Local Entrepreneur Represents Summit County Small Businesses at White House Visit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRISCO, Colo., August 8, 2024 – Summit Economic Partnership (SEP) is proud to announce that Nora Gilbertson, founder of StayLoci and finalist in SEP’S Summit Founder Coopetition, was selected by the Small Business Majority to attend the prestigious Southwest Regional Business Briefing at the White House on July 24th and 25th. This event brought together 30 entrepreneurs from Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah to engage with key policymakers and discuss critical issues facing small businesses.
In collaboration with the Summit Chamber of Commerce and the Ramada by Wyndham Frisco, Summit Economic Partnership was honored to sponsor Gilbertson’s travel, ensuring that Summit County’s entrepreneurial spirit was well represented at this national platform.
Through her participation in this prestigious opportunity, Gilbertson engaged in conversations with key economic advisors, including Small Business Administration Administrator Isabel Guzman and U.S. Department of Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo, in discussions on critical issues such as capital access, cybersecurity, and support for small businesses in rural areas—topics particularly relevant to Summit County’s economy. Following these sessions, Gilbertson joined a select group of entrepreneurs in meetings with the offices of Senators Bennet (CO), Lujan (NM), and Heinrich (NM) to advocate for reducing administrative barriers and enhancing support for entrepreneurs and small business owners, directly benefiting communities like Summit County.
“Small businesses account for over half of the jobs in the U.S. The Southwest Regional Business Briefing and Senate visits reassured me that significant efforts are underway to support the small businesses that drive our economy, and these efforts directly impact our local community,” said Gilbertson.
Gilbertson’s participation underscores the ongoing efforts by SEP and the Summit County Chamber of Commerce to support and elevate the voices of our local businesses on both state and national levels. Her advocacy reflects the importance of diversifying Summit County's economy—a theme that will be explored further at the upcoming Western Slope StartUp Week.
SEP’s Executive Director, Thayer Hirsh, will speak at Western Slope StartUp Week in Durango, CO, on August 20. His talk, "Everyone's an Economic Developer - New Economic Development Initiatives on the Western Slope" will explore how economic diversification is key to a resilient community—a theme also reflected in Nora Gilbertson’s recent advocacy efforts.
“Supporting and nurturing entrepreneurs in Summit County like Nora, is not just about fostering innovation—it's about securing our community's future,” says Hirsh. “By empowering local businesses and startups, we are actively diversifying our economy, making it more resilient to the challenges that come with a seasonal tourism-based market. Economic diversification through entrepreneurship is key to building a sustainable and vibrant community for generations to come.”
Organizations like the Summit Chamber of Commerce, the Summit Economic Partnership, and StartUp Colorado are dedicated to funneling pertinent information and resources to new and existing businesses. They provide essential support to entrepreneurs, helping them start and grow their businesses, and reminding them that they are not alone. Mentors and advisors are encouraged to get involved and support these efforts.
In line with these initiatives, SEP is also excited to announce the 2024 Fall High Country Tech Growth Challenge, starting September 24. This accelerator, in partnership with Skill Distillery and Yampa Valley Entrepreneurship Center, offers mid to late-stage tech companies the tools to scale their businesses. Applications are open now for tech-enabled companies with national or international growth potential.
For more information on Western Slope StartUp Week, the High Country Tech Growth Challenge, or to learn how SEP can support your business, visit www.summitpartnership.org.
###
For media inquiries, interview requests, or more information, please contact:
Nora Gilbertson, CEO & Founder of Stay Loci
Thayer Hirsh, Executive Director of Summit Economic Partnership
Cheri Ryan, Executive Director of Summit County Chamber of Commerce
Lauren Swanson, Public Relations for Summit Economic Partnership
About Summit Economic Partnership (SEP)
The Summit Economic Partnership (SEP) is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to driving economic diversification, workforce development, and entrepreneurial growth in Summit County, Colorado. Led by a diverse board of top executives, elected officials, and industry leaders, SEP supports local businesses and workers through mentorship, training, and strategic partnerships. In a region reliant on tourism and outdoor recreation, SEP's initiatives help businesses and the workforce thrive. Learn more about SEP's work at www.summitpartnership.org.
About StayLoci
Stay Loci is a web-based marketplace connecting hosts and guests of furnished rentals between 30 days and 1 year. We provide tools such as online payments, optional tenant screenings, and leases to simplify the rental process. Longer stays help to generate economic development by providing more housing options for seasonal and temporary workers, as well as creating opportunities for remote workers to contribute to the local economy. Interested hosts are encouraged to list their homes now for winter bookings at www.stayloci.io.
About The Summit Chamber
The Summit Chamber is the business voice of Summit County. It is the Chambers mission to ensure business success through advocacy, and providing resources, educational opportunities, and business connections. Local Businesses provide jobs, sales tax revenue to support important public infrastructure and capital projects, they provide support to our local nonprofits, schools and sports teams, and they create a sense of community. They are the lifeblood of our community.