We’ve helped thousands of entrepreneurs. Here are some of their

Success Stories

InDevR

InDevR is a small, privately held biotechnology company in Boulder, CO. Founded in 2003, by Dr. Kathy Rowlen, Dr. John Birks and Dr. Laura Kuck, InDevR employs a highly motivated team of individuals dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative technologies that will help fill gaps in the current paradigm for virus-related diagnostics.

InDevR develops advanced life science instrumentation and assays for analysis of viruses and other microorganisms. Their goal is to revolutionize microbiological analysis with affordable, easy-to-use instrumentation and assays that deliver reliable results in less time than traditional methods. InDevR’s products empower scientists with new tools to aid in their quest to extend our knowledge of viruses. Designed for application in fields ranging from vaccine research and development to the surveillance of pathogens, InDevR’s products streamline microbiological analysis.

InDevR was first introduced to the Boulder SBDC when they attended the “scaling UP” programs. These are a series of panels and workshops that the Boulder SBDC specifically developed (by Specialist Michael Minard, with support from Director Sharon King) for bioscience, aerospace, IT and cleantech companies. The “scaling UP” programs were funded in 2009 by a WIRED grant (Workforce Innovation in Regional Development,) through the Denver Metro EDC. After attending the workshops, InDevR tapped into the Boulder SBDC’s Individual Business Training program, an accelerated consulting program for science & technology businesses, also funded by the WIRED grant.
“At the time InDevR first attended the SBDC programs, we had no plans for how to do sales and marketing. We are a science company, focused on making the technology sound and reliable, without any plans for commercialization,” said Kathy.

Boulder SBDC specialist consultants Michael Minard, Jill Kenney and Sue Leenerman led the InDevR team through intensive strategic planning sessions at the SBDC, with ongoing follow up. According to Kathy, “We now have in place an excellent direct sales marketing strategy and much of the foundation came from consulting assistance from the Boulder SBDC.”

Plains To Peaks Chocolate

Plains to Peak Chocolate Company is run by Sunni Sylvester and her husband Jeff. The two did not always have aspirations to make their own chocolate, but like many businesses today, a simple passion and idea can be all it takes to start something great. The direction of your business career can be random, and that is exactly what happened with Sunni and Jeff. “We started randomly. I would buy chocolate, look at the ingredients,

Read More »
Sante Fe Coffee and Burrito Company

Arturo Maestas launched the Santa Fe Coffee and Burrito Company, in Longmont, CO, on April 11, 2011. Santa Fe Coffee and Burrito Company is a Spanish and Southwest restaurant with a diverse menu, featuring both Spanish and American style dishes. Arturo has relatives in Albuquerque, NM and sought to bring the ambiance of Santa Fe, NM, to Longmont, CO. Arturo remodeled the entire restaurant with the help of few family members and friends. The beautiful

Read More »
Brewmented

We brew what we teach and we teach what we brew — and we’re gonna have fun. — Bill Campbell, Brewmented Oftentimes, a good business opportunity can be found by looking at an established industry in new and unique ways. For Bill Campbell and partner, Vlad Aleksiev, Brewmented was a solution to converting craft beer drinkers and wine/mead/cider affectionados to home brewers and winemakers. A home brewer since the 1970’s, Bill Campbell has watched the

Read More »
Altitude Spirits

In 2004, Matthew Baris and his father conceived of an idea: to start an organic distillery here in Colorado. Colorado is renowned for its variety of large and small local breweries, so they knew they would see some success with a unique idea like theirs. However, neither family member came from an extensive background in business, so they looked to the Boulder Small Business Development Center to help get their idea off the ground. Matt

Read More »
Black Swift Technologies

Boulder-based company Black Swift Technologies was founded by three PhD students from the University of Colorado. The three men were inspired to start the company from their work in the field during their studies. At CU, they learned how to chase storms and collect data using old military equipment, which is relatively complicated to use. They set out to simplify the process with unmanned aircraft systems and Black Swift Technologies was born. Although they are

Read More »
Happy Trunk

Who doesn’t like getting fun mail? The Happy Trunk is an ecommerce, subscription based company that delivers monthly “Smiles In A Box for Kids”. Vinnie Bhushan, owner, architect, and interior designer by trade, got her first inspiration for The Happy Trunk from her children. When they were in elementary school, she decided to volunteer as an Odyssey of the Mind Coach. “As an Odyssey of the Mind Coach at Flagstaff Academy in Longmont, CO, I

Read More »
Skip to content