March 30, 2020

Immediate funding and resources now available to aid Colorado Springs small businesses

Colorado Springs

Local entrepreneurs and investors bolster support during COVID-19 crisis

Colorado Springs and El Paso County small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic have new local support that provides up to $25,000 in funding.

Beginning the week of March 30, Survive & Thrive COS provides recovery funding, mentoring and other resources to increase the sustainability and future growth of small businesses based in the Pikes Peak region. The initiative is a partnership between startup accelerator Exponential Impact and the Pikes Peak Community Foundation.

“We believe in and need our small businesses,” said Exponential Impact Chairman Vance Brown, who is also CEO for the National Cybersecurity Center. “Survive & Thrive COS supports resiliency, builds community and develops healthy businesses and holistic leaders.”

Brown invited small businesses employing 2 to 25 employees to learn about criteria and apply for help. A proven entrepreneur, Brown emphasized the unique resources offered through Survive & Thrive COS.

“More than funding, Survive & Thrive COS supports the financial aspects of businesses and the personal growth of owners,” he explained. “Participants gain mentorship, education and tools tailored to their specific business concerns.”

Survive & Thrive COS funding is derived from local investors who believe in the worth and significance of small businesses. Because of its 501(c)(3) status, Exponential Impact stewards the funds without fees or overhead costs.

Gary Butterworth, CEO for the Pikes Peak Community Foundation, said 100% of the contributions are provided to small business owners through the recovery loans.

“Traditional emergency funding programs are often cumbersome and time consuming. Survive & Thrive COS delivers significant, immediate investment to local small business owners and nonprofits,” he said. “In Colorado, most of our business economy is comprised of small businesses. Thanks to intelligent and generous contributors, business owners are receiving funding now and sustained support.”

Survive & Thrive COS’ oversight committee is comprised of: Pastor Ben Anderson (Solid Rock Community Development Corporation); Cindy Aubrey (Pikes Peak United Way); Vance Brown (Exponential Impact and National Cybersecurity Center); Gary Butterworth (Pikes Peak Community Foundation); Dirk Draper (Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC); Bart Holaday (Dakota Foundation); Kyle Hybl (El Pomar Foundation); Phil Lane (Lane Foundation); and Hannah Parsons (Barn Owl).