The business incubator helps founders and teams develop successful business habits, create a solid business model and expand their entrepreneurial mindset. Topics covered include marketing, public relations, finances, customer segmentation, go-to-market strategy, DTC and wholesale. Participants build connections among each other and the local business community. Participants should leave the program with an attainable business plan and the resources and knowledge to continue scaling their operations. Companies in the Incubator will develop successful business habits, create a business model and get tools to maximize their ideas. Companies will also receive a free ICELab membership and the ability to meet with ICELab staff and mentors for advice, support, and encouragement.

The ICELab’s Business Incubator is designed to boost local Gunnison Valley exporter companies. You can watch a video about the program and take a look at past companies below. 

Discover local businesses that went through the Business Incubator. 

Startup Colorado is a network for entrepreneurs in rural Colorado. Its motto is ““To build a sustainable statewide network of human, social, and financial capital resources supporting rural entrepreneurs, so that people and places can thrive and chart their own futures.”

Startup Colorado supports entrepreneurs through a free online network, direct funding, events and programming, and collaboration with local business resources. Learn more below

The Idea Factory is a four-week program specifically for early-stage entrepreneurs. The goal of the Idea Factory is for entrepreneurs to take their ideas and turn them into an actionable plan. The program includes:

• A funding assessment for your business.
• The knowledge to determine the best funding model for your business.
• Connections with expert advisors throughout Colorado.
• A network of other small-town entrepreneurs. 
• The opportunity to ask Startup Colorado advisors your biggest growth questions and challenges.
• The potential to be featured in Startup Colorado’s storytelling program.