COMMUNITY RESOURCES
We are very lucky to be a part of a network of entrepreneur support organizations that offer a range of services from education to networking platforms and funding opportunities. Connect with these cheerleaders for additional support, as well as, a larger community of fellow businesses.
Updated: October 9, 2023
ENTREPRENEUR SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS (Regional)
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Confidential, objective services to help your business succeed no matter what stage with expert advisors and instructors and workshops including the LEADING EDGE Strategic Planning Series.
Region 9 Economic Development Center*
Working cooperatively with the private and public sectors to enhance the economic conditions and improve the region's economic prosperity. Also a revolving loan program for "gap" financing to assist small business retention, expansion and job creation.
Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation (PSCDC)
The Pagosa Springs CDC Board works with business owners, policymakers and individuals to help strengthen the economic vitality of Archuleta County.
San Juan Development Association (SJDA)
https://sanjuandevelopment.com
Enhancing economic diversification in Silverton and San Juan County, CO by promoting collaboration, partnerships, and trust between businesses, non-profits, and local governments through community priority projects.
Local First
Local First runs different initiatives that support local, independent businesses: Shop Local, Eat Local, Create Local, and Act Local. We work to educate the public on the importance of these businesses and find ways to help people choose the local option first.
Durango Chamber of Commerce
The Durango Chamber of Commerce is a member based organization that promotes and supports the local business community. With more than 750 members, the Durango Chamber of Commerce is a resource for its members, community leaders, and the business community.
Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce
The Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to assist the members of our business community with development opportunities through resources, advocacy, services and education.
La Plata Food Equity Coalition
www.goodfoodcollective.org/lpfec
The La Plata Food Equity Coalition is enhancing health equity for La Plata County BIPOC, Senior, and Rural Residents through healthy food access and shared community leadership. This includes specific food business support.
La Plata Economic Alliance
The La Plata Economic Alliance creates a vibrant and resilient economy from the recruitment, retainment, and growth of business, by fostering public and private partnerships, and preserving our quality of life.
Cortez Chamber of Commerce
The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce is a business membership organization focused on increasing and sustaining economic vitality in the Cortez Area and Montezuma County. Our mission is to strengthen business to promote a prosperous community.
Silverton Chamber of Commerce
ENTREPRENEUR SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS (Colorado)
Startup Colorado (SUCO)
The Startup Colorado Network is the place for rural entrepreneurs, creatives, and ecosystem builders. As part of their community, you can connect with members based on location, interest, expertise and industry.
Energize Colorado*
Energize Colorado brings together innovators and small business owners to collaboratively tackle the systemic challenges facing our small businesses. They build and test programs and solutions to empower small business innovation, resulting in a more resilient and inclusive economy.
Business Intelligence Center
The Business Intelligence Center offers a data- and business-centric resource library to help you navigate the enormous amount of opportunities both locally and nationally to connect with public data that can help Colorado businesses. You can filter by data, technology, funding, b2b service, or educational resources.
Founder Institute
The Founder Institute's highly-structured accelerator programs, innovative 'Equity Collective', and global network of advisors have been proven to significantly increase a startup's chances of success - across 100+ countries and in any economic environment.
Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute
The Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute (RMMFI) creates the space for communities and people of all backgrounds to realize their unique potential through the power of entrepreneurship. They invest in entrepreneurs’ personal and business development through a proven mix of classroom, coaching, capital, and community.
Manufacturer’s Edge
Manufacturer’s Edge is a statewide manufacturing assistance center that encourages the strength and competitiveness of Colorado manufacturers through onsite technical assistance through coaching, training, and consulting, collaboration-focused industry programs, and leveraging government, university and economic development partnerships.
Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT)
OEDIT works with statewide partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. This included programming, grants, loans and more for Colorado businesses.
ENTREPRENEUR SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS (New Mexico)
San Juan College (SJC)
The San Juan College Enterprise Center is a certified business incubator for new and emerging businesses to succeed. With office and manufacturing space along with a wealth of business resources and acceleration programs, the Enterprise Center can provide guidance and valuable referrals to help you start or grow your business.
Small Business Development Center
www.nmsbdc.org/farmington.aspx
The Small Business Development Center at San Juan College assists in pre- and post-venture planning with no-charge confidential one-on-one consulting, low cost training in a variety of subjects, and are able to assist your company in networking with other local companies to achieve your goals.
Connect Space
Connect Space offers workspace and community for individuals, small businesses and companies. You’ll find modern, clean, high-quality facilities at your fingertips. Find flexible memberships to meet your needs including 24/7 access to our secure, comfortable workspaces with a lively yet work-oriented environment.
Four Corners Economic Development
Four Corners Economic Development works to build economically vibrant businesses and communities in the Four Corners Region through effective partnerships.
New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership
The New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership provides expertise in results-driven methodologies, best practices, and innovative technologies designed to increase your profitability. As a public/private partnership, they bring together government, not-for-profit and industry resources to offer the comprehensive programs and services you need.
Farmington Chamber of Commerce
The Farmington Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer association of business people who coordinate efforts of commerce, industry and professions to maintain a healthy business in our community. The chamber helps to promote a better understanding of private enterprise and offers community memberships, workshops, and more.
WESST
www.wesst.org/wesst-locations/farmington
WESST’s mission is to be a home to entrepreneurs. They provide a support system of consulting, training and lending to help clients successfully strengthen and grow their businesses through sustainable sales, financial knowledge and job creation.
Harvest Food Hub
www.sanjuancollege.edu/harvestfoodhub/
The Harvest Food Hub, an EDA University Center project, is an aggregator and online marketplace of locally grown and produced food. It also houses the Food Entrepreneurs Applied Training Program (FEAT), an 11-week course designed for food-centered business start-ups and those looking to improve upon, or expand an existing start-up food business. A commercial kitchen is also on the way at this facility.
ENTREPRENEUR FUNDING ORGANIZATIONS (CO + NM)
*Organizations above also have funding options available
First Southwest Bank + Community Fund
First Southwest Community Fund provides inclusive and equitable access to capital through a range of innovative programs for rural Colorado entrepreneurs and small business owners–ensuring these businesses have access to the capital they need to grow and enrich their communities.
Greater Colorado Venture Fund
Greater Colorado Venture Fund invests in early stage startups headquartered across the state of Colorado, outside of the Front Range. They work to inspire innovation in communities overlooked by venture funds.
New Mexico Angels
New Mexico Angels’ mission is to provide opportunities where its members can obtain outstanding financial returns by investing in early-stage companies in New Mexico and the Southwest Region and accelerating them to market leadership. They work with the venture capital community and angel groups in the Southwestern area.
DreamSpring
www.dreamspring.org/business-loans
DreamSpring works with a diverse group of business owners, each with unique needs and circumstances. They are often able to provide loans when traditional sources cannot. They have the flexibility to work one-on-one with your business, and we welcome the chance to get to know you.
Rockies Venture Fund
RVC is Colorado's premier venture organization for educating and connecting investors and entrepreneurs.