Dynamic Entrepreneurial Culture

Thinking about starting a business in Northwest Colorado? You’re not alone. With its dynamic entrepreneurial culture, this region has launched a number of successful startups. Outdoor recreation manufacturing companies have flourished here. Big Agnes, Good Vibes River Gear, and Headhunter Bow Strings continue to succeed based in Northwest Colorado, selling their outdoor products regionally, nationally, and globally. Moreover, small businesses are thriving across all sectors from companies that pre-finish lumber to renewable energy companies and technology businesses.

Fostering Small Business Growth

We nurture the entrepreneurial ecosystem in a number of ways:

  • Annual pitch competitions sponsored by the City of Craig, the Town of Hayden and Routt County Economic Partnership.
  • Northwest Colorado SBDC offers business consulting
  • Northwest Colorado Development Council provides technical assistance with financing and grant navigation.
  • Coworking spaces in Steamboat Springs, Craig, Meeker and Hayen provide room for entrepreneurs to grow.
  • The Towns of Yampa, Rangely and Meeker and City of Craig had offered small business grants.

So when you start a business in this region, you are not alone. In fact, you’ll find valuable assistance and resources around the corner or with a simple click:

Contact Us

Northwest Colorado Development Council (NWCDC):

As the regional economic development organization for Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt Counties, NWCDC connects your business to resources and provides technical assistance, grant navigation and assistance. Contact us.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs):

Administered under the umbrella of the Office of Economic Trade & International Trade (OEDIT), this region’s SBDCs offer critical services for startups and expanding business, including experienced and expert consulting that is both free and confidential as well as no- or low-cost training programs. Call on the SBDC to assist with business and sales strategies, job creation and retention, securing loans and government contracts and more. To learn more about the range of SBDC services available to you, click here, and to access local services click here.

Startup Colorado

This innovative digital community and resource center offers a diverse menu of free services tailored exclusively to rural entrepreneurs across all economic sectors, providing connections to mentors, capital partners, services providers and more. Explore services and join here.

Yampa Valley Entrepreneurship Center

A service of the Routt County Economic Development Partnership, the Yampa Valley Entrepreneurship Center (YVEC) has compiled a 25-year record of assisting local businesses launch and flourish over time and evolving conditions. For new and expanding business, services include free, confidential one-on-one consulting and mentoring with successful business professionals as well as a year-round calendar of workshops and seminars. YVEC is one of several local organizations to host a Business Plan Competition to encourage startups. Learn more.

To connect or schedule a meeting click here.

Coworking space

Membership in the Craig Chamber of Commerce provides access to co-working space. The Meeker Business Center, part of the Biz First program of the Meeker Chamber of Commerce, provides meeting space and shared amenities. In Steamboat Springs, the Bud Werner Library offers internet-connected lounge and booth space, while commercial venues across the city also provide co-working environments. Explore them here.

Cash Collateral Support

This Colorado program provides a cash deposit as collateral for a business loan or credit facility when a qualified small- or medium-sized business cannot meet the lender’s collateral requirements. Learn more.

Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)

A key collaborator in this region’s efforts to bring more affordable housing to the area, CHFA has programs aimed at both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, including unique offerings for manufacturers and rural businesses. Learn more.

Colorado Division of Housing

This agency assists developers and local governments with creating affordable housing through gap financing for developers and/or grants for communities. Learn more.

First Southwest Community Fund

The First Southwest Community Fund provides inclusive and equitable access to capital through a range of innovative programs for rural Colorado entrepreneurs and small business owners–ensuring these businesses have access to the capital they need to grow and enrich their communities. This community fund operates statewide for rural communities. Learn more.

Northwest Loan Fund (NLF)

The NLF makes low-interest loans to qualified new or growing businesses for a variety of purposes:

  • Acquisition of an existing business
  • Business expansion
  • Start-up costs for a new or expanding business
  • Purchase of business-occupied real estate
  • Purchase of equipment, furniture, and fixtures
  • Inventory and working capital

Most loans range from $10,000 to $500,000 with fees at 2-3% and favorable interest rates.  While NLF takes greater risks than most lenders, the program does require collateral. Learn more.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Loans range from microlending to debt and equity investment capital. Learn more.

Greater Colorado Venture Fund invests in early-stage startups headquartered across the state of Colorado. This type of private equity financing allows investors to buy a stake in an entrepreneur's idea, nurture it for a short period of time, and then exit with the help of an investment. In order to be considered for investment by the Greater Colorado Venture Fund, companies must meet the following criteria:

  • Headquarters or significant operations located in rural Colorado
  • At least two full-time employees based in rural Colorado
  • Committed to being located in rural Colorado for at least five years
  • Seeking first institutional investment or "growth" capital funding
  • Serving customers well-beyond the company's locality, or is raising funds to scale to customers beyond the company's locality

Ideally, the company should be a firm with the potential for high growth that is no longer in its start-up phase and is ready to scale up.

Rockies Venture Club (RVC).

One of the most active Angel groups in the nation, RVC accelerates economic development by educating and connecting investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate partners, holding over 140 events per year throughout Colorado and virtually via Zoom. Events include speakers and panels focusing on raising capital for early-stage businesses. RVC also hosts the annual Angel Capital Summit each March with educational boot camps and forty companies pitching to investors. RVC funds 25-30 companies annually. Apply to the RVC here.

Need First Steps?

The SBA website also has information for starting a business, including a step-by-step guide.  Learn more.