Chaffee County EDC

I absolutely believe that whatever anyone wants to dream or create, the support that the Ascent provides will help you get there. It's such a gift." - Lindsay Hartnett Martin, Sex Plants Rock and Roll #TestimonialTuesday Learn more about our Ascent 12-Week Accelerator program by visiting drivenbynature.co. Applications for 2025 open October 1st. Photo Credit: @amandapodestaphotography

Just a little #TruthBomb for your #MotivationMonday.✨

Is your story ready to be told? Whether it's a dream, idea, or startup, we want to hear from you! Applications for our 2025 Ascent Cohort open on October 1st—there's no better time than now to share your vision with the world. Learn more about our 12-week program and how to apply here - https://lnkd.in/gNjrdWU8

We couldn't be more excited to introduce you to another one of our incredible companies from this year's Ascent Accelerator program. Meet the ever-inspiring Coffee by Topo! ☕️ Nestled in the heart of Salida, Coffee by Topo is a shining example of community, inclusivity, and sustainability. Proudly woman- and queer-owned, Topo offers more than just an exceptional cup of coffee—it’s a welcoming sanctuary for everyone. In this video, you’ll learn about Topo's ethos and how they work to create a safe, inviting space where all are embraced and respected, regardless of background or identity. You’ll also learn how they plan to leverage their experience with Ascent to expand their network and benefit from our next-level mentorship. Applications for our 2025 Ascent Accelerator program open October 1st! Learn more on how to apply here - https://heyor.ca/jD9LOl

Today's Ascent #MentorMonday Spotlight features Matt Pesce, Managing Partner of Resilient Growth Partners, a consultancy focused on helping companies drive growth. Matt specializes in driving growth and scalability for technology- and innovation-led B2B companies, with deep expertise in strategy, product development, marketing, business development, and international expansion. He has successfully led growth initiatives for organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies, helping scaleups grow effectively while maintaining agility and innovation. Drawing from a diverse range of industries—including healthcare, IT, e-commerce, entertainment, construction, infrastructure, and professional services—Matt brings a wealth of insights and best practices to his clients. Previously, as VP of Marketing and Product Strategy at ZOLL, Matt played a key role in achieving a 21% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over six years, pushing annual revenue beyond $1 billion. As VP of Global Marketing at Maptek, he contributed to annual revenue growth of up to 37%. Matt holds an engineering degree from Cornell University. He has also served as an advisor to over 80 high-growth scaleup companies through his involvement with the Denver Global Landing Pad, the Denver Scale-up Network (DenSUN), and the Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network (BEN Colorado). Learn more about Matt as well as other rock star mentors here - https://lnkd.in/gBPpyC5W

It’s next to impossible to overstate the importance of robust and accessible childcare services as well as quality early childhood programs. Similar to housing, without the availability of these services, families struggle to cement a long-term foothold in our community and are limited in their ability to participate in the local workforce. The EDC’s Policy Pillar Statement on Childcare and Early Childhood starts with this recognition, and goes on to dive into the subject. It offers strategies to guide the organization as we engage with elected officials and policy discussions, and it connects the topic to the EDC’s other work. The EDC has a singular focus related to childcare and early childhood - to treat childcare as foundational to all other aspects of our work. This includes: ☑️ Advocating for policies and investments to increase the number of slots available. ☑️ Promoting and supporting the Chaffee County Early Childhood Council. ☑️ Elevating the interconnection between childcare and the local economy as well as the importance of data in driving decisions and policy direction. Learn more about our Policy Pillar Statement here: https://heyor.ca/VN6JZC

Meet us on The LAWN tonight for the last FREE summer concert of the season featuring New Orleans based Secret Six Jazz Band! This event will also feature a marketplace with local vendors (including some Ascent alumni!) and makers for a lovely community focused event, and to raise awareness about 2 ballot measure proposals to fund local housing in the county. Proceeds from purchases made will go to the Chaffee Housing Initiative. https://lnkd.in/g7DkjxY5 ~ DETAILS ~ Show Date: Tuesday, August 6th Tickets: FREE Doors & Marketplace~ 6pm Concert ~ 7pm Location: The LAWN at Surf Hotel *This free outdoor summer concert series is made possible by South Main Arts & Parks Trust. *All ages welcome. *The LAWN is a standing room only venue. *Blankets, chairs, and food will be allowed *Coolers and outside beverages of any kind are NOT permitted. *We are honored and excited to welcome and present the Chaffee Housing Initiative, Together We Stand, League of Women Voters, Rock Paper Scissors, Sex Plants Rock & Roll, Farmhouse Florals, Funkycat Macrame, Moon Over River Art, Bird & Mouse Bakery, and live painters Brynn Ronning Sandoval and Zach Otte. *For any ADA requests please email [email protected]

Today, we're excited to introduce you to another standout company from the 2024 Ascent cohort: Lil Miss Pork Chop! This innovative business is making waves in the gourmet pet food space with their sustainably sourced kibble sprinkles for dogs. Founded by Bill and Lori Donavan, Lil Miss Pork Chop creates all their recipes and manufactures their products right in Salida, Colorado. Their premium dry food toppers turn ordinary kibble into a fun and delicious meal for dogs. In this video, you'll learn more about Lil Miss Pork Chop and how they plan to leverage the Ascent program to grow, scale, and become true disruptors in the pet food industry and the pet parent community! To learn more about Central Mountain Entrepreneurs and the Ascent Accelerator visit drivenbynature.co.

THRILLED for Grant Hamel, the entire VeroTouch team, and for Chaffee County! Massive congrats on leading yet again on innovative housing solutions that are so desperately needed. #3dprinting #housing #innovation #economicdevelopment #chaffeecounty #salida #buenavista #ponchasprings

"The great thing about entrepreneurship is that it gives you an entire world of possibilities regardless of markets or industries or opportunities. Entrepreneurs are problem solvers and you can apply that to anything at any time, anywhere, and the world desperately needs more of that." - @lizellevanvuuren | Entrepreneur. Founder, Knolly. Founder, Women Who Startup. Follow @lizelle on @substack where she writes about the entrepreneur's journey, frameworks, and stories that inspire action.