DOWNTOWN EDUCATION PORTAL

Our Downtown Education Portal provides flexible, on-demand access to in-depth education. We go beyond traditional learning by offering interactive activities, practical tools, and curated resources that reinforce key concepts and help you put ideas into action. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your skills, explore new strategies, or support your community with proven best practices, we are here to help you go further.

STRENGTHENING REGIONAL SMALL RURAL BUSINESS NETWORKS PROGRAM

Small and rural communities face unique challenges—and opportunities—when it comes to building resilient local economies. The Strengthening Regional Small Rural Business Networks Program is designed to equip local leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations with the tools, knowledge, and strategies needed to support small business development, foster collaboration, and create long-term community impact.

Through four interconnected courses, participants will gain practical skills in partnership building, employee ownership, funding strategies, and effective communication. Together, these courses and activities provide a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening local business networks and ensuring small and rural communities thrive.

COURSES

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS - Aligning public and private resources to address community needs.

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP - Exploring succession planning and business models that empower workers.

GRANTS AND LOANS - Understanding funding opportunities and how to leverage them for growth.

CREATING A COMPELLING PITCH - Communicating your vision in ways that inspire action.

LMS Graphic
ACCESS THE COURSES HERE
DCI Challenge Square
ACCESS TO THE CHALLENGE COURSES

COLORADO CHALLENGE ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

The Colorado Challenge Accelerator Program is a unique technical assistance program with a proven track record over eight years to transform community challenges into opportunities. We are excited to provide extended resources for redevelopment of opportunity sites and brownfields in your downtown.

Through this online platform, you will have access to the full Challenge Program. Whether you're interested in the self-paced (“do-it-yourself”) version of the program or participating in an active Challenge Cohort and planning to workshop your challenge at IN THE GAME, this program and platform are designed to help you move a project, property, or community initiative closer to redevelopment, development, or a key community goal.
This program includes eight structured modules, each offering tools and guidance to support your work. While you are welcome to explore the modules in any order, we strongly recommend completing them in sequence, as each builds on the last to form a comprehensive strategy.

This is the full Colorado Challenge Program Experience! Here's what to expect:

  • Educational content to help shape your redevelopment to be partner friendly and consider community needs
  • A cohesive structure to introduce tools in a sequence aligned with education
  • Access to tools for redevelopment and remediation
  • A process and dashboard to quantify progress over time

NEED HELP?

Ready to access these incredible resources? You do not need to be a member to access this content but you DO need to sign in. Follow the instructions below.

Access EVEN MORE benefits by becoming a Member.

Join Now