Inspired By Excellence & Innovation
Backed by some of the best business minds in Colorado and beyond, participants in our winter 2022 cohort will experience a level of startup and scaleup support that has never existed in the Central Mountains business community. Until now. Get to know these ten very special purpose-driven businesses that are making a big impact in our community.
Join Your Startup Community
Sign up for our eNewsletter for updates on Central Mountain Entrepreneurs and the Ascent Accelerator.
Our Programs
For more than a decade, the Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation (Chaffee County EDC) has led efforts on behalf of primary employers to create an economy that rivals our unsurpassed mountain lifestyle. Structured as a 501c6 nonprofit, the EDC serves as a true public-private partnership, convening the region’s private sector, government, and academic leaders to support industry growth and career opportunities through business advocacy, talent pipeline initiatives, and startup support.
Startup Support
The Chaffee County EDC supports entrepreneurship as a primary tool in diversifying our year-round economy in addition to a thriving tourism economy. We serve as a navigator connecting entrepreneurs to funding, expert mentorship, business design curriculum, etc. We measure job creation and investment.
Talent Pipeline & Workforce Development
The Chaffee County EDC creates better alignment between employers and our education system (including school districts, Colorado Mountain College - Salida, and other remote higher education institutions.) We define the skills gap and build collaborative systems to address it. We measure participating employers and employees.
Land & Use
The Chaffee County EDC encourages investment in the built environment to support a modern, competitive workforce and economy. We build productive public-private partnerships, advocate for improvements to the development process, and promote business friendly policy. We measure our policy wins.
