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 and general campaigns:
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.