Durango Business Assistance & Economic Development

Durango Chamber of Commerce
The Durango Chamber of Commerce is a member based organization that promotes and supports the local business community. Established in 1915 and supports over 700 members, the Durango Chamber of Commerce acts as a resource of information for its members, the community, and relocation inquirers. It communicates business related issues and advocates on the behalf of its members. The chamber operates networking and educational programs all for the sake of building a stronger community and a greater quality of life. For more information, call (970) 247-0312.
111 S. Camino del Rio, Durango, CO 81303
Phone: (970) 247-0312, fax: (970) 385-7884
Website: www.durangobusiness.org.

Business Improvement District
The Business Improvements District’s purpose and mission is to help all types of businesses in the District by assisting them with marketing special events, providing research on topics of concern to the District (facilities, special events, best practices), planning & development of new facilities and providing capital budget for equipment that helps support business in the district. The Board is comprised of business and property owners from the District. Taxpayers and businesses within the District are welcome to attend. For more information call (970) 259-1000

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING ASSISTANCE LOCALLY ARE:

Region 9 EDD
The Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado promotes and coordinates economic development in the region encompassing Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan counties, the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribes of Colorado. Region 9 EDD is a not-for-profit corporation with membership from all the local governments in the region as well as private individuals from the five county area. The district administers state and federal programs for economic development such as:

• Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program - a low interest revolving loan fund for "gap" financing to assist small business retention, expansion and job creation.
• SW Colorado Enterprise Zone program - state income tax credits for certain eligible investments including capital equipment, job creation and training, research and development, and donations to enterprise zone development projects.
• Economic Development Planning and Technical Assistance - assisting local government with regional economic development and transportation strategic planning, socio-economic data analysis, and special projects to provide infrastructure needed for business retention and expansion.

La Plata Economic Development Action Partnership

The La Plata Economic Development Action Partnership (LEAD) is a newly formed organization. Its members are comprised of a wide array from the private and public sectors. LEAD's purpose is to oversee the implementation of ongoing economic development in La Plata County that achieves the community vision for sustainable quality of life and overall prosperity for its citizens.

Housed at La Plata County offices, LEAD is available to assist existing La Plata County businesses in their efforts to remain and grow into viable, wealth-generating enterprises within the local community. In addition, LEAD helps new businesses overcome the hurdles of the earlier years of startup, as well as smoothing the road for those businesses desiring to relocate and establish operations in La Plata County.

For more detailed information on how LEAD can serve your business needs, web site www.laplatacountycolorado.org please call (970) 259-1700, or write:

LEAD
P.O. Box 3874, Durango, CO 81302Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Center provides complimentary one-on-one counseling, consulting and training for small businesses throughout Southwest Colorado. Consulting and training topics include starting a business, marketing, business development and promotion, preparing for financing, accounting, licensing, writing a business plan, business use of technology, among many others. (970) 247-7009.