What is it?
An Economic Gardening strategy focuses on growing the local economy by helping local businesses succeed. The program is designed to help local businesses with competitive analysis, market research, resource referrals, and at no cost to the business! This approach to economic development is a complimentary strategy to traditional business recruitment.

Who is eligible:
Businesses that typically experience the best results from participation in the Economic Gardening program fit the following criteria:
-  Business is located in Douglas County
-  Business has been in operation for at least two years
-  Business has interest in growing operation with possible outcomes of expanding your market space, adding employees, or adding additional locations.

If your business does not match all these requirements or you are considering establishing your business in Douglas County…not to worry. There are many services and resources that the program can help refer you to that will fit your developing business needs.

What services are offered?
Participants of the Economic Gardening program have access to the following services:
- Research customized to your particular business growth needs
- Resource referrals
- Practical guidance on business start-up, demographics, statistics, company research, veterans, international trade, home business, industry trends, business plans, marketing, government procurement, franchising, minority and women-owned business, and tax information
- Information about finance programs, minority certification, procurement and other valuable resources through the Colorado Small Business Development Centers
- Local business experts/coaching for your business growth
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to locate your customers and identify new customer opportunities.
- Additional valuable resources and tools to help your business grow.

Where to start?
Visit www.DouglasCountyEG.com for more information & a program application. 

Becky Nelson, Program Manager
Douglas County Economic Gardening Program
303-309-0186
BeckyN@DouglasCountyEG.com