ROOTED

40 Years of Helping Businesses Take Root.

For 40 years, the Business Incubator Center has played a steady, behind-the-scenes role in building a strong and resilient local economy. By supporting entrepreneurs at every stage—from early ideas to growing companies—the BIC has helped transform innovation into sustainable businesses, employers, and community anchors.

We are deeply rooted in this place and in the people who build here. Over four decades, we have provided guidance, access to capital, space, tools, and strategic support to help businesses survive, scale, and endure.

40 Years /1 Mission

BIC was founded during a time of economic strife in our region by community leaders who wanted to plant a seed for a brighter, stronger, more resilient economy and future for everyone on the western slope. Now, 40 years later, we are thrilled to showcase that vision has taken root and we have successfully:

  • Provided access to capital, mentorship, workspace, and technical expertise with over $676M in increased sales in the region.
  • Strengthened key industries and diversified the regional economy adding over $200M in capital formation and $3.29B in capital investment.

  • Supported thousands of startups, second-stage businesses, and scaling companies that now represent 33% of all businesses in Mesa County

  • Created real jobs, supporting families, and contributing to long-term regional resilience with over 14,000 jobs created.

40th Year Milestones

As we celebrate our 40th year, we are honoring both our legacy and the entrepreneurs who made it possibleby highlighting the people, ideas, and leadership shaping our community. During 2026 we will:

  • Honor our legacy and entrepreneurs by sharing 40 stories of businesses that took root with the support of the BIC.
  • Hold 40th-year special events quarterly.
  • Facilitate a BIC alumni registry for alumni support opportunities and events.

  • Recognize outstanding nominated entrepreneurs through our Entrepreneurial Awards.

  • Celebrate the partners and community that believe in local business through newsletters, BIC open houses and increased access to events and classes.

Register as a BIC Alumni

Why Submit Your Business:

  • Officially be recognized as a BIC Alumni Business

  • Be considered for inclusion in the 40 Stories campaign

  • Share your business journey and milestones with the community

  • Help demonstrate the long-term impact of entrepreneurship support

Alumni businesses submitted through this form will be actively considered for spotlight features throughout the year, where we will highlight select businesses and their continued contributions to the region.

BIC Alumni Registration Form

If the Business Incubator Center has supported your business at any point during the past 40 years, we invite you to be recognized as a BIC Alumni Business. Completing this form formally connects your business to BIC’s legacy and impact.

Help us celebrate the businesses grown with BIC support

Your Name(Required)
Contact Email Address(Required)

Share your story.

BIC Entrepreneurship Award Nomination

Award Highlights:

  • Open to locally based businesses

  • Recognizes leadership, innovation, and community impact

  • Nominations may be submitted by anyone

Outstanding BIC Entrepreneur Nomination Form

Recognizing outstanding entrepreneurial leadership and community impact As part of our 40th anniversary celebration, the Business Incubator Center will honor five exceptional businesses with a BIC Entrepreneurship Award. This award recognizes a local business that exemplifies entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, resilience, and meaningful contribution to the community.

Nominator(Required)
The person filling out the nomination form.
Nominator Email Address(Required)
An email is required for the nomination process.

I Nominate:

I would like to nominate the following entrepreneur/entrepreneurs.
Name of Entrepreneur(Required)
Optional 2nd Entrepreneur or Partner
Because many entrepreneurs work in partnerships, two entrepreneurs working together are eligible for the award as a partnership. A partnership is not required.
Name of the entrepreneur's business if available. (optional)
Please include an email or phone number for the nominated entrepreneur if available.
Please explain why this business or entrepreneur should be recognized as an Outstanding Entrepreneur. You may include examples of leadership, innovation, business growth, resilience, and community impact. Responses may be up to 500 words and will be used as part of the award review process.
Do you own or work for this business/entrepreneur?(Required)
Nominations may be submitted by business owners, employees, customers, or other community members. Eligible businesses may be nominated regardless of the nominator’s relationship to the business.
Entrepreneurship Skills Demonstrated(Required)
This nomination highlights the following (check all that apply):