The Power of Collaboration

Salt Lake City is known for it’s collaborative, can-do, hardworking spirit. It’s a great place to do business. What better way to celebrate National Swap Ideas Day than a list of resources available to help entrepreneurs and small business owners?

Magic happens when a community of people joins forces to bring a plan to fruition. It may start as only a suggestion of an idea, but when it is get connected to another idea a larger idea starts to develop. Swapping ideas creates a continuous spark. It’s what has grown Silicon Slopes, and many other growing industries within our community.

As entrepreneurs there is never enough resources or enough time to achieve the work that could be done and sometimes even the work that should be done, but thankfully
important projects can happen by seeking out admirable partners and diverse collaborators who are willing to share ideas and share work.

Outside of your business there are many organizations and resources that can meet your needs.

Here’s are some great places to swap ideas:

• Networking events offered at Salt Lake City’s Co-Working Spaces – These membership-based work spaces offer a variety of services that help an entrepreneur thrive – including networking, (and often free) educational events.
• Silicon Slopes Salt Lake City Chapter – focused on specific topics/sectors within Salt Lake City’s growing tech community. Anyone can join and engage with the Silicon Slopes community as broadly or as tailored to their specific interests as they’d like.
• Entrepreneur Launch Pad – ELP’s objective is to help all entrepreneurs, of every level. Weekly meetings allow participants to collaborate on business ideas, give instructive feedback on business presentations, listen to and discuss business topics, and make important networking contacts to help them grow their business.
• Miller Business Resource Center The Miller Business Resource Center (MBRC) offers a wide range of services and support to businesses and organizations within our community. They are also home to the Goldman-Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.
• One Million Cups Salt Lake – An event for local entrepreneurs to meet and present their startups to the thriving peer network of founders in Salt Lake City.
• Pete Suazo Center – The Startup Program is intended for people who have a business idea or have recently a business. This program will take entrepreneurs through each topic they need to address during those first critical months as they start their business.
• Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute – a nationally ranked hub for student entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Utah and an interdisciplinary division of the David Eccles School of Business.
• The Salt Lake Chamber offers several programs that promote and represent the interest of small businesses.
• SCORE – SCORE is a nonprofit association helping over 1,000 Salt Lake area Entrepreneurs annually to start a new business or grow their existing business.
• Small Business Resource Center (SBDC) –  Experts in the field work in partnership with entrepreneurs to provide crucial information and support that can mean the difference between business success and failure.
• Square Kitchen – an incubator, where food entrepreneurs are able to create, innovate and thrive in the food business world.
• Spice Kitchen Incubator – SPICE Kitchen Incubator is a food business incubator focused on creating opportunities for refugees and disadvantaged individuals. The goal is to improve the chances of start-up and early-stage businesses of growing into healthy, viable companies.
• Utah Independent Business Coalition is committed to building a stronger independent business community through education, advocacy, and social connections.
• Local First Utah, Utah’s Own and Downtown Farmer’s Market are great places to collaborate with other like minded, locally owned entrepreneurs.
• Living Color Utah – a great springboard to connect to established organizations Utah Cultural Trust, Young Professionals of Salt Lake City, Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Utah Black Chamber of Commerce, SLC Pacific Islands Business Alliance, Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce, and LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.
• Downtown Alliance is a great resource for local events and ideas to grow your business presence. They are dedicated to building a dynamic and diverse community that is the regional center for culture, commerce and entertainment.
• Salt Lake Area Restaurant Association – strives to protect, educate, and promote independent restaurant and bar owners.
• World Trade Center – Utah  – stimulates trade and investment opportunities for commercial property developers, economic development agencies, and international businesses looking to connect globally and prosper locally.
• Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) – helps Utah small businesses successfully compete in the government marketplace.
• The University of Utah Manufacturing Extension Partnership (UUMEP) Center is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing manufacturing.

It’s quite a list, right? And we didn’t get all of it.

If you’re overwhelmed or not sure where to start, our Business Development Resource Finder (BDRF) survey will help guide you on a custom list for your business needs.

We hope this serves as inspiration to get out, connect, and swap ideas with your local business community. As always, we’re here to help! Need more ideas? Contact Salt Lake City Economic Development for any questions or assistance.