A $300,000 grant was recently awarded to Fort Lewis College, which will use it to provide its physics and engineering graduates with business startup knowledge.<\/p>\n
On Dec. 14, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced the grantees for the Advanced Industry Accelerator Grant Program, of which nearly $4.4 million was awarded to support the advance of Colorado industries.<\/p>\n
FLC\u2019s grant will be in partnership with the Telluride Foundation, a nonprofit that actively supports entrepreneurship in the region. FLC will use its half to buy scientific equipment, and the foundation will develop programming to help FLC faculty and graduates advance their business ideas.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are very exited to be working with TF to bring their expertise in entrepreneurship and business startups to the Senior Design Capstone course in our physics and engineering program,\u201d said Doug Lyon, the college\u2019s senior corporate and foundation officer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe benefit of this partnership is physics and engineering students will graduate out of FLC not only with the technological capability but with business startup knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paul Major, president and CEO of Telluride Foundation, said the organization focuses on helping young startups move companies along and develop business plans. By bringing that knowledge to the staff and students at FLC, it could launch a sort of industry revival in the region, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the first step to connect the Southwest corridor,\u201d Major said. \u201cActive entrepreneurship is critical for our region. It creates jobs and economic vitality.\u201d<\/p>\n
Major used Durango\u2019s Mercury Payments as one of the great success stories in Colorado. Started by two local entrepreneurs, the company has grown to employ hundreds of staffers in Durango and Denver.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we need is multiple Mercury Payment-like companies starting up, and staying in the region,\u201d Major said.<\/p>\n
Though in its early stages, Major said the foundation will bring its business know-how skills to FLC faculty and students through mentorships, guest lectors, design reviews and other soon-to-be developed ideas.<\/p>\n
\u201cDurango has a bigger advantage than a place like Telluride,\u201d Major said. \u201cWe know there\u2019s a lot of talent faculty there that are starting businesses or could start businesses. If we line that up with the graduating students, they could do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n