Hubs for development ORGANIZATIONS SERVE BUSINESSES, SUPPORT COMMERCE
B
usiness- and economy-oriented nonprofits benefit our communities in a variety of ways. This can include providing networking possibilities, financial resources and educational opportunities. “We’re kinda like the center hub of a bicycle wheel,” said Jack Llewellyn, executive director of Durango Chamber of Commerce for the last 14 years. “The spokes go out and our job is to connect the right people to the right person or organization that can help them the best.” Laura Marchino, executive director of Region 9 echoed this sentiment. “I feel like we are a center point of contact because if we can’t help them, we know who to send them to.” Region 9 supports regional prosperity in five Colorado counties in addition to the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes. “In our region in particular, startup businesses are more common than in larger urban areas, and that is unique because nationwide, according to the Kauffman Foundation, startups are declining over time,” Marchino said.
6 • 2021 Nonprofit & Volunteer Guide
BY GARETT DICKINSON
Region 9 also refers businesses to other area nonprofits, empowering them through a collaborative effort. The Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs (SCAPE) supports businesses with the potential to reach markets beyond their immediate surroundings through a variety of programs. The Southwest Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is another organization that can provide consultations, classes and more. “Durango is incredibly unique,” Llewellyn said. “We have a very active community. We have a lot of passion in our community, and that passion is contagious. If you believe in something, then I’m sure we have an organization you can join.” A nonprofit geared toward economic sustainability and development can be a lifesaver for a business, but during the pandemic this value became even more apparent. “We had over 1,200 inquiries asking for business resources, grants and data requests,” Marchino said.
During 2020, Region 9 funded 27 regular loans and 38 disaster loans for a total of $1.75 million and $240,000, respectively. “One of the things that works very well in our community is the collaboration,” Llewellyn said. He explained how networking among organizations such as Durango’s Business Improvement District and Grand Junction’s Chamber of Commerce led to the development of the 5-Star State Certification Program. This was later adopted at the state level to help businesses safely operate during the pandemic. Maggie Goodell, director of the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce explained the formation of the Montezuma County TriChamber of Commerce, which encompasses Mancos, Dolores and Cortez. “Instead of promoting our own local businesses and chambers, we were looking at promoting the entire county,” she said. “We decided that instead of duplicating each other’s efforts we’d work together.” This streamlined the group’s ability to support businesses and keep them informed amidst the changing regulations. This work continues even as the return to normal accelerates. ”We’re still adapting to the changing atmosphere,” Goodell said. The tireless work nonprofit organizations do to support the growth and stability of our communities is invaluable. Through offering financing avenues for diverse operations, hosting educational workshops and garnering feedback from business leaders and consumers, these groups are creating a more robust and sustainable community for us all each and every day.
