At its core, economic development aims to foster innovation, create jobs, and build a resilient economy. It’s about creating an environment where businesses can thrive and communities can prosper. Through these efforts, regions can support businesses, grow new industries, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

On December 6th, the High Country Tech Growth Challenge wrapped up with our Demo Day, and I’m still grinning with pride and excitement. When I joined the Summit Economic Partnership last December, I dreamed of creating a regional pitch competition. It felt ambitious—maybe even a little far-fetched—but I couldn’t shake the idea. A year later, that “BHAG” (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) became a reality.

November signals a crucial time for small business owners to assess the current year's progress and prepare for what's ahead. At Summit Economic Partnership (SEP), our mission is to diversify Summit County's economy. We support businesses headquartered here with targeted programs, resource sharing, and ongoing guidance tailored to their unique needs.

I’m excited to share that on December 6th, we’ll be hosting the Demo Day for the FallHigh Country Tech Growth Challenge. It’s been an amazing journey working alongside Yampa Valley Entrepreneurship Center and StartupColorado to bring this opportunity to life for 12 innovative companies that are working hard to shape the future of tech in our mountain communities. This Demo Day is not just a celebration of their hard work but also a moment to reflect on the power of collaboration between Summit and Routt counties.

One of the most challenging aspects of running a business, especially for entrepreneurs just starting out, is figuring out the right price for your product or service. Whether you're selling handmade goods, offering consulting services, or running an e-commerce business, setting the right price can make or break your success.

Today, I want to share how diversifying our local economy can stabilize it by reducing our reliance on tourism through the creation of new jobs and industries. Diversification has been successfully done by towns, cities and even states throughout the United States. The goal with Economic diversification is to build resiliency in Summit’s and make sure it’s a place where locals can continue to call Summit home.

For small business owners, especially those in rural communities, navigating the landscape of funding options can be overwhelming. Here’s a detailed guide to help you explore the funding options available to start or grow your business.

Today, I want to share how diversifying our local economy can stabilize it by reducing our reliance on tourism through the creation of new jobs and industries. Diversification has been successfully done by towns, cities and even states throughout the United States. The goal with Economic diversification is to build resiliency in Summit’s and make sure it’s a place where locals can continue to call Summit home.

In today’s globalized world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of not only shopping locally, but also hiring locally. Supporting locally owned small businesses - whether they are a coffee shop, clothing retailer or an accountant - is crucial for maintaining a vibrant and sustainable local economy.

When I first took this job, I wanted to create programs for our business owners that were truly impactful by helping businesses grow. So, in partnership with Startup Colorado, we set out to give scalable businesses in Summit County a shot at a $5,000 business grant, while also helping them fine-tune their strategies, learn from other rural entrepreneurs, and understand their financial path to success.

Summit County, Colorado, is known for its vibrant community and a host of local events that attract both residents and visitors. These events present a golden opportunity for local businesses to connect with potential customers, enhance visibility, and drive sales. Here’s how businesses can effectively leverage these events for growth.

In an interview with Thayer, Erwin Germain, founder of TreadShare, discusses his carpooling mobile app designed to link drivers and riders, aiming to reduce vehicle numbers and promote eco-friendly travel in Summit County, Colorado. Erwin celebrates TreadShare's acceptance into the competitive Rockies Venture Club HyperAccelerator program, which offers mentorship, resources, and investor connections vital for scaling their business.

Summit County, Colorado, is known for its vibrant community and a host of local events that attract both residents and visitors. These events present a golden opportunity for local businesses to connect with potential customers, enhance visibility, and drive sales. Here’s how businesses can effectively leverage these events for growth.

In this inaugural post, I want to touch upon the state of the economy in Summit County and share why an entity like SEP is vital for our community. For those of you who love to geek out on data, I highly recommend diving into our Roadmap to Recovery report, which goes into great detail about the need for industry diversification in Summit County. But if you're more of a Cliff Notes reader, stick with me!

This blog explores how these businesses navigate the quieter part of the year, highlighting the unique strategies they employ and the broader economic implications for regions like Summit County, Colorado.

As small business owners navigate the challenges and opportunities of building their enterprises, it's crucial to have the right resources and support. Here are some key organizations and programs dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs in our region

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey in Summit County, Colorado, presents an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant and growing community of innovators and business leaders. The first steps to launching your venture are critical in setting the foundation for success. This blog post will guide you through the initial stages of starting a business in the picturesque landscapes of Summit County.