Defense Development

We build strong relationships with our military partners and the private businesses that support them to ensure the Pikes Peak region remains a global leader in aerospace education, research, and innovation.

The aerospace and defense industry accounts for 40+% of the Colorado Springs economy with more than 200 space, aerospace, cybersecurity and defense companies employing 111,000 people, with an annual economic impact of more than $10.2 billion in 2022. The sector grew by 16% from 2017 through 2022 and is still building momentum.

Our Pikes Peak region proudly hosts five military installations plus the National Guard and serves approximately 45,000 active-duty military, Guard, and Reserves plus 15,000 federal civilians, and approximately 90,000 veterans and retirees — a deep, self-renewing talent pool. The region is committed to helping aerospace and defense companies thrive, with educational and workforce programs designed around real industry needs.

We have long-standing relationships with each of the installations and command headquarters here as well as ties to the many veterans and military retirees who bring their extensive experiences to the Chamber & EDC family. We know the area, the trends, and how to find your team a place at the table to discuss the next business chapter for Colorado Springs. We hope you’ll join us and become part of the network that’s making a difference in one of the highest military-concentrated defense communities in the United States.