Grow Where the Mountains Move You-In Chaffee County, Colorado.

Grow Where the Mountains Move You-In Chaffee County, Colorado.

The EDC supports business growth and serves as the go-to resource for companies expanding in Salida, Buena Vista, and Poncha Springs.

Oh Hey Friends

Be Part of Chaffee County’s Vibrant Economic Future

Tucked in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Chaffee County blends small-town character with forward-thinking innovation. Anchored by the vibrant communities of Salida, Buena Vista, and Poncha Springs, this region thrives on a spirit of entrepreneurship, collaboration, and mountain living at its finest.

Here, the Arkansas River winds through historic downtowns, while world-class trails, peaks, and open spaces fuel both lifestyle and business growth. Chaffee County offers an attainable cost of living, strong workforce talent, and an expanding network of innovative companies across tech, outdoor recreation, advanced manufacturing, and the creative industries.

Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling an established business, or investing in new ventures, Chaffee County is where rural roots meet modern opportunity. Bring your business where the mountains move you.

   
 

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Chaffee County is a place for makers and doers actively building for the future. Check out some local business leaders as they share their passion for Chaffee County and its economic environment.

 

WHY CHAFFEE COUNTY

Just over 2 hours from the Denver metro and nestled along the Continental Divide, Chaffee County is home to 12 14,000-foot peaks (the most of any U.S. county) and the world-renowned Arkansas River.

 

PUBLIC POLICY

The Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation monitors and advocates on behalf of its members for business-friendly public policy to support the creation of a thriving economy.

 

NEWS & EVENTS

We’re here to help businesses thrive. Check here for startup support, talent pipeline and workforce development, and a comprehensive list of financial services, lenders, and programs in the area.

Get To Know the EDC’s Ascent Accelerator

Central Mountain Entrepreneurs is a startup community committed to building equitable, sustainable economic development through collaboration and continuous learning.

Join Chaffee County’s Economic Future

As Chaffee County’s economic development organization, we unite our companies with our partners to leverage the power of our collective expertise to build a thriving, diverse and year round economy.

Welcome To Chaffee County

Investing in Impact. Fueling the Future Together.

As an investor in the Chaffee County EDC, you guide our work and help grow the economy for everyone.

We also apply for private and public grants to sustain our operations.

There are many benefits to joining the EDC. Aside from investing in the future of Chaffee County…here are just a few ways that benefit your company…

  • Eligible to be considered for one seat on the Board of Directors which meets up to 4-6 meetings a year

  • Share company news across EDC social media channels

  • Exclusive opportunities at EDC quarterly events

Fueling The Future Together

Invest in the Future of Chaffee County

Investor Levels

The Visionary
$5,000 /yr

 

The Benefits

Eligible to be considered for one seat on the Board of Directors which meets up to 4-6 meetings a year

Recognition on website

6 tickets to quarterly EDC Insight Events (quarterly policy briefings)

Invited to EDC Annual Meeting

Share company news across EDC social media channels

EDC news updates

Investor Levels

Changemaker
$2,500 /yr

 

The Benefits

One seat on the EDC Policy Committee which meets up to 10 times per year

4 tickets to quarterly EDC Insight Events (quarterly policy briefings)

Recognition on EDC website

Invited to attend EDC Annual Meeting

Share company news across EDC social media channels

Receive EDC news updates

Investor Levels

Community Builder

$1,000 / yr

 

The Benefits

2 tickets to quarterly EDC Insight Events (quarterly policy briefings)

Share company news across EDC social media channels

Recognition on EDC website

Receive EDC news updates

Join Us For An Event

Networking, Conferences, Launch Parties

Connect, Learn & Toast

From networking happy hours and launch events to lunch and learns and full-scale conferences, our events bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders. Each gathering is designed to spark ideas, build relationships, and strengthen Chaffee County’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Get the Latest on Events, Insights, and Opportunities

Delivered Monthly Right To Your Inbox

Meet our amazing team and join us.

Our board of directors are dedicated to helping your business grow

Our Board unites community leaders and entrepreneurs whose vision and guidance drive innovation and opportunity across Chaffee County.

Carlin Walsh

Elevation Beer Company

Charlie Chupp

Fading West

Jeff Post

First Colorado Land Office/Century 21

Joe Smith

Collegiate Peaks Bank

Jon Byer

Sangre de Cristo Electric Association

Patrick McCarty

Comfurt Gas

John Tucker

Heart of the Rockies Medical Center

Thomas Moltz

Moltz Construction

Casey Martin

JVAM Law

Georgie Craig

Salida CO LLC

Jon Byer

Sangre de Cristo Electric Association

Dave Blazer

The Trailhead

Ben Cairns

Colorado Mountain College

Brian Berger

Town of Buena Vista

Christy Doon

City of Salida

Lance Hostetter

Town of Poncha Springs

PT Wood

Chaffee County Government

You Belong Here

Dream Big. Build Here. Innovate in Chaffee County.

Grow Your Business in the Heart of the Rockies

Join the Chaffee County EDC and become part of a thriving network of entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders driving growth across the Rockies. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding operations, or relocating your business, we’ll connect you with the right resources, partnerships, and opportunities to help you succeed.

As a member, you’ll gain access to expert advising, workforce and site development support, regional data insights, and a collaborative ecosystem dedicated to sustainable economic growth. Discover what it means to build — and belong — in Chaffee County.

What They’re Saying

Community Testimonials

“The Chaffee County EDC has been an incredible partner in helping us grow our business. From connecting us with mentors and investors to providing hands-on support with permitting and workforce solutions, their team has made a real difference. We wouldn’t be where we are today without their guidance and commitment to local entrepreneurs.”

– Alex Martinez, Founder of Summit Tech Solutions

Man Wearing White T-shirt— Alex Martinez, Founder of Summit Tech Solutions, Alex Martinez, Founder of Summit Tech Solutions
“Partnering with the Chaffee County EDC gave us the confidence and connections we needed to expand. Their team truly understands the challenges rural businesses face and provides practical solutions that make growth possible.”

— Sarah Collins, Owner of Riverbend Outdoor Co.

Woman Smiling 1— Sarah Collins, Owner of Riverbend Outdoor Co., — Sarah Collins, Owner of Riverbend Outdoor Co.

“The support we’ve received from the Chaffee County EDC has been invaluable. They not only opened doors to funding and partnerships but also helped us feel truly connected to the community. It’s rare to find that combination of professionalism and genuine care.”

— Michael Reynolds, Co-Founder of Alpine Innovations

Man Smiling— Michael Reynolds, Co-Founder of Alpine Innovations, — Michael Reynolds, Co-Founder of Alpine Innovations