Four Corners Economic Development, Inc. announces partnership with SCAPE
30 Dec 2020
Entrepreneur, Accelerator
Northern New Mexico companies are invited to apply to the 2021 SCAPE Accelerator Program.
A new partnership has been formed between SCAPE, the Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs, and San Juan College, the City of Farmington, San Juan County, and Four Corners Economic Development.
SCAPE is an accelerator program that connects companies with mentors, technical assistance, and access to the funding that they need to grow. This partnership is expanding SCAPE with a SCAPE Four Corners arm that will make northern New Mexico companies eligible to apply.
According to Farmington Mayor Nate Duckett “"The City of Farmington understands healthy communities require a diverse economic base. We’re excited SCAPE has chosen to expand its program to the Farmington area. This program will be an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs and businesses and will help further the City and partnering organizations’ goal to diversify our economy and attract industries that will provide high-paying jobs for our citizens."
“It is the collaborative spirit that makes San Juan County great- and this is one more example of how local entities are working together to diversify our economy,” said Jack Fortner, Chairman of the San Juan County Commission. “The future is bright for our residents and those who will soon learn about San Juan County’s many amenities and business-friendly attitude. SCAPE is another great resource to our business community.”
The regional economies of Colorado and New Mexico are interwoven and complementary. 2020 and the Covid-19 Pandemic has brought into focus the importance of business diversification and expansion. The goal of the partnership is to create and strengthen New Mexico owned businesses that create employment opportunities for northern New Mexico residents, as SCAPE has done in Southwest Colorado. “SCAPE is honored to be recognized as a solution for business growth and expansion by the local government of New Mexico, San Juan College and Four Corners Economic Development said Elizabeth Marsh, SCAPE Director.
“We are excited to partner with the City of Farmington, San Juan County, and Four Corners Economic Development to bring SCAPE Four Corners to our area businesses,” said San Juan College President, Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass. In addition to serving 10,000 students annually in for-credit programs and workforce training to approximately 4,000 students, San Juan College also serves as a leader in economic development.
“All of these entities are working together to enhance economic growth and provide support services that strengthen businesses through entrepreneurship, training, and expansion – and SCAPE Four Corners is one more way of doing just that,” Dr. Pendergrass said.
To date SCAPE has worked with 35 businesses and helped them raise over 24 million to create 152 jobs. 2021 brings a year of expansion and increased opportunities for Southwest Colorado and Northern New Mexico.