Helping businesses achieve their goals is the backbone of the Economic Development Alliance and the key to successful economic growth in La Plata County. If you’re looking to grow, start, or are considering relocating your business, we provide the tools and assistance to simplify the process.
La Plata County Economic Development & Chambers
Several organizations exist to help your business form, succeed, and grow in La Plata County. We’re here to help them connect to you.
Local Resources for Businesses in La Plata County
Through our strong network of dedicated individuals and organizations, we are your first stop for accessing the local, county and statewide information and resources to further your objectives. We can help with any question you have, whether it is about capital, permitting, local business services, government contracting, workforce recruitment or more. Our services even include small business advice through our extensive mentoring and consulting.
Durango Business Improvement District (BID): The Durango BID helps with marketing programs, special event support and management, and capital projects that helps support businesses in the District. The District’s boundaries are the Central Business District and North Main Avenue to the city limits.
Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Find out more about business planning and start up assistance
Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs (SCAPE): Our local “Shark Tank”, a business accelerator program.
Local First: Local, independent business alliance
Women’s Resource Center: Provides assistance for women in everything from goal setting to professional development.
Finance Options for Businesses in La Plata County
Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Programs – SBA offers a variety of loan programs for specific purposes. Review the programs to determine if your business meets the participation qualifications.
Colorado Housing and Financing Authority (CHFA) – CHFA’s mission is to strengthen Colorado by investing in affordable housing and community development.
Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) – The CEF assists small business owners in accessing affordable loans and lines of credit with flexible rates and terms.
Region 9 Economic Development District of SW Colorado– loans and state programs
Durango Urban Renewal Authority: The Durango Renewal Partnership Board is exploring opportunities for redevelopment in the MidTown Area. This area holds many important and underutilized assets that contribute to Durango’s quality of life.
Colorado Lending Source : Our mission to foster the economic growth of diverse small businesses within our communities provides the foundation for everything we do.
Connect With Your Peers
Durango Colorado is proud of its collaborative, entrepreneurial environment. Whether you are starting a business, growing a business, or simply trying to connect to other business professionals in La Plata County, there are numerous professional groups and organizations that can meet your business resource needs. Consider joining one of the organizations here to get networked into our thriving business community:
Professional Groups and Business Resources in Durango Colorado
Young Professionals of Durango (YPOD): sponsored by the Durango Chamber of Commerce, the YPOD helps network business professionals under the age of 40 and connect them with social and educational activities throughout the region. To learn more or join, call the Durango Chamber at 970-247-0312.
The Entrepreneurs Lounge: The Entrepreneurs Lounge is for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to meet, share ideas, and hear about the ups and downs of starting a business. The Entrepreneurs Lounge meets every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at Himalaya Cafe in downtown Durango.
Durango Tech Group: Founded in 2012, the Durango Tech Group has grown to over 300 members and helps represent Durango and La Plata County’s emerging tech scene. The Durango Tech Group is also active with the SCAPE accelerator program and has several sub-groups, including the Durango Coders. Durango Tech also helped field a team for GO Code Colorado that took second place statewide! If you are a techie that has been in town a while or just moved here, this is a great group to get to know others and network in the region.
The CEO Network is for CEOs of growth companies. Growth companies are established firms in La Plata County that sell goods and services nationally or internationally and want to continue to grow and engage with their fellow business executives. Companies range in size from 4 employees up to 400. For more information or if you would like to join, please contact the Alliance at info@yeslpc.com or call us at 970-259-1700.
Professional Women’s Network: Formed in 2014, the Professional Women’s Network of Durango was created to help connect and inspire women throughout our community. The network is comprised of business owners, executives, and professional women across a wide range of industries, and meets to network, mentor, and hear from thought leaders from throughout Colorado. This is a great organization for women new to the area to meet and get involved with some of the best leaders in La Plata County.
