Federal lands comprise 85% of the Gunnison Valley. YOUR trails, rivers and public lands will be OPEN as the snow melts, but personnel cuts at the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Park Service mean all of us will need to keep stewardship top of mind this summer. Pack out all trash, and be extra careful with fire. Together, we can keep our backcountry beautiful!

Resources for Gunnison Valley Businesses

Building a business in Gunnison or Crested Butte comes with support from local, regional and state organizations. Grow your startup by participating in business development programs, trainings and networking events. Most resources listed on this page are free or low-cost. This guide will connect you to the support you need to take your startup or product idea to the next level.

Gunnison County business resources

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ICELab consulting and programs

The ICELab is the first stop for support to new or existing businesses in Gunnison County. ICELab staff fosters connections to a vast support of mentors, leaders and other entrepreneurs across the country. Staff can also advise you on whether your business or product idea qualifies for participation in the ICELab’s incubator or funding summit programs. They can also point you in the right direction for state and regional business resources. Consults are available to students, residents, remote workers, entrepreneurs and business owners.

Learn more
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Coworking space

The ICELab @ Western is perched at the top of Western Colorado University’s beautiful campus in Gunnison. Workspace options include shared space, private desks and offices. All work areas include access to the best internet in the Gunnison Valley, free participation in ICELab events and access to meeting spaces. Enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding mountain scenery while you work. Click below to learn more about the ICELab @ Western.

Visit the coworking space

Local networking events

Coffee with Coworkers

Meet local business leaders and hear advice from other Gunnison Valley entrepreneurs at the ICELab’s monthly Coffee with Coworkers meeting. Contact ICELab program director Ben Engman for dates and more information.

Email Ben
Women business owners

Join other women business owners of the Gunnison Valley for a monthly networking event. 

Meet other female founders

Regional business resources

Colorado Small Business Development Center

SBDC

The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers consulting, training and networking events. The SBDC serves both new and existing businesses. All services are free or low-cost.

Region 10

Region 10 is the branch of the SBDC that serves Gunnison County. Region 10 provides consulting services to aid entrepreneurs in new business formation. For more established businesses, they facilitate classes and boot camps.

Region 10 also provides access to capital via the Business Loan Fund, a lending resource for entrepreneurs and businesses that may not qualify for a traditional loan.

Region 10 Gunnison Office

In-person support is available at the Region 10 satellite office in downtown Gunnison at 109 E Georgia Ave Suite 1E, Gunnison, CO 81230.

State Business Resources

OREC and OEDIT

OEDIT

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) advocates for Colorado’s business economy on the national and international stage. Within the state, OEDIT facilitates access to capital through grants and loans, including the Colorado Startup Loan Fund. They also provide no-cost advising services.

OEDIT has homed in on rural business development as one of the best ways to grow Colorado’s economy. Gunnison County businesses have the opportunity to benefit from this special focus.

OREC

The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, known as OREC, is a department of OEDIT. OREC provides services and advocacy to outdoor recreation businesses. OREC’s economic development efforts range from training programs to investment resources.

Startup Colorado

Startup Colorado also focuses on connecting rural businesses throughout the state. Startup Colorado provides curated resources to help businesses and entrepreneurs access human, social and financial capital.

Startup Colorado website

Gunnison Valley Chambers of Commerce

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Gunnison Chamber of Commerce

The Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce provides support and nurtures communication between south valley businesses. They also host periodic networking events. 

Gunnison Chamber website
butte bagels storefront crested butte

Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce

The Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce provides essential business services for the north end of the Gunnison Valley. They host educational sessions and networking events. They advocate for members on community issues.

CB Chamber website

More about small businesses in Gunnison and Crested Butte

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