COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Colorado Springs’ 2024 Small Business Week begins. The week-long event is hosted by U.S. Bank and co-sponsored by the Better Business Bureau® of Southern Colorado, Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, and Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center. They have teamed up to host his week-long event celebrating the small business community, which begins Monday, April 29th and is scheduled to run through Friday, May 3rd.
Small Business BASH’s AI-themed week at Boot Barn Hall will feature several events, including a series of virtual workshops, marketing events, and listening tours held online. Each workshop will include business leaders and industry experts and will be “tailored to address questions asked by Pikes Peak Region small business owners, employees, and residents,” they say.
I spoke with the owners of Old Colorado City. They all said they thought the week-long event was a great idea. Terry Sharpton of Santa Fe Springs told me: It’s important that people go out and participate in these stores, and it’s more personalized and not like going to Walmart or a larger chain store. ”
The organizers will also talk about the importance of this week through a press release. said Brandon Eldridge, executive director of the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center. “Small Business Week is a time to recognize the resilience, innovation and economic power of small businesses in our communities. Small businesses are the engines of our economy and influencers of our culture. Now is the time to honor their contributions to our region.”
Let’s take a look at this week’s schedule.
Monday 29th April – Small Business BASH and Awards Ceremony:
Fee: Tickets: $25
time: 4pm to 7pm
position: Boot Barn Hall, 13071 Bass Pro Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
explanation: We invite you to visit Boot Barn Hall for an unforgettable experience that celebrates the achievements of local small businesses. This grand extravaganza offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy an awards ceremony, food, drinks, and live entertainment by the Jason Larson Band. This event is a great opportunity for local businesses to network, make valuable connections and showcase their achievements in a fun atmosphere. Sign up now to join us for a great night of celebration, networking, and entertainment!
BASH will recognize the following finalists: Small Business Award Categories:
Veteran Small Business Manager of the Year
● Philip Bragg – 1350 Distilling LLC
● John Kramer – Bright Dental
● Korky Von Kessel & Partners – iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Family-owned small business of the year
● Mr. Behr and Ms. Behr of Platinum Group Realtors – Renee Behr
● Pasley Commercial Interiors – Robin Pasley
● Sign Shop Illuminated LLC – Louis DeSantis
young entrepreneur of the year
● Tiffany Cox – Tiffany Cox Design
● Jackie Lujan – Lighthouse Early Care and Education
● Dr. Janasia Rapp – Helping Hands Mobile Veterinary Acupuncture & Wellness Services Paufection
Small Business Champion of the Year
● Cory Arcarese – CArc Enterprises Business Consulting
● Zachary Barker – Startup Support Center
● Travis Bockenstedt – cutting-edge advanced primary care
Best Small Business of the Year Award
● Severn Stryker – Bob Penkas Motor Company
● Lenie De Castro – De Castro Integration/Huntington Learning Center
● Sharon Wolf – Hunter – Wolf Gallery
Tickets for Small Business BASH are $25, or tickets for the entire week are $80.
Tuesday, April 30th: Virtual Workshop Cost: $0
time: Starts at 9am
position: online webinar
sponsor: Colorado Enterprise Fund, Comcast RISE, Exponential Impact, Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care, UCCS College of Business
format: virtual panel
explanation: Please join us as we launch the Small Business Week app featuring virtual sessions and resources for small businesses in the Pike Peak region. Our sessions cover all aspects of growth, with practical advice and real-world examples. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to succeed in today’s competitive environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in the success of your business.
This virtual session will feature guest speakers and subject matter experts on the following topics:
- Generation AI
- Digital marketing strategy for 2024
- E-commerce optimization
- Workplace mental health and wellness
- sustainability and green business practices
- Remote work and hybrid team management
- Cybersecurity for small and medium businesses
- Financial management and access to capital
- New technology
- Diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- customer experience and loyalty
- supply chain management
- The importance of trust in business
- Leverage online reviews
- HR basics: 5 things small and medium-sized businesses should know
Wednesday, May 1st: Marketing Panel Cost: $25
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by: Colorado Enterprise Fund, Comcast RISE, Exponential Impact, Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care, UCCS College of Business
explanation: Join us for an enlightening experience at an upcoming marketing panel event. Our expert panelists have years of industry experience and cutting-edge insights and are ready to educate and inspire. Whether you’re an experienced marketer or just starting out, this event provides 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 innovation in business and marketing strategies, enabling enhanced customer engagement through personalization, automation, predictive analytics, chatbots, image and voice recognition, and innovative We offer unparalleled opportunities through our powerful features. Content creation. These technological advances not only increase operational efficiency and effectiveness, but also provide a deeper understanding of customer needs, driving significant business growth and profitability. With further advancements in AI technology expected, there is no denying that it will play an essential role in shaping future business and marketing strategies.
In our next discussion, we invite you to explore the evolving landscape of marketing, focusing on 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, and explore the use of AI-powered tools to streamline tasks such as advanced customer data analysis, content personalization, and email campaigns through automation. focus on.
Additionally, the rise of voice search powered by voice-activated assistants such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant requires a strategic rethink to optimize content for voice queries and innovate how you engage through these devices. is. Video marketing is proven to quickly capture consumer attention and requires creating concise and compelling videos for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Additionally, the burgeoning field of virtual reality (VR/AR) offers marketers an unprecedented means to build immersive brand experiences, from virtual try-ons in fashion to virtual showroom tours in furniture retail. To do. As social media continues to play an important role as a key engagement channel, increasing privacy concerns require a renewed focus on transparency and building trust in data usage practices.
Looking ahead to 2025, these emerging trends highlight the dynamic evolution of marketing departments and emphasize the importance of agility and forward thinking in leveraging new technologies for sustained success. Masu.
Don’t miss this chance to improve your marketing strategy and network with the best in the industry.
Thursday, May 2nd: Small Business Listening Tour Cost: $25
time: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
position: blue stack
explanation: Officials from the City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County will participate in Small Business Week with a listening tour designed to elevate the voices of the small business community through engaging and open discussion. As part of a strong ecosystem of entrepreneurial support, our local government is committed to the state of small business, believing that real progress is rooted in the thoughts, concerns, and ideas of Colorado Springs business owners and entrepreneurs. I’m attentive.
The Small Business Listening Tour provides a unique platform for business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees to share their experiences and help shape the future of their cities. Your participation is invaluable, whether you’re discussing local issues or proposing new initiatives. Please join us on this vital journey towards a more inclusive, understanding and supportive community.
Let me hear your voice. Together, we can build a community that reflects our shared vision and values.
Friday, May 3rd: Network with this week’s Meet & Greet panelists and speakers Cost: $25
time: 4pm to 6pm
position: Lulu’s Downtown
Sponsor introduction: GE Johnson, Colorado Enterprise Fund
explanation: Don’t miss the grand finale of Small Business Week! Join us for a week of unforgettable opportunities to connect with esteemed panelists, engaging speakers, and like-minded attendees. As you wrap up your week, seize the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and foster new relationships.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the Pikes Peak region, this event provides the perfect platform to expand your network and find inspiration.
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