Business & Marketing Assistance

We Help Promote a Vibrant Economy

Cortez Retail Enhancement Association provides support to the local business community to encourage and promote a vibrant economy. Whether you’re a brand-new start up or have been in business for decades, we’re your go-to for vital information.

Contact CREA with questions and follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) for the latest in business support.

Local, Regional & State Resources for Your Business

We encourage you to explore the following organizations that provide helpful webinars, workshops and consultation for startups and existing businesses. Vital business assistance they offer includes funding, financial and technical programs, job growth, minority business support, commercial property searches, and general campaigns:

One of CREA’s most important partners, the Southwest Colorado SBDC provides crucial support for Cortez business owners and managers. Located in Durango, SBDC offers a wide variety of webinars, workshops and no-cost one-on-one consultation for startups and existing businesses. CREA has partnered with The City of Cortez and SBDC to provide in-person workshops and consultations in Cortez, making SBDC resources more accessible to local businesses. Watch for announcements via CREA emails and Facebook on how to register for ongoing classes.

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Regional economic and business development leader serving multiple counties in our area. Region 9 works with CREA and other private companies, public sectors and Tribal entities to focus on economic growth and diversity. Cortez Business office located in Dolores State Bank. See website for hours. Search Commercial Real Estate.

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Providing vision, direction and funding opportunities for the State of Colorado and all of its regions. A wide array of information regarding grants, programs and opportunities is available to Cortez business owners.

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Ensuring Colorado small business owners and rural entrepreneurs have access to the capital they need to grow and enrich their communities through a range of inclusive, equitable, and innovative programs including loans, grants and educational support.

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National small business organization that empowers America’s diverse entrepreneurs to build a thriving and equitable economy by delivering resources and advocating for public policy solutions that promote inclusive small business growth.

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Grassroots organization of entrepreneurs and business owners working to build a prosperous economy, equitable communities, and a sustainable environment within the region by adopting proven standards and business practices that work toward the good of the planet, communities, and prosperity.

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Thinking of starting or growing your business in Cortez, Colorado? The City of Cortez has important information regarding zoning and coding, financing, sales tax and licenses.

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Expert no cost health insurance consultation, information and resources for small business owners. With all you have to do running your business, finding health insurance for yourself and your business can be overwhelming. Get covered with Connect for Health.

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Privately funded, locally-driven projects and collaborations that benefit the livability and prosperity of rural communities across the Mountain West.

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Entrepreneur and new business support for rural Colorado businesses

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Advocacy in support of Colorado’s foodservice industry.

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Free resource provides Colorado-style customer service training to frontline workers, helping build a statewide community of visitor-friendly Colorado ambassadors.

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Helping to create more high growth, job-creating companies in the Four Corners by providing education, mentoring, and access to funding for startups and early-stage companies.

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CREA Local Business Support

We are here to help your business grow and succeed! Here are just a few of the direct ways CREA works with Cortez business owners and managers:

  • CREA LEARN LOCAL! CREA sponsors monthly low or no-cost business workshops and classes right here in Cortez to help you run your business. In addition to partnership events with SW Colorado Small Business Development Center listed above, CREA offers Marketing Taster Meetups: Marketing in Small Bites with a different Marketing topic each month at the Zu Gallery. Stay after for helpful Q&A sessions and network with other local business owners and managers.
  • BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS: Expand your reach and offerings as a business with support from CREA through co-op advertising, collective promotions, and product or services sharing. Let CREA guide you in unique business collaborations. Together, we can build community and promote growth.
  • “HELP WANTED” HELP: Seeking employees? CREA is here to help ensure you reach all potential new hires. Post job openings on The Daily ZU’s free CREA Job Board. List your hiring needs on Cortez Help Wanted on Facebook. CREA will assist in covering the cost of your Help Wanted ad in the Cortez Journal; contact CREA to learn more. Utilize our local Colorado Workforce Center at their new location at 22 North Street in Cortez. Contact CREA to schedule free, private meeting space for applicant interviews at the Colorado Welcome Center.
  • SIGNAGE KITS: Are you preparing for a Grand Opening? Sidewalk Sale? Celebrating a milestone Business Anniversary? Promote your event with a CREA Signage Kit that includes banners, flyers and lawn/street signs.
  • WE GROW TOGETHER: Is there a class, workshop, trade show, or meeting that you think would benefit your Cortez based business, but you just can’t afford it? We are here to help you dream big and meet your goals. Contact CREA for the CREA WE GROW TOGETHER APPLICATION to receive potential funds. We may be able to cover, assist with or match what you need. We’re in this together!
  • BUSINESS PROFILES: Need a new headshot for your business profile, LinkedIn account or website? CREA offers Cortez business owners a 50% off Headshot Studio Session with Wild Blue Bug Photography. Visit the Wild Blue Bug website for more information or to book an appointment.
  • CLEAN UP CORTEZ: CREA and the City of Cortez are proud to offer the Business Beautification Mini Grant . This is your chance to work on projects to beautify your business and make your “corner of Cortez” inviting to visitors and customers. The program runs May 1 – September 30. Funds are limited. Check out Grant details and information.
  • SHOP AND DINE LOCAL INITIATIVES: CREA provides support and rollout plans that help to drive business to our local businesses. Cortez business owners take part by offering specials, sales, discounts and open houses, and through joining in events like Small Business Saturday, Independent Retailers Month, ShopLocalColorado, Colorado Liquid Arts and others. Learn more about CREA’s Shop Cortez, Dine Cortez initiatives and Signature Events. Follow @shopcortez for current or seasonal rollouts.

CREA is dedicated to promoting a vibrant Cortez business and retail experience. How can we help you?
Contact us.

Make sure to check out our CREA Initiatives. And follow us at @shopcortez.