Summit Economic Development Nonprofit Unveils Business Development Programs for Small Business Week

FRISCO, Colo. - May 1, 2024 - PRLog -- As the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) celebrates Small Business Week from April 28 to May 4, Summit Economic Partnership (SEP) is proud to announce two business development opportunities for entrepreneurs in Summit County. Applications are now open for SEP's Economic Gardening Program and Summit Coopetition, offering tailored support and resources to local businesses.

Economic Gardening: Tailored specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises, Economic Gardening offers a comprehensive suite of resources. Selected businesses are awarded 40 hours of consulting services, including invaluable market intelligence, strategic guidance, and specialized support services. Applications are now open.

Summit Coopetition: Summit Coopetition is a four-week pre-accelerator program for promising startups and emerging businesses. Eligible companies will collaborate to refine their business strategies, compete for prize money, and unlock new avenues for innovation and growth. This program begins on May 29th, and applications are open until May 15th at https://www.summitpartnership.org/programs.

SEP is committed to fostering a diverse economy in Summit County, recognizing the importance of supporting businesses beyond tourism, which accounts for 63% of local jobs. With this in mind, SEP strongly emphasizes growth opportunities beyond county lines. For example, businesses like Peak Oxygen, a local oxygen delivery service, thrive within the tourism economy. Founded by former Arapahoe Basin ski patrollers Dominic Vellone and Kyle Hagadorn, Peak Oxygen received 40 hours of consulting services through the Economic Gardening Program, aiding in expanding its clientele beyond Summit County.

In celebration of Small Business Week, SEP's Executive Director, Thayer Hirsh, will be a key speaker at the NWCCOG Regional Economic Summit on May 2nd, focusing on fostering entrepreneurship within Summit County. This is a prime opportunity for entrepreneurs and business owners to discover how they can leverage growth and advancement through the Economic Gardening and Summit Coopetition programs.

Tailored to meet the needs of a diverse range of businesses—from emerging startups seeking market entry to well-established companies targeting further expansion—these initiatives promise to support your entrepreneurial journey every step of the way. For more details or to apply for these transformative programs, visit https://www.summitpartnership.org/.