Resources

City of Cortez Community and Economic Development – The City of Cortez has its own Economic Development Director who is here to assist you with your business needs. Contact us at (970) 564-4046. We understand the important role existing businesses play in our community and we understand that growing, relocating, and new businesses sometimes need assistance. Our goal is to help you make the right choices. Here are some additional ways you can find assistance.


Region 9 Economic Development District 

Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs 

Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) 

Cortez Chamber of Commerce 

Montezuma County Economic Development – Jessica Thurman, Economic Development for Montezuma County. Email Jessica Thurman 

Cortez Retail Enhancement Association


Starting A Business 

The City of Cortez wants your business and wants to help you be successful.  From mom and pop shops to full-scale facilities like Osprey Packs or Tuffy Security Products located in Cortez, our business community is interested in helping entrepreneurs like you!


10 steps to starting your business:

The following information comes straight from the experts at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Visit their site for more details on each step!

U.S. Small Business Administration

1.    Conduct market research

2.    Write your business plan

3.    Fund your business

4.    Pick your business location

5.    Choose a business structure

6.    Choose your business name

7.    Register your business

8.    Get federal and state tax IDs

9.    Apply for licenses and permits

10.    Open a business bank account

11.    BONUS STEP: Open your business!



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