A state official and former business owner has been promoted to oversee a division supporting small businesses in Colorado.

Nikki Maloney was named director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Business Support Division. 

Maloney joined OEDIT in 2019 to advance development of the Employee Ownership Commission and Office. In 2021, Maloney was promoted to deputy director of the Business Support Division and then interim director.

“Small businesses are the engine of our state economy. In Colorado. 99.5 percent
of all businesses are small businesses, employing over 1 million Coloradans,” Maloney said. “As a former business owner, it’s an honor to serve in this capacity to advance the growth and impact of our business community on the state’s gross domestic product. The role that small businesses play in all of our lives is something to be celebrated, and I’m thrilled to continue to lead and work alongside a passionate team dedicated to helping Colorado’s diverse business community thrive.”

The Business Support Division provides technical and financial assistance to Colorado business owners and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses through free and low-cost consulting and access-to-capital programs offered through the Small Business Development Center Network, Minority Business Office, Employee Ownership Office and Cannabis Business Office. 

During her time at OEDIT, Maloney helped small businesses get through the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis named her Public Servant of the Year in recognition of the initiatives she led to assist businesses during the pandemic.

She’s also helped business owners understand, explore and pursue employee-owned business structures as a way to provide for themselves, their employees and their communities even after they exit their businesses. 

Prior to joining OEDIT, Maloney owned an outdoor recreation manufacturing business. She also worked at the Denver Office of Economic Development & International Trade and at CH2M Hill, where she created and managed the Colorado Environmental Business Alliance.