April 29 – May 3, 2024

2024 Small Business Week in the Pikes Peak Region

Join us Monday, April 29 – Friday, May 3!

Small Business Week kicks off with the Small Business BASH and Awards Celebration on Monday, April 29 followed by three days of impactful workshops designed to educate, celebrate, and champion local small businesses. The week concludes with a networking event on Friday, May 3.

Small Business Week of the Pikes Peak Region began more than 16 years ago as a partnership between the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The event took place as a one-day award banquet “Small Business Day” highlighting small businesses within the Pikes Peak Region.

In 2012, the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado and the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center took on full operations of the event and created a weeklong event called “Small Business Week.” Small Business Week in the Pikes Peak Region is the largest Small Business celebration in the State of Colorado (and the US in 2020).

Last year the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC rejoined as Host and helped create an impactful with a memorable Week of events.

Nominations are now open!

  • Self-nominations are accepted but you MUST fill out the second form that asks for additional details (this form will be emailed to you automatically upon submitting the nomination forms below)
  • Past winners are not eligible for 2 years after winning
  • Deadline to submit nominations is March 19, 2024

2024 Veteran Small Business Owner Award

A person will qualify for nomination if he/she:

  • Is majority owner/operator or bears principal responsibility for operating a small business with at least a two-year track record
  • Has served in the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Business must be for-profit
  • Business must operate in or service El Paso, Teller, Fremont and/or Pueblo County Colorado

2024 Small Business Person of the Year Award

A person will qualify for nomination if he/she:

  • Is majority owner/operator or bears principal responsibility for operating a small business with at least a three-year track record
  • Must be a for-profit business
  • Business must operate in or service El Paso, Teller, Fremont and/or Pueblo County Colorado

A nominated person will be evaluated on:

  • Increases in sales, net profit, and net worth
  • Growth in number of employees (sustained over a minimum of three years; increases over the three years must be in excess of GNP growth)
  • Staying power (number of year in business and evidence of sustained growth)
  • Innovation (uniqueness of product or service and how they set themselves apart from the competition)
  • Response to adversity (financial, physical, legal or other crisis, and methods used to solve it)
  • Contributions to the community (contributions of money, time or resources to charitable causes; membership in councils, boards and clubs providing support to the community

2024 Family-Owned Small Business Award Nomination

A business will qualify for nomination if it is:

  • A family-owned and operated business which has been passed on from one generation to the next OR has multiple generations of family members working as employees
  • Majority-owned by a member of the family
  • The business has at least a 10-year track record
  • Business must be for-profit
  • Business must operate in or service El Paso, Teller, Fremont and/or Pueblo County Colorado

2024 Small Business Champion Award

A person will qualify for nomination if he/she:

  • Has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of small business opportunities for business owners
  • Nominees may or may not be small business owners

Monday, April 29: Awards Ceremony & Kickoff BASH

2024 Young Entrepreneur Award

A person will qualify for nomination if he/she:

  • Is majority owner and operator or bears principal responsibility for operating a small business with at least a one-year track record
  • Has not yet reached the age of 35 by the date of nomination
  • Business must be for-profit
  • Business must operate in or service El Paso, Teller, Fremont and/or Pueblo County Colorado

Monday, April 29: Awards Ceremony & Kickoff BASH

when:

Monday, April 29
Awards Ceremony: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Live Entertainment: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

where:

Boot Barn Hall
13071 Bass Pro Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80921

event description:

Join us for the Small Business BASH, a fun-filled celebration of small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Pikes Peak Region.

The event kicks off with the Small Business Award Ceremony where we recognize outstanding businesspeople in our community. This is a great opportunity for business owners and entrepreneurs to network and celebrate small business.

Along with Awards ceremony, enjoy fun activities including music and networking. 

Don’t miss out on this exciting event that celebrates the hard work and dedication of small businesses. Get your tickets today!

Tuesday, April 30: Virtual Workshop

when:

Tuesday, April 30
Beginning at 9:00 AM

where:

Online Webinars

event description:

Join us as we roll out the Small Business Week App which will feature virtual sessions and resources for Small Businesses in the Pike Peak region. Our sessions cover many aspect of growth with practical advice and real-world examples. These workshops equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your business’s success.

This virtual session will include guest speakers and subject matter experts on the following topics:

  • Generative AI
  • Digital Marketing Strategies for 2024
  • E-commerce Optimization
  • Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace
  • Sustainability and Green Business Practices
  • Remote Work and Hybrid Teams Management
  • Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
  • Financial Management and Access to Capital
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
  • Customer Experience and Loyalty
  • Supply Chain Management
  • The Importance of Trust in Business
  • Leveraging Online Reviews
  • HR Basics, 5 Things your Small Business needs to know

Wednesday, May 1: Marketing Panel

when:

Wednesday, May 1
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

where:

Catalyst Campus Harvey House
555 E Pikes Peak Ave
Colorado Springs CO 80903

event description:

Join us for an enlightening experience at our upcoming Marketing Panel event! Our expert panelists, come with years of industry experience and cutting-edge insights, are ready to educate and inspire. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out, this event offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, ask burning questions, and connect with like-minded professionals.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are at the forefront of revolutionizing business and marketing strategies, offering unparalleled opportunities for personalization, automation, predictive analytics, and enhanced customer engagement through chatbots, image, and speech recognition, as well as innovative content creation. These technological advancements not only enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness but also foster a deeper understanding of customer needs, driving significant growth and profitability for businesses. As we anticipate further advancements in AI technologies, their integral role in shaping future business and marketing strategies is undeniable.

We invite you to explore the evolving landscape of marketing at our forthcoming discussion, focusing on the emerging trends poised to redefine the industry in 2024 and beyond. This session will delve into the transformative impact of AI and ML on marketing, highlighting the use of AI-powered tools for sophisticated customer data analysis, content personalization, and the streamlining of tasks such as email campaigns through automation.

Moreover, the ascent of voice search, powered by voice-activated assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, necessitates a strategic overhaul to optimize content for voice queries and to innovate engagement methods via these devices. Video marketing, with its proven effectiveness in capturing consumer interest swiftly, calls for the creation of concise, compelling videos tailored for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.

Additionally, the burgeoning domains of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) offer marketers unprecedented avenues to craft immersive brand experiences, ranging from virtual try-ons in fashion to virtual showroom tours in furniture retailing. Amidst the enduring relevance of social media as a pivotal engagement channel, rising privacy concerns demand a renewed focus on transparency and trust-building in data utilization practices.

As we look towards 2025, these emerging trends underscore the dynamic evolution of the marketing sector, emphasizing the importance of agility and forward-thinking in leveraging new technologies for sustained success.

Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your marketing game and network with the best in the business.

Thursday, May 2: Mayor Yemi's Listening Tour

when:

Thursday, May 2
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

where:

Bluestaq
2 N Cascade Ave, Suite 100
Colorado Springs CO 80903

event description:

Mayor Yemi Mobolade will join Small Business Week with a Listening Tour set to empower the voices of our small business community through engaging and open discussions. As a leader committed to responsive governance, Mayor Yemi believes that real progress is rooted in the thoughts, concerns, and ideas of Colorado Springs’ business owners and entrepreneurs.

The Listening Tour offers a unique platform for business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees to share their experiences and contribute to shaping the city’s future. Whether it’s discussing local issues, proposing new initiatives, your participation is invaluable. Join Mayor Yemi in this pivotal journey towards a more inclusive, understanding, and collaborative community.

Let your voice be heard, because together, we can build a city that reflects our shared vision and values!

Space is limited.

Friday, May 3: Networking with Meet & Greet of the Week's Panelists & Speakers

when:

Friday, May 3
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

where:

Lulu’s Downtown
32 S Tejon Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

event description:

Don’t miss the grand finale of Small Business Week! Join us for an unforgettable opportunity to mingle with a week’s worth of esteemed panelists, captivating speakers, and like-minded attendees. As we close out this week, seize the chance to connect with industry leaders and foster new relationships.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh face in the Pikes Peak region, this event offers the perfect platform to expand your network and find inspiration!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Presented By

Hosted By

Kickoff BASH Sponsor

Corporate Sponsors

Closing Ceremony Sponsor

Award Sponsors

Industry Sponsor

TV Sponsor

Media Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

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