Adams State
University’s new First Southwest Bank Center for Economic Opportunity will lead a collaborative community
development program across the rural San Luis Valley
in south-central Colorado.
The new First Southwest Bank Center for Economic Opportunity at
Adams State University will be opening its doors in January of 2018 and is
focused on community based strategic planning and trainings to promote local
business startups, and thereby improve job creation, job retention, and local
income levels.
Adams State
University’s expertise in business education and community partnerships, and a
proven model implemented by the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, will inform
the project design and approach.
"Adams State
University is excited to house the First Southwest Bank Center for Economic
Opportunity. This Center is an excellent example of a public/private
partnership designed to better the San Luis Valley," said Dr. Beverlee J.
McClure, Adams State University President. "The Center will also provide
our students a unique opportunity to participate in economic and community
development."
Dedicated to
leveraging the San Luis Valley’s (SLV) resources in an effective and
sustainable entrepreneurship initiative, that strengthens the capacity of
low-income and diverse communities to grow locally owned businesses, the new
First Southwest Bank Center for Economic Opportunity is committed to:
1) Community Capacity and Leadership Building;
2)
Entrepreneurship Development and Job Creation; and
3) Resource
Network (NetWork SLV) Capacity Building.
With USDA grant
matching provided by First Southwest Bank, the center’s name illustrates First
Southwest Bank’s steadfast commitment to invest in the economic and social
doers of rural Colorado.
"We’re
excited about the future opportunities for business growth in the San Luis
Valley, a place with a unique heritage and incredible people," said Kent
Curtis, First Southwest Bank CEO. "And First Southwest Bank is truly
committed to building more small businesses, networks and opportunities for our
rural Colorado community."
In all, the
initiative will achieve the following overarching goals:
1) A shared vision for entrepreneurship
and climate for successful small business development that improves the lives
and livelihoods of residents across the SLV
2) A deeper understanding of the barriers
faced by entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups and solutions to address
systemic change
3) Stronger communities through
recognition of local and regional resources and assets
4) Improved capacity in multiple
low-income communities to mentor and foster the success of local entrepreneurs,
supported by a strong resource network
5) Valuable work experience and training
for student interns in community and business development
6) New value
chains for local business that optimize local talent and resources
7) Job creation and retention, including
an estimated 80 new jobs by the end of Year 3
8) A sustainability plan and community
endowment strategy to support successful efforts beyond the 3-year grant
period.
Colorado Senator Michael
Bennet said, "This grant will help fuel economic development in the San
Luis Valley by promoting entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and investing in
local talent. The joint work between Adams State University and First Southwest
Bank is an example of how public-private partnerships empower state and local
government officials to think outside of the box to make our communities
stronger."
For more
information on the new First Southwest Center for Economic Opportunity, please
contact Julie Waechter.
