“Find a partner like CEF that will help you get the funds to start your dream business while being a helpful shoulder to lean on when needed throughout the start-up process."
– Paul Klees, Owner

Q&A with Owner, Paul Klees

Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc.
We serve large gourmet cookies of 16-18 varieties. Located in downtown Granby, CO as well as a Gondola Kiosk at the base of Winter Park Resort.

How did the idea for your business come about?
We always wanted to start a business and felt Grand county has a ton of potential. We were introduced to Mary's Mountain Cookies in 2012 and never forgot how good they were. Spring of 2023 presented us with an opportunity to bring our small business dream and cookies together.

What neighborhood is your business located in and what do you love about that location?
Granby's downtown is evolving in a very strategic way, blending the growth of a mountain town while respecting the ranching historic past. We are excited to be a part of the growth making downtown a fun place to stop, enjoying the different store fronts.

How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund?
When searching for a local bank to help us start our business, CEF was presented to us for start up small businesses. Made the call and had a great experience since we started.

What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.?
I enjoyed CEF because they shared our excitement for our start up and helped us through any moments of doubt or concern. This allowed us to stay focused on the project and our opening date goals.

What was your experience like in working with CEF?
Having a partner like CEF be apart of our process, made starting a new business fun and exciting.

What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF?
We were able to start the business without draining our personal cash reserve. With that said, we have a better sense of security to weather any challenges that may come up in the first year of running our business

What advice would you give to another small business owner going through the loan process?
Don't get caught in the weeds of the start up process, power forward to get the doors open so you can start cash flowing. Find a partner like CEF that will help you get the funds to start your dream business while being a helpful shoulder to lean on when needed throughout the start-up process.

Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team? What difference has working with them made for your business?
Yes

What difference has working with them made for your business?
They were supportive and shared ideas to make sure we were running or working toward our highest business potential.

What recent success(es) have you experienced in your business?
Getting the Gondola kiosk open at Winter Park Resort. Looking forward to potentially expanding the business to new locations.