DENVER — Several Colorado organizations are co-sponsoring a series of statewide forums to offer small businesses strategies to work through the current recession.

Among them are the Credit Union Association of Colorado, Small Business Administration, Colorado Bankers Association, Independent Bankers of Colorado and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

The meetings aim to give small businesses direct, one-on-one access to federal, state and local governments, local financial institutions, and other business assistance organizations, according to Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter's office. The groups will also provide small business toolkits, counseling and other information about available resources.