For Business
Summit County Business Resources
The Summit County Chamber of Commerce strives to be the convener of ideas and resources for all business in Summit County, CO.Â
On this page you will find a ton of resources but please don’t hesitate to reach out if you are looking for something and don’t see here.
If you’re looking to start a business and need resources, we have those too!
Our Favorite Business Resources
We are a hub for business resources, fostering local economic growth.
Leveraging valuable sources, the Chamber collaborates with the Northwest Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to provide tailored support and consulting services. Additionally, they tap into the expertise of the Northwest Council of Governments Economic District, a vital resource for regional economic development initiatives. The direction of the US Small Business Administration further enhances the Chamber’s commitment to empowering local businesses, offering access to federal programs, funding, and expert guidance.
Together, these resources provide a dynamic network that bolsters the Summit County business community and contributes to its overall prosperity.
Learn more below:
Northwest Colorado SBDC
Northwest CO SBDC
The Small Business Development Center in Northwest Colorado specializes in offering business consulting and training services to optimize the economic potential of entrepreneurs in the region. Their mission is to foster the growth and prosperity of existing and new businesses. At the SBDC, their objective is to empower emerging and established entrepreneurs, assisting them in gaining control of their business operations. They provide complimentary guidance and counseling across all facets of small business funding and development. The focus is on nurturing the growth of businesses, and while we cannot eliminate risk, they actively work to minimize it by aiding clients in crafting comprehensive business plans, conducting financial forecasts, devising effective marketing strategies, applying for funding, and enhancing overall business operations.Â
Northwest Colorado Council of Governments: Economic Development District
Economic Development District
The Economic Development District of the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments (NWCCOG EDD) actively fosters and organizes economic development initiatives across the northwest Colorado region, encompassing Eagle, Grand, Jackson, Pitkin, and Summit counties, along with their respective towns. The mission of NWCCOG EDD is to serve as a regional leader, collaborating with both private and public sectors to uplift economic conditions and enhance overall prosperity in the area. Through cooperative efforts, the organization aims to contribute significantly to the economic well-being of the region.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Small Business Administration
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a comprehensive suite of resources to support the growth and success of small businesses across the United States. Entrepreneurs can access valuable guidance on business planning, financing, and government contracting. The SBA provides loan programs catering to diverse needs, fostering financial stability for small businesses. Additionally, the SBA offers counseling and mentoring through its extensive network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE chapters. These resources collectively empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge, funding, and mentorship needed to navigate the complexities of starting and growing a small business in the competitive marketplace.
WBEC West: Women's Business Enterprise Council
WBEC West: Women's Business Enterprise Council
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, American Samoa, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
Economic Overview: Summit County, CO
This economic overview compiled quarterly by the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments.
As of 2021, Summit County, CO, boasted a population of 31,042 individuals, with a median age of 38.6 and a median household income of $93,505. This marked a 0.999% increase in population from 2020 to 2021, and a substantial 15.9% growth in median household income.
The county’s largest ethnic groups were White (Non-Hispanic) at 79.7%, followed by White (Hispanic) at 7.94%. Interestingly, none of the households reported speaking a non-English language as their primary shared language, with 95.1% of residents being U.S. citizens.
In terms of housing, the median property value stood at $641,900, with a homeownership rate of 68.5%. Commuting trends revealed that most individuals in Summit County drove alone to work, with an average commute time of 19.2 minutes and an average car ownership of 2 cars per household.
Learn more at DATAUSA: Summit County
Innovation in Northwest Colorado + Summit County
The NWCCOG Region is brimming with potential for innovation and entrepreneurship, and one effective measure of this potential is the Stats America Innovation Index. This data tool assesses various variables across five sub-indexes, including Human Capital and Knowledge Creation, Business Dynamics, Business Profile, Employment and Productivity, and Economic Well-Being. By combining these factors, the index provides a comprehensive measure of innovation for multiple counties. Let’s explore the innovative landscape within the NWCCOG region.
More Information about Summit
Geographic Overview
Situated an hour’s drive from the Denver metropolitan area, Summit County in Colorado boasts a central location. It encompasses six municipalities, four major ski areas, portions of the White River National Forest, and two Congressionally designated wilderness areas. Approximately 80% of the county’s land is federal public land.
Natural Features
Several striking mountain ranges converge in Summit County, including parts of the Gore Range, Tenmile Range, and Front Range. The Blue River, a notable feature, carries three times the flow of any other tributary in the Colorado River Basin. The Dillon Reservoir, created by damming the Blue River, spans 2,790 acres and is a popular summer recreation site. Additionally, Green Mountain Reservoir, north of Silverthorne, utilizes the Blue River for power generation and irrigation.
Community Highlights
- The county’s terrain is mountainous, with elevations ranging from 7,957 feet at Green Mountain Reservoir to 14,270 feet at the summit of Gray’s Peak.
- Breckenridge, the county seat, stands at an elevation of 9,602 feet, making it one of the highest cities in Colorado and the United States.
Education | Transportation | Healthcare
Education:
- Six elementary schools (Pre-K-5th)
- Summit Middle School in Frisco (6th-8th)
- Summit High School in Breckenridge (9th-12th)
- Peak School (K—12th)
- Snowy Peaks (6th—12th)
Transportation: A free bus system operates throughout the county.
Healthcare:
- St. Anthony’s Summit Medical Center (Frisco)
- Centura High Country Health Care (primary and urgent care clinics throughout the county)
- Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Frisco
- Bristlecone Home Health Services in Frisco
- Summit Orthopedics (new facility opening in Frisco)
- Summit Community Care Clinic in Frisco
Summit Economic Partnership
The Summit Economic Partnership (SEP) is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to advancing economic diversification, workforce development, and entrepreneurial expansion in Summit County, Colorado. Committed to energizing the local economy, SEP connects businesses, workers, entrepreneurs, and entities aiming to establish or expand in the county with tailored resources, programs, and local champions.Â
Their board of directors, comprised of high-level executives, elected officials, education, and industry leaders, acts as advocates for entrepreneurs and businesses, offering mentorship, vocational training, partnerships, and access to financing and real estate resources. SEP focuses on bridging gaps to facilitate the thriving of businesses and workers in Summit County, while their website provides valuable insights into the latest business news, curated resources for businesses and locals, and details about the organization’s mission and initiatives.
Business Funding Opportunities
See What Financial Resources May Be Available For Your Business
Here are resources for you to fund your business, through grants, alternative financing sources and more.
Please refer to each website for funding and grant qualifications, details and deadlines.
Colorado + Country-Wide Grants and Funding:
- Â U.S. Small Business Administration Grants
- USA Funding Applications
- Colorado SBDC Alternative Financing Sources
- Â Northwest Loan Fund (NLF)
- Summit County Small Business Assistance Grants
- Rotary Club of Summit CountyÂ
Grants For Non-Profits:
- The Summit Foundation
- Summit County Non-Profit Grant (from Town of Frisco, Silverthorne, Breckenridge, and Frisco)
Frisco Waste Reduction Business Grant
Up to $10,000 Available for Local Businesses
- Ban on polystyrene takeout containers
- Elimination of single-use plastic water bottles
- Request-only for single-use items like utensils, napkins, etc.
- Paper bags must contain 100% recycled materials
Resources to Start Your Business
We are so excited you decided to start your business in Summit County, Colorado.
Business Startup Checklist for Colorado:
- Read the Colorado Business Resource Book.
- Register with the Secretary of State.
- Obtain a Federal EIN # here.
- Set up a wage withholding account and unemployment insurance tax for employees.
- Access information on Colorado taxes and legal matters here.
- Contact the Department of Revenue via forms if needed.
- Understand industry-specific licensing requirements, as Colorado does not have a general business license.
- Check local city and county regulations for licensing, permits, or tax requirements.
- Use Colorado Business Express for efficient business registration with both the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and the Colorado Department of Revenue.
- Enhance your business knowledge by registering for workshops or scheduling one-on-one consulting sessions with the Colorado Small Business Development Center.
Important Links
Licensing
State of Colorado
Town of Frisco
Town of Dillon
Town of Breckenridge
Town of Silverthorne
Summit County
Business Services for Unincorporated Summit County:
Funding
Health Insurance Options
In Partnership With:
Program Basics
Did you know, less than 50% of small businesses in the US offer healthcare? We’d like to change that in Summit County.
The Summit Chamber’s  Summit Choice Healthcare Program, in partnership with the Small Association Leadership Alliance (SALA), is a comprehensive and cost-effective alternative to traditional plans. This new program offers affordable, accessible, and effective healthcare options for Summit Chamber members – both businesses and individuals alike. The Summit Choice Healthcare Program helps businesses provide for the medical expenses of their employees through a community-centered approach and gives individuals access to high quality, affordable healthcare.
This program is not insurance. It is an alternative solution that features a choice of two affordable preventative care plans, each coupled with a medical cost sharing program to cover unexpected or catastrophic events.
The Summit Choice Healthcare Program, in partnership with SALA, is one solution to the high cost of healthcare in the mountain region!
Key Takeaways:
- Available to businesses AND individuals
- Available to full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff
- Potentially lowers healthcare costs
- Offers a choice of two high-quality, affordable healthcare solutions
- May not be for everyone, but for some it is the best solution.
Childcare
Check out our favorite Childcare resources in Summit County for businesses. To learn more about individual childcare options, check out our For Employees page.
Executives Partnering to Invest in Children
What's Good for Children is Good for Business
Our nation is facing the largest child care and education crisis ever contributing to the largest business challenges in history. Our economy will decline if valuable employees are unable to work because their children need care. Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) is a catalyst in facilitating discussions and developing solutions to help businesses, workers, and children so that all will thrive.
EPIC enables the business community to build the workforce of tomorrow while supporting the workforce of today. Our network of business leaders is committed to a future where supporting families and children is a pathway to business success and economic growth. We are advocates for family-friendly workplaces and policies to ensure that children are receiving the quality child care and education they need to reach their potential while enabling their parents to thrive in the workplace.
Our membership is comprised of business leaders in our community, partnering to invest in children and leaving a legacy of true progress and lasting change that will benefit the workforce of the future.
Early Childhood Options
Children. Family. Communities.
Summit County’s early childhood hub, leveraging resources, connections and opportunities so that our youngest children will flourish.
Are you looking for Housing for your Staff?
Navigating housing in Summit County, Colorado, poses a unique set of challenges, particularly for small businesses seeking suitable accommodation for their staff. The region’s picturesque landscapes and popularity as a tourist destination contribute to a limited housing inventory, making affordable options scarce. The seasonal nature of the local economy, driven by tourism and outdoor activities, adds further complexity as demand for housing fluctuates. Small businesses, in particular, face the intricate task of securing housing solutions for their staff amidst competition from short-term rentals and second-home ownership. The interplay between the county’s stunning mountainous terrain, a growing population, and the demand for workforce housing necessitates strategic planning and collaboration between businesses and local stakeholders to address the intricate housing dynamics of Summit County.
Lease to Locals
Since October 2021, the Lease to Locals initiative has successfully housed more than 300 local employees in Summit County. Looking ahead to 2024, the program is poised to transition into a small-business master leasing model. We invite input from Summit County small-business owners to actively contribute to shaping this program, ensuring it effectively addresses the unique housing needs of their employees. If you are interested in participating in the program to assist your staff in securing stable and affordable housing, kindly visit Placemate.com to share your contact information.
Lease Units Available for Small Businesses
Available until June 24, there are still master lease units open for small businesses at our recent hotel conversion located at 580 Silverthorne in Silverthorne.
These units offer hotel-type rooms, a shared kitchen, and one parking spot.
The monthly cost is $1272, plus a deposit.
Act now by clicking below to secure your space!
Frisco Workforce Center
Career Counselors at the Workforce Center facilitate connections between workers and job seekers with local employment, training, and educational opportunities, along with available funding. Additionally, they assist clients in enhancing their interviewing skills and refining their resumes. For employers seeking support, the Workforce Centers offer expert Business Services Representatives who can connect them to funding and training options. These representatives also provide assistance in recruiting, hiring, and retaining the skilled talent necessary for business growth.
- Serving: Serving Summit, Grand & Jackson Counties
- Address: 602 Galena St. Frisco, CO 80443
- Phone Number: (970) 668-5360
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Hours: Monday – Friday;
8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Labor Laws
Colorado labor laws encompass various aspects of employment, ensuring fair and equitable treatment for workers.
- The state’s minimum wage is regularly adjusted for inflation to maintain a living wage standard.
- Colorado follows the “at-will” employment doctrine, where employers or employees can terminate employment at any time, although certain exceptions and protections exist.
- Overtime pay is required for hours worked beyond 40 in a week, and mandatory breaks are stipulated for certain shifts.
- Anti-discrimination laws protect employees from unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, disability, and other factors.
- Additionally, Colorado has family and medical leave provisions, ensuring eligible employees can take time off for specific personal or family-related reasons while retaining job protection.
Understanding these labor laws is crucial for both employers and employees to maintain a fair and harmonious work environment in the state.
