The bridges on Hwy. 50 between Gunnison and Montrose are now OPEN 24/7. Learn more here.

The ICELab

The ICELab is the Gunnison Valley’s entrepreneurial support organization. “ICE” stands for innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. Our mission for economic development is multifaceted: 

  • To create more high-paying jobs in Gunnison County
  • To support local businesses that export products or services out of the county
  • To nurture connections between local entrepreneurs, established businesses, mentors, investors and state business resources
  • To foster the entrepreneurial spirit in Western Colorado University students
  • To operate a coworking space, the ICELab @ Western, which serves as a physical hub of the business community

To learn more about us and our parent organization, Gunnison Crested Butte Tourism Association, visit the “about us” page

What the ICELab can do for you

“The ICELab has been instrumental in growing our early stage business. From incubator and accelerator programs to introducing us to a network of investors and providing low cost office space, it is an invaluable resource. Every startup, small business and remote worker in the Gunnison Valley should explore this invaluable resource.”

 – Jake Thomas, co-founder, PACT Outdoors

One person walks, one person stands at a desk, and one person sits at a desk in a workspace

The ICELab @ Western

Gunnison coworking space

The ICELab @ Western is a coworking space located in the heart of the Western Colorado University campus in Gunnison. This beautiful, sunny building is the perfect place to work remotely. Coworking memberships range from daily drop-ins to long-term rates. There are also amenities available for rent, including a conference room and private offices. Learn more about the ICELab @ Western below. 

Business resources

Learn more about state and local programs in this guide to business resources. Whether you’re seeking grant funding, applying for state-run programming or hoping to join the local chambers of commerce, this page is a great place to start. 

Business leaders chat during a Coffee with Coworkers event at the ICELab.

Coffee with coworkers

A monthly networking event

Join ICELab staff and members of the local business community once a month for this networking event at the ICELab @ Western. Besides free coffee, the event offers:

  • An opportunity to meet other local business owners and community leaders 
  • Advice from like-minded entrepreneurs for pain points in your business or product
  • Connections to state and regional small business support center staff

Check the event calendar to find the date of the next Coffee with Coworkers. See you there!

ICELAB PROGRAMS

The ICELab offers programming for businesses in various stages of growth. Below are our current offerings. 

To inquire further about our programs, please reach out to Ben Engman, ICELab program manager.

Business incubator

The ICELab Business Incubator is designed to foster startup companies in rural Colorado. This program provides Gunnison Valley startups in the early stages of business development with the tools and resources they need to build and grow a business. Participants also receive a membership to the ICELab @ Western coworking space. 

Outdoor Industry Funding Summit

The Outdoor Industry Funding Summit (OIFS) brings early-stage outdoor industry companies and investors together. Companies have the opportunity to network with each other and build relationships with investors. Companies also pitch to the investors for the chance to receive funding. 

Gnara products in a GUC airport display case.

Local product displays at Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport

The ICELab sponsors display cases at Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport. The cases feature a rotating selection of local products and services. To see whether your business qualifies for this free program, click the button below.

Companies We Work With

Below are companies who have participated in ICELab programming or received other types of support from us. They range from brand-new startups to established businesses.

More stories from the ICELab

Read more about Gunnison County’s economic development efforts.

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