From Ideation to Exit; How OEDIT Can Help Your Small Business.

​Whether you are launching a new venture, expanding operations, or planning your eventual succession, OEDIT offers comprehensive resources to empower rural Colorado’s small business owners. Discover how our tailored 1:1 technical assistance and business advising through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can guide your strategy, while our debt and equity financing programs, like the Colorado Startup Loan Fund and CLIMBER Fund, provide the vital access to capital needed to scale. Plus, learn how to leverage powerful tax incentives like Enterprise Zone credits and Advanced Industries Accelerator grants to fuel innovation, commercialize emerging technologies, and drive sustainable economic growth across our state.

​Speaker Bio:

​Tristan Watkins, PhD - Business Support Director, OEDIT

​Tristan Watkins has a varied background, with roots in academia and the cannabis industry. Tristan earned his PhD from Vanderbilt University, where he studied obesity and neuroinflammation. From there, he ventured out west and co-founded a cannabis business in Boulder, CO. He is published in a variety of media outlets -- from scientific journals to lifestyle magazines -- and has spoken at leading conferences. Now, Tristan is a member of OEDIT, where he serves as Director of the Business Support Division. Tristan is dedicated to developing accessible and effective economic development programming that benefits all Colorado residents.