9:00
Welcome + Anchor & Adapt Led by Jamie Billesbach, Executive Director, Central Mountain SBDC
Kick off with a reflection on five years of innovation and pivots in the Central Mountain region—and what it means to lead resiliently in uncertain times.
9:20
Some People Feel the Rain, Others Just Get Wet Every Pivot Imaginable: Reinventing with Purpose and Power. Benilida (Benny) Samuels, CEO, Board Director, Entrepreneur & Business Leader https://www.linkedin.com/in/benilda-samuels-05540b11/
This talk/workshop focuses on helping entrepreneurs harness their natural agility, talent and curiosity to strategically pivot in business—whether that means changing careers, launching a venture, or evolving an existing brand. It explores how to recognize inflection points, manage fear of the unknown, and lean into reinvention (even if temporary) as a strength, not a setback. Key themes include identifying opportunity in disruption, building a personal brand aligned with new goals, focusing on talents vs. skills, and leaning into courage and risk-taking when uncertainty is at our door.
10:05
Our Story Panel: Pivots in Action
Moderated by Sam Block, Business Coach + SBDC Advisor
With Evan + Anna Winger, Founders, Buena Viking Main Street, Buena Vista - https://www.buenaviking.com/ and
Destinee Yudnich - Sagebrush Fields Mercantile, Leadville. /https://voyagedenver.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-destinee-yudnich-of-mountain-city-leadville-co/
10:30
BREAK
10:45
County Welcome + Keynote The Statewide View Introduction
Commissioner Dave Armstrong, Chaffee County Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Armstrong will share remarks on rural partnerships, Chaffee County’s role as fiscal host of the Central Mountain SBDC, and the County’s commitment to supporting local businesses—followed by his introduction of our statewide keynote speaker.
10:55
Keynote The Statewide View: Leading the Backbone of Colorado Eve Lieberman, Executive Director, Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT).
Appointed during Governor Polis’s second term, Eve now leads Colorado’s Office of Economic Development & International Trade, overseeing statewide programs, policy, and international trade. She’ll share insights on navigating federal and state shifts, economic change, and new opportunities—offering stories and strategies relevant to rural entrepreneurs adapting in real time.
11:40
Resilient Leadership in Uncertain Times: Empowering Teams to Adapt + Thrive led by Lois Todd, Alchemy Strategy Group https://www.alchemystrategy.com/about.
Lois will help synthesize the day’s insights and introduce a strategic planning tool to guide entrepreneurs in making their own creative pivots with confidence.
12:00
Kick off of the Open to the Public Business Expo and Office Hours Meetings.
Open to the Public Small Business Fair 12:00-noon
Celebrate the vibrancy of local businesses with product booths, local services, networking, and advisor office hours.
Celebrate the innovation, resilience, and diversity of the region’s small business community.
Shop Local: Discover unique goods and services
Connect: Meet entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and community partners
Showcase: Exhibitor booths available for $25 (includes morning workshop admission)
Network: Explore new partnerships and support systems
Office Hours: Optional 1:1 mini-meetings with SBDC advisors
This is your moment to shine, support, and celebrate what makes rural business thrive.