Workforce Center, Careerwise Colorado, Jefferson County Public Schools, and Red Rocks Community College all offer opportunities for students and businesses alike. These programs provide businesses with eager, fresh minds while giving interns and apprentices valuable real-world experience.
Networking and Community Involvement
As a business owner, being part of your community goes beyond establishing your operations and providing services or products. Networking and community involvement can play a pivotal role in the growth and success of your business. In Lakewood, this aspect of doing business has a unique blend of opportunities for businesses to integrate and contribute to the community fabric. This not only boosts your brand’s visibility but also opens doors for partnerships, collaborations, and local customer engagement. You might even bump into some of your fellow Jeffco movers, entrepreneurs like yourself, who have relocated their businesses to this thriving city.
Networking Opportunities in Lakewood
There are several networking platforms and organizations in Lakewood, each providing different opportunities to engage with other local businesses and community leaders. Some of these include the West Colfax Community Association, Alameda Connects, South Lakewood Business Association, Union Corridor Professionals, and Applewood Business Association. These groups hold regular meetings, activities, and events where you can interact with other business owners, share experiences, and create strategic alliances. The West Metro Chamber and Women Who Startup – Jeffco Basecamp are also wonderful platforms for female entrepreneurs looking to network and gain insights from like-minded women in business.
Home-Based Businesses
Are you thinking about moving your business to Lakewood and operating your business right from your home? Well, you’re in luck! In Lakewood, the city codes are intentionally designed to be home-based business friendly. It’s a great way to kick-start your entrepreneurial journey with low overhead costs, offering a comfortable work-life balance. However, there are certain parameters and requirements to keep in mind to ensure a smooth operation.
Requirements for Home-Based Businesses
First off, let’s talk about zoning. All residential zoning in Lakewood permits home-based businesses, either as an accessory or for special use. However, it’s crucial that your business complies with the rules and regulations outlined in the Lakewood zoning code. So, what are these rules? In essence, they focus on maintaining the residential character of your neighborhood. For starters, your business operations should not cause disturbances or inconveniences for your neighbors. This includes any noise, traffic, or visual impacts. Secondly, your business shouldn’t occupy more than 25% of the total square footage of your home. This rule ensures that the primary use of the dwelling remains residential.
Let’s not forget about licensing. All home-based businesses in Lakewood, including service-oriented ones, require a Sales or Use Tax License. Thankfully, the application process for this license is simple and can be completed online. Remember, while running a business from home in Lakewood has its advantages, it’s equally important to abide by the rules and regulations to avoid potential pitfalls. After all, Lakewood is a community that supports and values its small businesses, and adhering to these guidelines will help maintain that vibrant, business-friendly atmosphere. Let’s make sure our city continues to be a haven for entrepreneurs who want to keep their businesses close to home.
Business Education Providers
In Lakewood, the local government doesn’t just provide a conducive environment for businesses; it ensures they grow and thrive. Knowledge is power, and in the business world, it’s the catalyst for success. Thankfully, the city offers a plethora of resources for business education to equip entrepreneurs with the right tools and insights.
Resources for Business Growth
Ever heard of the phrase, “A business grows as its owner grows”? It’s true! And in Lakewood, various organizations cater to this essential need. For instance, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers valuable insights from experienced business consultants. Backed by the SBA and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the center provides low-cost seminars and classes. These sessions cover a broad range of topics, from business management to sales and marketing tactics, all geared toward fostering business growth.
Moreover, the Jefferson County Business Resource Center (JCBRC) offers comprehensive, no-cost, or low-cost services for both startups and established businesses. Their support extends from offering access to resources to providing assistance for businesses in the county. Another invaluable resource is SCORE Denver. As counselors to America’s small businesses, they offer free individual counseling, cost-effective seminars, in-depth business checkups, and many other business-related services. They’re pretty much a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs. You can also find many moving companies that help businesses relocate. With their packing services CO, your business will move to Lakewood with minimum disruptions.
Storage Needs
As a business owner, storage might not be at the forefront of your considerations when planning to move your business. However, it’s a vital aspect that could significantly impact your business operations. Whether it’s a place to keep your equipment, documents, or excess inventory, having access to a secure and accessible storage facility is essential. In Lakewood, this need is recognized, and thankfully, you will be able to find a good storage facility in Lakewood CO to cater to these needs.
Choosing a Storage Facility in Lakewood
Choosing the right storage facility for your business goes beyond picking the nearest or cheapest option. It involves careful considerations to ensure it meets your specific business needs. Firstly, consider the size and type of items you plan to store. Different facilities offer various storage options, ranging from small lockers to large units that can accommodate bulky items. Accessibility is another crucial factor. You may need to access your items frequently, and in such cases, you would need a facility with convenient opening hours. Security is of utmost importance. Look for facilities with robust security measures such as 24/7 surveillance, individual unit alarms, and on-site staff presence. Finally, consider the cost. While you want a facility that offers all the above, it has to fit within your business budget.
Moving Your Business to Lakewood, CO: A Wise Decision
Moving your business to Lakewood, CO presents an opportunity for growth and prosperity. With abundant resources, a supportive community, and business-friendly policies, it’s a city that’s genuinely conducive to business success. Whether you’re starting a small venture, planning to expand, or seeking relocation, long distance moving companies CO can help you make a seamless transition. From securing necessary permits to choosing the ideal location, from accessing capital to engaging the local community, every step of the journey is catered for in Lakewood. So, are you ready to embrace the opportunities Lakewood offers? There’s no better time to make that move!