Start Your Small Business in Colorado

Are you dreaming of starting your own small business in the beautiful state of Colorado? This guide will take you through the essential steps needed to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Whether you’re planning to open a cozy café in Denver or a tech startup in Boulder, the following information will be your guide to navigating the process of creating a small business in Colorado.

Step 1: Business Idea and Planning

Before diving into the formalities, it’s crucial to have a clear business idea. Determine your niche, target audience, and long-term goals. A well-thought-out business plan will provide a solid foundation for your venture. If you need assistance in creating a business plan, the Colorado Small Business Development Center is a valuable resource.

Step 2: Legal Structure

Choose the legal structure that best suits your business, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. You can find detailed information on legal structures and their implications on the Colorado Secretary of State’s website. We suggest you speak to your accountant for further advice on which entity is right for your business.

Step 3: Business Name and Registration

Select a unique and memorable name for your business. Make sure it complies with Colorado’s naming guidelines. Once you have your legal structure and business name finalized, register your business using the Colorado Secretary of State online portal.

Step 4: Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses

Depending on your business type and location, you may need specific permits and licenses. The Colorado Business Express is a great resource to help you identify and acquire the necessary permits and licenses for your business.

Step 5: Business Banking

Setting up a business checking account is essential for managing your finances. Sooper Credit Union offers an array of business banking solutions, including Checking and Savings Accounts and Business Loans. Our services are tailored to meet the needs of small business owners. We’re a trusted financial partner to many businesses located in Colorado.

Step 6: Taxes and Regulations

Understanding your tax obligations and regulatory requirements is crucial. The Colorado Department of Revenue and the Small Business Administration (SBA) can guide you through the tax and regulatory landscape.

Step 7: Hiring Employees (if applicable)

If you plan to hire employees, familiarize yourself with Colorado’s labor laws and create a hiring plan. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment can be a valuable resource for this step.

Step 8: Build an Online Presence

In today’s digital age, it’s important to establish an online presence. Let our business marketing partner Evolv, help you create a professional website and set up social media profiles to promote your business. Sooper Credit Union partners with Evolv to deliver key business solutions that help reduce costs and minimize risk, including:

• Payment Processing Solutions for Retail, Mobile and eCommerce
• Business Marketing Solutions
• Responsive Website Design
• Local Business Listings
• Social Media Support

Learn more on the Evolv website.

Step 9: Marketing and Promotion

Develop a marketing strategy to reach your target audience effectively. Consider using digital marketing, social media, and local advertising. The Colorado Small Business Development Center can provide assistance in this area.

Step 10: Get Started!

With your business plan in place, legal matters sorted, bank account set up, and marketing strategy ready, you’re all set to start your business journey in Colorado!

If you have questions about our Business Banking solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Terri Rhoades, VP of Business Services at trhoades@soopercu.org or give her a call at (720) 826-6038. Terri is here to provide you with personalized financial guidance and support to kick start your entrepreneurial adventure in Colorado.