B:Side University

Learning & Resources

Your go-to resource for practical, accessible education

Whether you’re a lender looking to strengthen your SBA 504 or SBA 7(a) knowledge, or a small business owner building the skills to manage and grow your business. Our free webinars break down complex topics into clear, actionable guidance, helping lenders serve their clients with confidence and helping entrepreneurs navigate everything from financing to daily operations. Together, we’re creating stronger pathways to responsible capital and supporting small businesses across Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Small Business Webinar
Learning Opportunities

Upcoming Webinars & Events

Browse upcoming classes focused on practical guidance for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Skip the panel. Pull up a chair — lunch is on us.

The SBA 504 loan is one of the most powerful tools available to small business owners. It’s how entrepreneurs buy their building instead of renting it, invest in major equipment without draining cash reserves, or finally build the facility their business has outgrown.

With as little as 10% down and a fixed rate on the SBA 504 portion, it opens doors that conventional financing often keeps closed. But knowing the program exists and actually getting a loan are two different things. The missing piece is usually a real relationship with a lender who understands your business. That’s what this session is designed to fix.

Hosted by B:Side Capital, Colorado’s leading SBA Certified Development Company (CDC), this structured lunchtime roundtable puts Colorado entrepreneurs directly across the table from five active SBA 504 lending partners. You’ll rotate through each table, have a genuine one-on-one conversation over lunch, and walk away knowing exactly who to call and what to bring when you’re ready to move.

No presentations. No pitch decks. Just good food and the conversation that usually takes months to get to — compressed into 90 minutes.

Lunch is provided. Seating is intentionally limited. Come ready to talk about what you’re building.

Should your business buy or lease its commercial space? Join us for an informative discussion exploring the pros and cons of both options and what to consider when making this important decision.

Our panel of industry experts will break down key factors such as upfront costs, financing, cash flow, flexibility, long-term investment, and overall business goals. Whether you’re considering your first commercial space, looking to expand, or simply exploring your options, you’ll gain practical insights to help determine which path may be the best fit for your business.

Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions, learn from experienced professionals, and gain the clarity you need to make a confident decision about your business’s future.

Speakers:

  • Sandra Lopez, Senior Community Development Officer, B:Side Capital & B:Side Fund
  • Robert Giunta, Vice President and Business Banking Relationship Manager, U.S. Bank
  • Rocio Scott, Vice President and Business Access Advisor, U.S. Bank
  • Anthony Palumbo, Vice President, Impact Commercial Real Estate

Sponsored by:

Project Storefront is a free small business workshop designed to equip Colorado Springs entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and direct access to partners needed to successfully purchase or lease commercial real estate. This workshop is a collaboration with the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Utilities, the commercial real estate community, and B:Side Capital.

Workshop Objectives

  • Educate entrepreneurs on the full commercial real estate process — from site selection to occupancy
  • Demystify permits, licenses, and city zoning requirements
  • Connect business owners to capital through the SBA 504 loan program and complementary financing tools
  • Introduce Colorado Springs Utilities programs for new commercial connections and energy efficiency
  • Build a trusted referral network of city, lending, and real estate partners

Who Should Attend?

  • Business owners considering purchasing commercial property
  • Entrepreneurs currently leasing who want to explore ownership
  • Startups evaluating their first commercial location
  • Any small business seeking capital, SBA loan guidance, or permit support

Previous sessions

Enjoying B:Side University? Send us your comments and suggest content for future sessions!

Financing Manufacturing Growth: Capital, Equipment, and Expansion
Resources for Rural Businesses
Leverage B-Side Assist, Your AI-Powered Financial Assistant
Buying A Business as a First Time Buyer
Buying vs Leasing: Unlocking Commercial Real Estate for Small Businesses
Fundamentals of Investing
How to Build a Sellable Business
Right-Fit-Funding-How-where-and-when-to-apply-for-the-best-finance-product
Grant Writing
Keeping-Workers-Happy-and-Healthy
Tax Tips for Small Business Owners
The Perfect Client Fit
BSide-U-Fund-Website-Thumbnail
BSide-U-Fund-Website-Thumbnail-6
Building Business Credit
Accounting for Small Business
BSide Basics the Power of Saving
BSide Basics Managing Your Finances (1)
BSide Basics Building a Solid Credit History
Alternative Funding Sources
Ready, Set, Pitch Communicating Your Business Clearly
The Essentials of Business Insurance

Sesiones en Español

¿Estás disfrutando B University? ¡Envíanos tus comentarios y sugiere contenido para futuras sesiones!

Entendiendo los Estados Financieros
Certificaciones para Pequeños Negocios
Recursos en Utah
Recursos Para Pequeños Negocios en Arizona
Entendiendo los Estados Financieros
BSide-U-Fund-Website-Thumbnail-14
Opciones de Financiamiento para Pequeños Negocios