Business Incubator Center

06/03/2026

Forty years ago, a bold idea took root in Grand Junction: that entrepreneurs, innovators, and business owners could transform the Western Slope economy when given the right support and resources.

Today, that idea has grown into an organization that has helped thousands of businesses launch, grow, and succeed.

Join us on Thursday, June 4, from 4:00–10:00 PM, Toast at 5 PM, at Ramblebine Brewing Company as we officially kick off a year-long celebration of the Business Incubator Center's 40th Anniversary. The event will feature the debut of our commemorative anniversary beer, **BIC BIC Hooray IPA**, brewed just for the occasion by Ramblebine Brewing Company.

The first 100 attendees who purchase BIC BIC Hooray will receive a free commemorative anniversary pint glass with their purchase, and guests can enjoy a special anniversary menu from BIC business Pronto Bronto.

Big Business Burger
1/4 # Burger | Smoked pulled pork by Rosebear BBQ
American cheese | Lettuce | Electric Onions | Pickles
Toe Bean Green Sauce Mayo by Pandemic Polly Peppers

Chow-Chow Dog-Dog
1/4 # Hot Dog | Chow-Chow by Decadence Gourmet
Bacon Bits |Ridgeway Red Sauce Mayo by Pandemic Polly Peppers | Electric Onions

06/02/2026

The impact of entrepreneurship goes far beyond business. The BIC team is pictured here in the new GJ Community Center while under construction. 579 Construction is one of the contractors working on the center and is also a BIC business. We look forward to this amazing facility that will benefit many in the valley in so many ways.

A successful business creates jobs.
Jobs support families.
Families strengthen communities.
Communities build stronger local economies.

For 40 years, the Business Incubator Center has been creating that ripple effect across the Western Slope by helping entrepreneurs succeed.

Now we're inviting the entire community to celebrate what we've built together.

Join us for the official kickoff of BIC's 40th Anniversary year featuring:
BIC BIC Hooray! Anniversary Beer Launch
Founder & Alumni Recognition
Entrepreneurs, partners, and community leaders
Community Toast at 5:00 PM

Ramblebine Brewing Company
June 4 | 4:00–10:00 PM
Toast 5 PM

Because every thriving business helps transform our community.

06/02/2026

This will be an invaluable resource for local businesses considering employee ownership and we are excited to be a part of it. Please register below to join us.

Mark your calendar and gain expert insights about employee ownership. Register for the Employee Ownership 101 and Networking on Monday, June 8 from 1:30-3:30PM at Colorado Mesa University, University Ballroom, 1455 N 12th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501, sponsored by OEDIT.

Libby Lukens, Program Manager for OEDIT’s Employee Ownership Office, will present an introduction to employee ownership, including discussions on the different employee ownership models throughout Colorado and the state's incentives. She will be joined by Bryan Wachs (Outdoor Rec Collective), GJ Business Incubator Center, Jamie Finney (Small Capital), and Eric Guttormson (Employee Ownership Commissioner).

Register today 👇
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6-lQzG6JYfp80MYURdlUs2lCSVmnrdcOeVkfCmLSRVtS2yA/viewform

06/02/2026

Start your business on a strong foundation.

Starting a business requires more than an idea. It requires structure, planning, and informed decisions.

Join Bob Delavan, a longtime business owner and financial advisor with decades of real-world experience, for a practical session on how to move from concept to operation.

June 4th, 2:00-3:30pm at the Business Incubator Center

Register Here: https://gjincubator.org/events/starting-a-business/

06/01/2026

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of impact on June 4th.

For 40 years, the Business Incubator Center has been helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, and scale their businesses right here on the Western Slope.

Today:
✔ 1 in 3 Mesa County businesses has been supported by BIC
✔ 14,500+ jobs have been created
✔ $679 million in increased regional sales
✔ A stronger, more diversified economy for our community

Every business story represents a dream, a risk, and a ripple effect that benefits us all.

Ramblebine Brewing Company
June 4
4PM - 10PM
Community Toast at 5:00 PM

Rooted. 40 Years of Helping Businesses Take Root.
Learn More/RSVP: https://gjincubator.org/events/40th-kick-off/

06/01/2026

Don't miss Business Loan Basics

June 2nd, 3:30-4:30pm

Join us to prepare for funding conversations with confidence.

Accessing capital requires more than a strong idea. It requires preparation, clarity, and an understanding of what lenders expect.

This free class, led by Ialiyah Mondragon of the Business Incubator Center’s Funding & Loans team, provides a practical overview of how to approach a lender and position your business for financing.

Participants will gain insight into the funding process, what documentation is required, and how to build a stronger case for investment.

Sign up here:
https://gjincubator.org/events/business-loan-basics/

05/21/2026

BIG NEWS FOR GRAND JUNCTION MAIN STREET:

Downtown Grand Junction is officially back in the Mesa County Enterprise Zone unlocking valuable Colorado state tax credits for qualifying businesses investing in growth, jobs, equipment, building rehabilitation, and more.

The reinstated area includes the downtown corridor between 1st & 7th Streets and Pitkin to North Avenue and will remain eligible for the next 10 years.

This means new opportunities for:
✔️ Business expansion
✔️ Downtown revitalization
✔️ Job creation
✔️ Investment in Main Street

One of the biggest incentives? A 25% Vacant Building Rehabilitation Credit for qualifying vacant properties.

“Enterprise Zone redesignation is a signal to entrepreneurs and investors that our community is open for business and willing to back that up with real incentives.” Dalida Sassoon Bollig, BIC CEO

Read the full story, see what qualifies, and learn how to pre-certify for the 2026 tax year:

https://gjincubator.org/big-news-for-main-street/

Downtown Grand Junction

05/19/2026

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of impact, entrepreneurship, and economic transformation on the Western Slope.

On June 4, 2026, the Business Incubator Center will officially kick off its 40th Anniversary celebration at Ramblebine Brewing Company with an evening bringing together founders, alumni, entrepreneurs, partners, and community leaders who have helped shape the success of BIC over the past four decades.

The event will honor the visionaries who helped build the foundation of the Business Incubator Center and celebrate the ripple effect local entrepreneurship has had across our region through business growth, job creation, innovation, and a stronger, more diversified economy.

Guests will also join us in celebrating BIC’s recent international recognition as Entrepreneur Support Organization of the Year, recognizing the impact of entrepreneurship support happening right here in Western Colorado.

The evening will feature the unveiling of a commemorative one-of-a-kind BIC beer, “BIC BIC Hooray!”, brewed in partnership with Ramblebine Brewing Company, along with special recognition of BIC founders and alumni.

Whether you’ve launched a business, supported an entrepreneur, partnered with BIC, or simply believe in the future of our local economy, this celebration is for you.

Ramblebine Brewing Company
June 4, 2026
4 - 10 PM, Toast at 5:00
RSVP: https://gjincubator.org/events/40th-kick-off/
Come raise a glass to 40 years of helping businesses take root.

05/14/2026

Keep an eye out for BIC advisor Glenn Lathrop on KKCO 11 News tomorrow.

Today, Glen sat down with Bella to share practical insight on what it takes to start and grow a successful business, from hands-on experience to the resources entrepreneurs can access through the Business Incubator Center.

Successful businesses don’t happen by accident. They’re built through mentorship, real-world guidance, and a community committed to entrepreneurship, all of which you can find at the BIC.

Thank you to Bella for a fantastic interview and to Glen for representing the work happening every day at the BIC to help entrepreneurs build businesses that strengthen our regional economy.

05/14/2026

Today was brew day for “BIC, BIC, Hooray,” the commemorative IPA Ramblebine Brewing Company created for the Business Incubator Center’s upcoming 40th Anniversary Kickoff on June 4.

A huge thank you to Eli, Rob, and Cam at Ramblebine Brewing Company for giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process and the incredible ingredients going into this special beer, including Krush, Citra, and Cascade, all popular varieties of hops used primarily in craft beer. Even Kristin Rau, BIC’s Director of Grants & Incentives, rolled up her sleeves to join in on the action testing out the hops and helping with the brewing.

This collaboration is a celebration of entrepreneurship, creativity, and the businesses that continue to shape our community.

Join us June 4 from 4:00–7:00 PM (cheers and recognition at 5:00), as we celebrate 40 years of supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening businesses, and building a more resilient Western Colorado economy. RSVP here: https://gjincubator.org/events/40th-kick-off/

The entire community is invited. Let’s raise a glass to what we’ve built together.