Educate: Empowering Entrepreneurs

Helping local businesses grow roots and thrive in their communities

Educate

The Business Support Program empowers marginalized individuals by providing the resources, guidance, and connections needed to start, grow, and sustain their own businesses. By fostering economic self-sufficiency, reducing poverty, and stimulating local development, the program helps lay a foundation for long-term success.

Built on the strength of networks, community, and culture, this initiative embraces diversity and supports inclusive growth. With a dedicated team and strong partnerships, BuCu West works to remove barriers, advocate for change, and build a thriving small business community where individuals are empowered to reach their goals.

We help small businesses thrive by offering tailored support at every stage—from idea to expansion. Through 1:1 consultations, help with business planning, permitting guidance, access to financing, and more, we remove barriers and set up entrepreneurs for long-term success.

Equity in Entrepreneurship – Our services help historically excluded entrepreneurs gain access to knowledge, capital, and growth opportunities.

2024 Impact Snapshot

  • Outline illustration of a building with a check mark inside a circle above it, indicating approval or successful completion.

    1,198

    Businesses reached through West Denver Marketplaces

  • Outline drawing of two hands holding two interlocking gears, symbolizing mechanical support or engineering.

    251

    Businesses received direct technical assistance

  • Illustration of a hand holding a bag of money with a dollar sign on it.

    $229,000

    In grant funds secured by small businesses through technical assistance

What We Offer

Economic Development
Hands-On Support for Local Wealth Creation

We roll up our sleeves and work alongside you to help your business succeed. Whether you're tackling a challenge or planning your next big step, BuCu West is here with:

  • Personalized technical assistance

  • Market insights and planning tools

  • Support in accessing funding and capital improvements

  • Deep community knowledge to help guide your strategy

We’re not just advisors — we’re part of your team.

Strategic Consulting
One-on-One Guidance Through Growth and Change

Growth often comes with risk — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Each year, we work with over 100 local businesses on everything from hiring and expansion to buying their own commercial real estate.

Our one-on-one consulting includes support with:

  • Financial projections and business planning

  • Navigating city processes and permits

  • Staffing strategies and operational shifts

  • Building ownership preparation

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there — step by step.

Trusted Referrals
Connecting to Resources
That Matter

With decades of experience, we’ve built a trusted network of partners, experts, and service providers across Denver. When your business needs something beyond our walls, we connect you with:

  • Bilingual accountants and legal professionals

  • Real estate and business attorneys

  • Financial advisors and Institutions

  • Culturally aware service providers

  • Proven tools, research, and best practices

You’ve built your business — now let’s make sure you have everything you need to grow it wisely and sustainably.

Two people, a man and a woman, standing behind a jewelry display table at an outdoor market stall. They are smiling, and the stall features colorful beaded jewelry, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. The canopy over the stall has a bright orange and
Group of four automotive workers standing in front of a vehicle lift. Three men wearing black and gray uniforms with name tags and a young woman in a green blouse and jeans. Westwood, Denver, CO business owners
A man in a gray shirt and jeans leaning against a dark wooden display cabinet containing cowboy boots, glass bottles, and other items inside a store. Westwood, Denver, CO Business Owner
Smiling man and woman standing inside a clothing store with dresses and jewelry displayed behind them. Westwood, Denver, CO Business owners
A woman, a young boy, and a man standing in a bakery, with shelves of bread and pastries behind them. The woman is holding the boy, who has a big smile, and the man is smiling next to them. Westwood, Denver, CO business owners.