Tech-Driven Solutions for Affordable Housing: Regional Innovation Shines As Local Startups Prepare for Dec. 6 Investor Pitch Event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUMMIT COUNTY, CO — November 19, 2024 - Facing a growing housing crisis, Summit County software startup Public House is offering an innovative solution to simplify affordable housing applications and improve organizational efficiency for communities around the world. As one of six Summit County startups participating in the High Country Tech Growth Challenge, Public House will present its transformative platform at Demo Day on Friday, December 6, from 5–7 PM in Steamboat Springs.
Hosted by the Summit Economic Partnership (SEP) in collaboration with the Routt County Economic Development Partnership and StartUp Colorado, Demo Day highlights 11 tech-enabled businesses from Summit and Routt counties. Over the past three months, these startups have honed their business strategies with accelerator program support, preparing to scale their operations.
Hosted by the Summit Economic Partnership (SEP) in collaboration with the Routt County Economic Development Partnership and StartUp Colorado, Demo Day highlights 11 tech-enabled businesses from Summit and Routt counties. Over the past three months, these startups have honed their business strategies with accelerator program support, preparing to scale their operations.
Public House is already making a difference, partnering with 33 organizations—including the Summit County Housing Authority—to streamline workforce housing applications. While the company works with mountain communities similar to Summit County, such as Sun Valley, Vail, and Big Sky, it also extends its reach to regions beyond the ski town circuit, addressing affordable housing needs in other sectors and adapting its tools to meet a variety of local challenges. Joyce credits Summit County’s innovative approach, including the expanded use of lotteries, for creating more equitable access to the county’s new housing opportunities.
With a background in custom code development for non-profits, Joyce identified gaps in affordable housing technology and created Public House to address them. “This year, we’ve enhanced accessibility with translation tools that extend throughout all applications as well as email/SMS communications,” he says. “AI will further simplify applications, making the process more inclusive and efficient.”
The accelerator program has played a pivotal role in Public House’s growth. “It’s helped us define the challenges of scaling and map out our next steps,” says Joyce. As Demo Day nears, he’s refining his pitch and preparing to highlight Public House’s transformative impact both locally and nationally.
“Summit County is home to an incredible talent pool of entrepreneurs whose innovations are paving the way for sustainable economic growth in our region,” said Thayer Hirsh, Executive Director of Summit Economic Partnership. “Demo Day is an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and highlight the creative, impactful work happening right here in our mountain community.”
Demo Day Event Details:
When: Friday, December 6, 2024 | 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Where: Steamboat Springs Social Club
What: Investor-style pitches, networking, food, and drinks. Free and open to the public.
Learn more and register: https://lu.ma/bcunv58b.
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For media inquiries, interview requests, or more information, please contact:
Thayer Hirsh, Executive Director of Summit Economic Partnership
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.