I’m excited to bring you some news from our recent trip to the International Conference on Business Incubation in San Antonio, Texas. Joined by our Board Chair, Nathan Wallace, and Vice Chair, Kileigh Sperber, I am thrilled to share that the Business Incubator Center was nominated, selected as a finalist, and secured the runner-up position for the Entrepreneurship Center of the Year Awards from a pool of 1,200 across 30 countries!
This recognition places BIC on a global stage and highlights our work in entrepreneurial ecosystem building in Mesa County and the surrounding region. It reflects the hard work of our entire community, and the collective commitment and dedication to fostering innovation and supporting the visionaries propelling our local economy forward.
Being recognized on such a prestigious platform is a significant milestone for us and speaks volumes about the community we help steward and build together. It’s an achievement that wouldn’t be possible without our partners in Mesa County, City of Grand Junction, City of Fruita, Town of Palisade, and at the state level through the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), alongside all our local partners and allies.
Reflecting on our journey, BIC has continually emerged as a leader in entrepreneurial support. Notably, we were honored as the International Business Innovation Association (INBIA) Dinah Adkins Incubator of the Year in 2012 and 2013 from an impressive pool of over 7,000 incubators globally. Our recognition did not start there, we were also acclaimed as the Incubator of the Year in 1995 and 1996 and have been listed among INBIA’s top 50 Best Practices facilities worldwide.
These distinctions affirm our belief in our strategic direction and fuel us with the energy and inspiration to aim even higher.
I’d also love to share with you that the completion of the 2024 Spring cohort of our Small Business Development Center’s flagship business planning series, LEADING EDGE, has successfully graduated 14 new small businesses. Congratulations to all our brilliant entrepreneurs pursuing their dreams and paving the path for their business success journey!
Thank you for helping us shape an environment where new ideas can thrive, businesses can flourish, and a prosperous future for our communities exists.
Onward and upward!
