Aurora Business Development offers its core services at no or low cost, including informative seminars and one-on-one counseling by appointment on a variety of business topics. Taking a few seminars is the best way to get a wealth of information in each three-hour session. This helps to maximize your time with a Small Business Specialist.

Upcoming Aurora business seminars:

Basics of Starting Your Business
Excellent information to get your business underway - - the proper way!
Tues., Nov. 9th, 1:00 - 4:00 PM, FREE
Location: Aurora Municipal Center

Offered again: Wed., Dec. 1st, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
In collaboration with Arapahoe/Douglas Works!
    Location of this particular Dec. seminar:
           Lowry Campus - - click for directions

QuickBooks Parts I and II
Tues., Nov. 9th & 16th, 1:00 - 4:00 PM, $45/person
QuickBooks is an easy-to-use tool that can simplify your business bookkeeping system.
Familiarity with a computer keyboard and Windows operating system required.
Offered again: Wed., Nov. 10th & 17th, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Smart Marketing
Tues., Nov. 16th, 1:00 - 4:00 PM, $25/person
Developing a strategic written marketing plan is one of the most important ways a business can make a profit. Differentiate your business from competitors, attract new customers, keep existing ones and increase customer spending by defining your niche through market research and analysis, product development, pricing, advertising, promotions, publicity and improving both sales and customer service.

Small Business Jobs Act 2010
Wed., Nov. 17th, 1:00 - 3:00 PM, FREE
with Victor Amaya, CPA, Accounting & Consulting Services, LLC
The new law signed by President Obama is an attempt to stimulate the economy and create jobs. This law will change how you do business. Come learn about the changes and tax incentives for small businesses.
Read "6 Reasons to be Excited about the Small Business Jobs Act"

Public & Private Contracts 101
Thurs., November 18th, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, FREE
Procurement specialists from Buckley AFB, the SBA, CH2M Hill, PTAC and the City of Aurora discuss the ins and outs of government and corporate contracting/sub-contracting, including obtaining 8(a) certifications.
Location: Aurora Chamber of Commerce
14305 E. Alameda Ave., #300, Aurora, CO 80012

¿Habla español?  Favor de llame Santos Blan,
          (303) 326-8693, para más informes.

Most seminars held at the Aurora Municipal Center 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy. Aurora, CO 80012 just east of I-225 at Chambers Road; northwest corner of the intersection Free parking surrounds the building, including in the parking garage to the north. Room location confirmed upon registration: (303) 326-8690 or info@aurorabdc.com Fees payable by cash or check at the door. Please pre-register for seminars and meet with a Small Business Specialist by appointment.

These beautiful days of autumn color are inspiring -- everything must change. Perhaps it's time to make some important decisions about your business. Let the Aurora BDC be of help. Call us today for an appointment! (303) 326-8690

The Aurora Business Development Center offers free one-on-one counseling, low-cost seminars, financing programs and technical assistance for entrepreneurs and existing small business owners. The Aurora BDC is a division of the Planning & Development Services Department.  Learn more about the Aurora BDC services:

Aurora Municipal Center
Planning & Development Services Dept.
15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., #2300
Aurora, CO  80012
(303) 326-8690   |   Fax: (303) 739-7136
 info@aurorabdc.com |  www.aurorabdc.com

“In life there are two things certain, change and death.” -- Ozomatli

In a newspaper article on the impact of technology on business, a writer suggested that email is “old fashioned “and that social media is the medium to use in advertising. Just as technology changes how our businesses adapt to the new marketplace, we must also look to new markets for our products. If our businesses do not change, how long will they survive?

In 2011, we offer two ways to adapt to the changing landscape of business, how to find new markets for our products and services and what does the new technology offer for our businesses. Two new workshops for next year is Exporting and Legal and Marketing Strategies of Websites and Social Media. These workshops are not the sole domain of large existing businesses; rather, they are suited for small and start-up businesses as well.

Coming to you soon:  the first quarter schedule for 2011 is
         packed with excellent seminars.  Keep an eye out for the
         all-new on-line calendar.

Sales & Use Tax Classes with the Dept. of Revenue
         Visit the State's Dept. of Revenue Tax Education web site.
         Remember to register on-line with the Dept. of Revenue.

NEW!   COMMERCIAL Energy Efficiency Workshop
December 6th, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Aurora Municipal Center

Attend this workshop and learn how to save money and energy by improving the energy efficiency of your business.

The city has increased its business energy rebate cap to $3,000 for Aurora business owners who make energy efficiency and conservation upgrades to their buildings. The city is layering these rebates on existing Xcel Energy rebates.  Read more...

The city of Aurora is now offering a faster, more convenient way to get your general business license.  Starting November 1, you can apply online through the city of Aurora website at www.auroragov.org. This new process saves time, eliminates mailing expenses, and is convenient and environmentally-friendly.

On the city’s web site homepage, go to the “e-services” tab, click Business License Application.  Fill out the application online, pay with a credit card and the new business license will be processed and mailed.  It is just that easy. As an added convenience, your application is electronically routed to the Planning and Building sections at the same time rather than consecutively for processing.

As always, business owners may visit the city offices to apply and pay for a license in person. The office is located in the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, on the first floor.  Call or email the Aurora Business Licensing office at (303) 739-7057 or BusinessLic@auroragov.org for more information on applying for a business license with the city of Aurora.

With over forty million existing members, LinkedIn™ is reported to be the largest professional network community in the world.  As with any online social network, the primary purpose of LinkedIn™ is to allow its members to build and maintain a community of connections. The more connections you have in your direct network, the more visible you become to other members, whether they are in your network or not.  An estimated 80% of mid‐ to senior-level job offers are the result of Networking.  LinkedIn™ helps you expand your network.  Here are six practical tips when using LinkedIn™...

You may never need to deal with the SEC, but if you've set your goals high and plan to go public someday, the tips as outlined in this article are well worth keeping on the back burner.  Author Jim Brendel asks the question, "how best to live peaceably with the regulator who is not your friend, tries not to be your enemy but has enormous power over your ability to do business?" and names three SEC hot buttons...

What's on Your Mind?
The SBA gives some answers to your small business questions.

Watch this important video on Aurora Business Development's home page: SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns answers questions about the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 as well as opportunities available for small businesses under the Recovery Act and Affordable Care Act.