Aurora SBDC reports nearly 1,000 advised clients, $4M in increased local sales

Ashvina Patel, executive director of the Colorado SBDC serving Aurora South Metro, briefed the Planning and Economic Development Committee on the center's 2024 results and services, emphasizing advising, training and resources for small businesses.

Patel said the Aurora center advised 995 clients in 2024, helped clients generate about $4 million in increased sales and assisted entrepreneurs in obtaining over $5 million in capital. The center reported supporting the creation of 216 jobs and helped 29 businesses register and start operations.

Patel walked through SBDC programs including TechSource (helping science and tech ventures access non‑dilutive funding), disaster recovery and continuity training, and multilingual and Spanish‑language business support. She described a community business preservation program, carried out with the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, that provided $30,000 each to 6 struggling Aurora businesses to preserve operations and neighborhood character.

Council members asked about marketing and reaching southeast Aurora; Patel said outreach uses newsletters, statewide marketing partners, social media, and invitations to ward town halls. She asked council members to invite the SBDC to local events and to encourage sign-ups via an on-screen newsletter QR code.

Patel also highlighted the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) coming in 2026, which will fund legal, accounting and financial advising to help small and disadvantaged businesses access capital.