THE BUSINESS T IMES News The Business Times
Page 2
June 25-July 8, 2020
Survey reflects Trends both optimism concerns Contributors and over pandemic Opinion Business Briefs Business People Almanac Phil Castle
The Business Times
Bryan Wachs, chief executive officer of MySalesButler.com, and Mara Hardy, business development manager for the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, are among the organizers of Techstars Startup Week West Slope. The virtual event will include more than 60 sessions throughout July offering information about a range of business topics.
Virtually the same
Startup week offers extensive programming, only online this time
W
hile there’s nothing quite like being in the same room, the organizers of an event promoting entrepreneurial endeavors in Western Colorado believe they’ve come up with virtually the same thing. What’s more, there are advantages in offering a month of free online programming. There’s no time or expense involved with travel. Participants pick and choose the sessions in which they’d like to join. And those who might have been reluctant to ask a question or make a point in front of others can now do so from the comfort of their offices or homes. “There’s no risk,” says Mara Hardy, business development manager for the Grand Junction Economic Partnership. Bryan Wachs — the chief executive officer of MySalesButler.com, an internet marketing company based in Grand Junction — puts this way: “There are zero barriers right now.” Hardy and Wachs are among the organizers of Techstars Startup Week West Slope. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, what’s usually a week-long event in Grand Junction was changed to a virtual event that will be offered through July. A total of more than 60 presentations, panel discussions and other events are planned for Tuesdays and Thursdays July 7 to 30. There’s no charge for the sessions or deadline to register. Wachs expects the virtual format to attract more participants. While 300 people attended last year, participation could double or triple this year.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION For information about Techstars Startup Week West Slope, log on to the website located at https://westslopestartupweek.com. Techstars Startup Week West Slope is designed to share knowledge and expertise about starting and growing businesses while also building connections in the region. While the event will include information for tech firms and startups, it’s not just about tech or startups, Wachs says. Sessions will offer something for everyone from the executives of larger companies to the proprietors of small businesses and their employees. Hardy says sessions are grouped into eight tracks related to such topics as agriculture and food, capital, communications and technology. A people track will offer information about developing leaders, building teams and fostering engagement. A makers track will focus on those making things — either with their hands or in operating high-tech equipment. What are billed as “toolbox” workshops will address fundamental topics and skills building. There’s also a fun track that will include book club meetings, podcasts and a yoga class. See VIRTUALLY page 18
STORY AND PHOTO BY PHIL CASTLE
Grand Valley business owners and managers responding to a survey remain optimistic conditions will improve over the next six months. But the coronavirus pandemic and related restrictions continue to affect their operations. And some of those who cut staffing have made the reductions permanent. “They’re focused on recovery, and they’re making concrete steps toward working through this,” said Diane Schwenke, the president and chief executive officer of the Grand Junction Area Diane Schwenke Chamber of Commerce. The chamber has conducted four email surveys over the past two months to track the effects of the pandemic and determine how best to help businesses. The results of the latest survey, completed June 12, indicates businesses have moved toward more normal operations in terms of customers and revenue. Moreover, business owners and managers are optimistic conditions will improve further over the next six months. Concerns remain, though, over a surge in COVID-19 cases that could result in closures, the effects of an economic downturn and the legal liability if an employee or customer contracts COVID-19. That makes uncertainty and lack of control among the biggest challenges businesses face, Schwenke said. Out of the 186 businesses that responded to the latest survey, 40 percent reported the pandemic had affected income less than 25 percent. About 29 percent of businesses reported income had been affected between 25 percent and 50 percent. Nearly 20 percent of businesses reported their incomes had been affected more than 50 percent. In reopening under the latest phase of a Mesa County variance to statewide pandemic restrictions, nearly 45 percent of businesses reported they’re operating at more than 75 percent of normal operations in terms of customers and revenue. More than 21 percent of businesses reported operating at 50 percent to 75 percent of normal. Nearly 19 percent reported operating at 25 percent to 50 percent of normal. About 54 percent of business reported no difficulties in complying with Mesa County See SURVEY page 20
