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.
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.
The Hub is a flexible workspace that offers dedicated desk rentals, office space, storage and warehouse space. The Hub also has community event space and a conference room available for rent. Workshops and networking events are held at The Hub. Learn more about The Hub below!
Join other women business owners of the Gunnison Valley for a monthly networking event.
Join the Gunnison Chamber of Commerce and the local business community for support and conversation over coffee. This networking event is held on the third Wednesday of the month at The Hub, 1000 N Main St, Ste 3, Gunnison, CO 81230. Learn more about what the Chamber offers below.
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 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.
In-person support is available at the Region 10 satellite office in downtown Gunnison at 109 E Georgia Ave Suite 1E, Gunnison, CO 81230.
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.
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 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.
The Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce provides support and nurtures communication between south valley businesses. They also host periodic events. The Chamber hosts a monthly networking event at The Hub on the third Wednesday of each month called Coffee & Conversations. This event allows local entrepreneurs and business owners to meet and discuss challenges and wins.
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.
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