Summit Economic Partnership

Last week, our team had the pleasure of spending time in Durango for West Slope Startup Week. Our Executive Director shared insights on the importance of diversifying Summit County's economy, and it was a privilege to see so many familiar faces from our past programs. A big thank you to Startup Colorado for organizing such a fantastic event. We’re already looking forward to returning next year and continuing the conversation around innovation and economic growth. #WestSlopeStartupWeek #SummitCounty #EconomicDiversification

We often hear about the importance of shopping local, but do we truly understand the impact it has on our local economy? Our latest blog, 'The Vital Role of Supporting Locally Owned Small Businesses in the Economy,' explores why this is so crucial. Did you know that 48% of each purchase at a locally owned business is recirculated within the community, compared to only 14% from corporate businesses? By shopping local, you're not just buying a product—you're investing in your community’s future. #ShopLocal #SupportSmallBusiness #LocalEconomy #CommunityImpact #InvestInYourCommunity https://bit.ly/4drOirq

Take your business to the next level with the CLIMBER loan from B:Side Fund! B:Side offers flexible financing options to fuel the growth and success of Colorado businesses. This low-interest loan program offers flexible terms to help you climb back to success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your business. Key Benefits: · Loan Amount: $20,000 - $100,000 · Competitive Rate: 6.01% - 6.32%= · Use Funds Your Way: working capital, debt refi, equipment, inventory · Term: 3-5 years Learn more and apply today! www.bsidefund.org

We’re excited to put on Summit County's first-ever tech accelerator! If you have a mid to late stage tech company with customers, revenue, and are looking to raise capital or scale operations, this program is for you. Applications are open now, with the program starting on September 16th and running for 6 weeks. Best of all, participation is free! #TechAccelerator #SummitCounty #StartupGrowth https://bit.ly/3WC2iHS

🚴♀️ Tomorrow at 4 PM, join Kelly from Buttnski, along with Robin from Town Hall Outdoor Co and TJ from Stray Wild, for a group ride and launch party at Anarchy Brewing! They’ve teamed up to launch Rural is Rad, a movement dedicated to supporting rural founders and brands in the outdoor industry. Kelly, a participant in Summit Economic Partnership, is collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs to promote the strength and innovation of rural businesses. Join the ride, make connections, and celebrate the impact of rural entrepreneurship! #RuralIsRad #Entrepreneurship #OutdoorIndustry #WestSlopeStartupWeek

West Slope Startup Week has officially started! Don’t miss our Executive Director, Thayer Hirsh, tomorrow at 3 PM as he discusses economic diversity in Summit County at the FLC Center for Innovation. This event is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and inspiration to not just participate in, but also benefit from, the region’s economic growth. #WestSlopeStartupWeek #SummitCounty #EconomicDiversity https://bit.ly/4dkorBi

We’re proud to introduce Nell Wareham, a valued board member of Summit Economic Partnership and Manager of Social Performance at Climax Mine Operation. Nell is passionate about the community in Summit County, sharing, 'The community is my favorite thing about Summit County. I’m always learning something new from someone new, and everyone has such a diversity of passions and backgrounds. Watching my daughter grow up connected to this amazing community is a gift I know she’ll carry with her as a high benchmark.' Her commitment to community and social performance is a tremendous asset to our mission. We’re fortunate to have Nell’s expertise and passion guiding our efforts in Summit County. #SummitCounty #CommunityLeadership #BoardMemberSpotlight

Summit County’s wages are falling behind those of other High Country resort communities, as detailed in a recent Summit Daily article. Our Executive Director, Thayer Hirsh, emphasizes the impact of our reliance on lower-paying tourism jobs, which make up 32% of our workforce, contributing to lower average wages in the region. At Summit Economic Partnership, we're dedicated to diversifying Summit County’s economy and increasing wages to build a stronger, more resilient local middle class. Our initiatives aim to create opportunities for sustainable growth and long-term stability, ensuring that future generations can continue to call Summit County home. #SummitCounty #EconomicDevelopment https://bit.ly/3AspAsr

Last Friday, we had the rewarding experience of volunteering with the Friends of Dillon Ranger District to help build a new bridge on the West Ridge trail in Keystone. As avid trail users, it was a special opportunity for us to give back to the community and contribute to the maintenance of a trail we know and love! #CommunitySupport #TrailBuilding #SummitCounty

If you live in Summit County, there's a good chance you've enjoyed our beautiful trails. Join us tomorrow from 9 AM to 1 PM for a trail building day with Friends of Dillon Ranger District. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and connect with fellow entrepreneurs! #SummitCounty #TrailBuilding #CommunitySupport #Entrepreneurs https://bit.ly/3YoSGTi