Northwest Colorado Resource Bulletin & Training Programs
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Funding & Technical Assistance
Natural Climate Solutions Accelerator Grant Program
Deadline for Pre-Proposals: March 13.
This funding opportunity, administered by The Nature Conservancy, supports projects with potential to substantially increase the use of natural climate solutions throughout the United States. The program strives to support and develop a portfolio of proven approaches and mechanisms to deploying natural solutions that landowners, state and federal governments, corporations, and other climate leaders can efficiently implement on a broad scale. Priority will be given to projects representing novel approaches for scaling climate solutions in a range of natural and working lands (forests, agricultural lands and grasslands, and wetlands) and geographies. Grants will range from $50,000 to $200,000. Reviewguidelines of the grant and more info here.
Economic Development Administration – Build to Scale Venture Challenge
Deadline: 3/24/2020. More info here.
This EDA funding opportunity will support activities designed to develop and support regional innovation initiatives that advance the growth of connected, innovation-centric economies that increase job growth, enable the workforce of tomorrow, enhance global competitiveness, and foster global competitiveness through technology commercialization and entrepreneurship. The funding agency is committed to furthering technology-based economic development initiatives that accelerate high-quality job growth, create more economic opportunities, and support the future of the next generation of industry-leading companies through this program. There are three categories for funding: 1. Venture Challenge; 2. Capital Challenge; 3. Industry Challenge: Innovation in the Blue Economy. Details on this funding opportunity can be found on the EDA webiste.
Women’s Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program Grants Deadline: 3/19/2020. More info here.
Offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The purpose of this program is to provide support for marketing and delivering existing veteran entrepreneurial training programs to women service members and veterans, as well as women military spouses who aspire to be small business owners or currently own a small business.
Rural Energy for America Grants
Deadline: March 31, 2020. USDA offers REAP funding to support agricultural producers and rural small businesses to reduce energy costs and consumption with by purchasing and installing renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements in their operations. More info here.
AARP Community Challenge Grant Program
Deadline: April 1.
Nonprofit organizations and government agencies may apply for grants for projects to improve housing, transportation, public space, technology (“smart cities”), civic engagement, and more. Eligible projects should demonstrate the ability to accelerate and sustain the community’s livability for all, especially those 50+. More info here on the AARP Community Challenge website.
Community Oriented Policing Services Grants – U.S. Dept. of Justice
Deadline: March 11.
Provides funding to law enforcement agencies to hire and/or rehire career law enforcement officers in an effort to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Eligible Applicants: State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. Funding Information: $400,000,000 in total funds, 500 awards expected. More info here.
National Forest Resiliency Innovation Challenge Cost Share Grant Program
Deadline: 3/30/2020 More info here.
The purpose of this program is to establish sustainable urban and community forestry by encouraging communities of all sizes to manage and protect their natural resources to improve the public’s health, well-being, and economic vitality, and create resilient ecosystems for present and future generations.
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program – U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
Deadline: March 13.
Supports the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards by funding the purchase of equipment and relevant training. Eligible Applicants: Fire departments, non-affiliated EMS organizations, and state fire training academies. Funding Information: $310,500,000 in total funds, 2500 awards expected. More info here.
Rural Emergency Medical Services Training Grant (EMS Training)
Deadline: 3/30/2020. Amount: $200,000 max/year. More info here.
The purpose of this program is to recruit and train emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in rural areas. The program will help meet the great need of emergency services in rural areas.
NEA Challenge America Grants to support the Arts to Undeserved Populations
Deadline: April 9.
Offers support to small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations – those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. Eligible Applicants: Local governments, institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations. Funding Information: Awards of $10,000 offered. More info here.
Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program
Deadline: 3/30/2020. More info here.
The purpose of this program is to improve the condition of transit systems by financing capital projects to replace, rehabilitate, purchase, or lease buses and related equipment, as well as to rehabilitate, purchase, construct, or lease bus-related facilities. Projects may include costs incidental to the acquisition of buses or to the construction of facilities, such as the costs of related workforce development and training activities, as well as project administration expenses.
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Training, Workshops & Events
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2020 Regional Economic Summit
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Silverthorne Pavilion, Silverthorne, Colorado
Presented in partnership with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the Economic Development Council of Colorado. Draft Agenda and Register Here!
Business Continuity Planning Workshop
May 13 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Basalt Library – RSVP Here!
A free workshop for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. This workshop will provide practical insight to build a comprehensive and reliable business continuity plan. Discuss strategies to building resilience to shock events (i.e. fire, floods) and long-term stresses (i.e. aging populations, access to workforce). Learn how to identify vulnerabilities, mitigate business risk, and minimize financial exposure. This workshop is in partnership with NWCCOG, NW Small Business Development Center, Colorado Dept. of Local Affairs, Basalt Chamber of Commerce, and Pitkin County.
Colorado Workforce – Find & Keep Summit
Thursday, April 2 at the Silverthorne Pavilion
Join us for Find/Keep: A community conversation on workforce attraction and retention in Northwest Colorado. Businesses from across the region will talk about best practices and effective strategies for recruiting and retaining employees. How do businesses attract and retain the workforce they need in an era of record-low unemployment rates? Join businesses in Northwest Colorado’s mountain and resort communities to learn best and promising practices in the field of talent attraction and retention, hear area economic projections, and network with businesses from communities with similar economic drivers.More info and register here.
How to do business with the Federal Government
Three FREE Workshops offered by the SBA at the District Office in Denver:
Did you know? The United States Government is the LARGEST customer in the world! It buys all types of products and services (both in large and small quantities) and is required, by law, to consider making purchases from small businesses. Selling to the US Government is done through contracts with the government and its multitude of federal agencies. Government contracting can be a valuable tool to grow your small business. But it can be confusing to navigate. Come learn what the government procures, how contracting can bring opportunities for growth, and what it takes to sell your products and/or services to the Federal Government.
Downtown Colorado Inc. Annual Meeting 2020 – Colorado Challenge Accelerator Program
April 14 – 17, 2020 in Colorado Springs
DCI is proud to announce the application process is open to participate in the 2020 Colorado Challenge Accelerator Program! DCI has worked with over 24 communities to transform a challenge into an opportunity. Does your community have challenges you’d like to turn into opportunities? We can help! We’ve assisted with a variety of issues from branding to housing to downtown design and financing. Applications due Nov. 15 – apply here.
Demystifying Entrepreneurship – Yampa Valley
May 15 – 16 in Hayden, CO
The CU Leeds School of Business faculty is launching their popular entrepreneurship program in the Yampa Valley. This program is designed for startup entrepreneurs, current business owners, and community leaders looking at ways to support Yampa Valley’s entrepreneurial community. More information and registration will soon be available through the Northwest SBDC.
Eagle County Schools 2020 Career & Job Fair
April 7
Sign up now for the 2020 Eagle County Schools Career and Job Fair for students and businesses. Come join 100+ local employers in a variety of industries to showcase your business and employment opportunities. The fair will take place on Tuesday, April 7th at Eagle Valley High School from 8:30 to 11:30 AM and set up starting at 7:30 AM.
For job fair information: For registration information: Mark Hoblitzell, Mark.Hoblitzell@ The 2020 Eagle County Schools Career and Job Fair is a cooperative effort between the Vail Rotary, Eagle County Schools, Vail Valley Partnership, and the Colorado Workforce Center. West Slope Startup Week
June 1-5
Participate in hometown days throughout the region June 1-2 and meet your west slope neighbors in Grand Junction June 3-5. Want to see something specific on the agenda? Submit your requests and presentation proposals now through February 28. JOIN US and find more information HERE.
CML Annual Conference
June 23 – 26 , 2020 in Westminster
Save the date for CML’s Annual Conference at the Westin Westminster (June 23-26, 2020). CML is currently developing the schedule and will announce the finalized, detailed agenda in an upcoming CML Newsletter publication. Registration will open in early 2020.
Scholarships Available! You must be an elected official, or a member of key management, or a department head (e.g., manager, finance director, clerk) of a CML member municipality to apply. Application and paperwork are due to CML by Wednesday, Feb. 19. Questions? Contact CML Training and Marketing Specialist Courtney Forehand at 303-831-6411, toll-free at 866-578-0936, or at cforehand@cml.org.
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Access to Capital
Colorado Lending Source Education Series for 2020
Register Here. More information, contact nicole@coloradolendingsource.
Top 10 Considerations for Small Business Loans
If you are considering a loan for your business now or in the future, come to learn the top 10 most important aspects to understand in order to be prepared for this.
SBA Loan Introduction
SBA loans can be used for almost any business purpose and there are several different types of SBA loan. This workshop will offer information on the differences and help attendees understand how these might be a funding source for their unique scenario.
2020 Schedule
3/19 at 8:30am: Business Breakfast – finance discussion and overview of both topics at CoVenture, Carbondale
4/15 at 6pm: “SBA Loan Introduction” at Rifle CoWork, Rifle
5/12 at noon: “Top 10 Considerations” at CoVenture, Carbondale
6/18 at 8:30am: Business Breakfast – finance discussion and overview of both topics at CoVenture, Carbondale
7/14 at 6pm: “Top 10 Considerations” at Rifle CoWork, Rifle
8/11 at noon: “SBA Loan Introduction” at CoVenture, Carbondale
9/17 at 8:30am: Business Breakfast – finance discussion and overview of both topics at CoVenture, Carbondale
10/14 at 6pm: “SBA Loan Introduction” at Rifle CoWork, Rifle
11/10 at noon: “Top 10 Considerations” at CoVenture, Carbondale
12/17 at 8:30am: Business Breakfast – finance discussion and overview of both topics at CoVenture, Carbondale
Northwest Loan Fund
The Northwest Loan Fund (NLF) offers business loans that will bring value to the local economy in the 9 Northwest counties we serve: Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, and Summit. We can guide you to the right combination of funding if you want to expand, acquire, or start a business; are looking for favorable rates; just have questions. Contact: Anita Cameron, Director of Business Lending, 970.455.1059, Anita@NorthwestLoanFund.org, or visit NLF website.
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