For nearly 40 years, the Business Incubator Center (BIC) has been at the heart of Western Colorado’s entrepreneurial engine, helping startups and small businesses turn ideas into reality.
“Our superpower is building entrepreneurial ecosystems,” said Dalida Sassoon Bollig, CEO of BIC. “We’re more than a workspace or a consulting service—we’re a launchpad for the next generation of business leaders.”
The Business Incubator Center provides a full spectrum of support, from free and confidential business advising to affordable office space, workshops and financial incentives. Each year, the organization hosts over 80 business classes, assists more than 500 enterprises across Mesa County and provides a home for 79 businesses on its campus.
“It’s an interconnected web of resources designed to support entrepreneurs from their first spark of inspiration to long-term success,” said Sassoon Bollig.
One of the organization’s flagship initiatives is the Leading Edge 12-week business training program, which equips entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of launching and scaling a business.
“It’s here that the magic often happens—where a dreamer becomes a doer,” shared Sassoon Bollig.
But BIC doesn’t do it alone. Partnerships are key to its success, and Alpine Bank is a proud supporter of the center.
“Alpine Bank doesn’t just write a check—they show up, invest their time and champion our community’s future,” explained Sassoon Bollig.
Through the years, the bank has helped provide critical funding for infrastructure improvements and sponsored the annual Small Business Expo. Alpine employees also volunteer their time to provide real-world financial expertise for various business training programs.
“Community is at the heart of everything we do at Alpine Bank,” said Market President Tyler Dahl, who oversees banking operations in Mesa County.
“It’s an honor to support projects that foster connection, growth and a sense of belonging for our friends and neighbors in Western Colorado.”
At its core, BIC believes in the power of innovation and community. They continue to foster an environment where bold ideas flourish, small businesses thrive, and the local economy grows stronger—one entrepreneur at a time.
“When entrepreneurs have a community of experts and visionaries championing their ideas, the possibilities are limitless,” said Bollig. “That’s the energy fueling our mission every single day, and we can’t wait to see what happens next.”
At the intersection of adventure and safety is where you’ll find the Friends of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
Since 2005, the organization has been on a mission to make avalanche safety a top priority by supporting forecasting, education and outreach across the state.
Its primary focus is to raise funds to support the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), ensuring backcountry travelers have access to up-to-date avalanche forecasts, safety resources and access to education programs.
“The mountains are a core part of who we are as an organization,” said Aaron Carlson, executive director of Friends of CAIC. “Making sure people have the tools and knowledge to explore them safely drives everything we do.”
Through their Trailhead Outreach Program, they connect with more than 8,000 backcountry users every year, offering safety tips and raising awareness about avalanche conditions. They also fund safety videos, signage and technology that help keep people informed before they even step into the snow.
Their impact goes beyond just spreading awareness—Friends of CAIC contributes $300,000 annually to avalanche forecasting, helping CAIC provide lifesaving reports all winter long. This funding helps keep adventurers safe, from seasoned backcountry skiers to those just stepping into their first pair of snowshoes.
Like any good adventure, though, their journey hasn’t always been easy. During the pandemic, when financial uncertainty hit hard, Carlson said Alpine Bank stepped up in a big way.
“When other banks wouldn’t even return our calls, Alpine Bank went above and beyond to secure our Paycheck Protection Program funding,” recalled Carlson. “Their support made all the difference.”
Alpine Bank is proud to call Colorado home, and we care deeply about our mountain communities. We gladly support organizations like the Friends of CAIC, and others who are working to keep Coloradans safe.
“If you love the mountains, you know that Colorado’s backcountry is both breathtaking and unpredictable,” said Alpine Bank Regional President Mike Burns. “Now more than ever we need the support of organizations like the Friends of CAIC.”
Whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, snowmobiler or just someone who loves the outdoors, avalanche safety matters. Friends of CAIC is making sure that everyone has the information they need to have fun and stay safe in Colorado’s mountains.
For over 40 years, Mountain Recreation District has been the go-to spot for fun, fitness and community connection in the Eagle River Valley.
From Edwards to Gypsum—and up to McCoy and Dotsero—the organization offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to break a sweat, enjoy some family time or try something new.
“We’re all about giving people the chance to live a healthy and happy life,” said Jaime Wilson, marketing and community engagement manager. “Whether you’re new to fitness or an athlete, we want to make sure everyone has a place to be active and enjoy life.”
There’s no shortage of ways to stay engaged and active with Mountain Rec, from sports leagues and summer camps to wellness programs and youth activities.
“We’ve got a little bit of everything,” Wilson added. “We’re constantly working to keep things fresh and exciting. It’s amazing to see how many people take advantage of everything we offer.”
Some highlights for 2025 include the grand reopening of the Eagle Pool as well as the return of Fiesta Americas on September 14 at the Lundgren Amphitheater in Gypsum. In its fourth year, the event will be full of vibrant culture, live music, delicious food and activities for all ages.
Mountain Rec doesn’t just provide places to play—it fosters a true sense of community. The staff is passionate about what they do, and it’s clear that the organization’s commitment to making a positive impact on the area runs deep.
“It’s inspiring to be part of a team where everyone loves their job. We’re making a real difference,” Wilson said.
A partnership with Alpine Bank has been key in helping Mountain Rec continue to grow. The bank’s support for various programs has allowed the organization to expand its reach and offer even more opportunities for local families.
“As a resident and as a father, I see firsthand all of the many wonderful things that Mountain Recreation brings to our Eagle County communities,” noted Alpine Bank Regional President Mike Brown.
“This organization consistently demonstrates what it means to put people first, showing care and compassion in everything they do. Put simply, I cannot imagine an Eagle County without Mountain Recreation.”
So, whether you’re into climbing, swimming or just enjoying a peaceful park day, Mountain Rec is the place to be. And with more exciting developments on the horizon, it’s clear that this organization is committed to keeping the Eagle River Valley active, happy and connected for years to come.
For many parents, raising a child can feel like navigating a maze without a map.
Parent Possible can help you find your way. This Colorado nonprofit is on a mission to empower parents with the tools, knowledge and support they need to be their child’s first and best teacher.
Through home visits and hands-on programs, Parent Possible helps families across Colorado set their kids up for success in school and beyond. Their focus is about giving parents practical, research-backed guidance to turn everyday moments into learning experiences.
“Parent Possible is about giving parents the confidence and knowledge they need to support their child’s growth,” said Lisa Kitchen, development director. “When we equip families with the right tools, we see kids who are more prepared for school and parents who feel empowered in their role.”
One of its core programs, Parents as Teachers (PAT), provides families with one-on-one home visits from trained parent educators. These visits offer parents valuable guidance on their child’s development while helping identify potential challenges early.
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) takes a more structured approach, equipping parents with an easy-to-follow curriculum to help their 2- to 5-year-olds build essential early learning skills.
Meanwhile, the Vroom in Colorado program makes everyday moments count by giving parents simple, science-backed tips to turn routines—like bath time or grocery shopping—into brain-building opportunities.
Kitchen emphasized how transformative these programs can be for families. “We’ve seen parents who were unsure of how to engage in their child’s learning gain the skills to make it a natural and fun part of their daily routine,” she said. “That shift is powerful—not just for the child, but for the entire family.”
Alpine Bank has been a longtime supporter and a proud partner of Parent Possible. In addition, Branch President Tyler Lyons currently serves on the organization’s board of directors.
The bank is also a key sponsor of the 2025 Parent Possible Home Visiting Conference, helping bring valuable training and resources to home visitors and early childhood educators.
“With the right tools, every parent has the potential to help their child thrive,” said Lyons. “Parent Possible is making sure they have the support to do just that.”
For many children, sports are more than just games—they’re a source of confidence, camaraderie and personal growth. But for too many families, the cost of participation can be a roadblock, keeping kids from experiencing the joys and lessons that come with being part of a team.
Sporting Chance Initiative is a nonprofit that believes no child should be sidelined due to financial hardship. Founded in 2024, the organization is committed to making extracurricular activities accessible to all kids in northern Colorado.
By covering costs like entry fees, uniforms and equipment, the nonprofit is leveling the playing field and ensuring that every young athlete gets their chance to shine.
“We see firsthand how sports can shape a child’s future, providing life skills, confidence and a sense of belonging,” said Lexie Skeen, vice president of Sporting Chance Initiative.
“Our goal is to eliminate financial barriers so that every child, regardless of their circumstances, can enjoy the benefits of extracurricular activities.”
The inspiration behind Sporting Chance Initiative is as heartfelt as its mission. The organization was established in memory of Ben Daily, a passionate sports enthusiast whose love for athletics left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
Following his passing, his friends sought a way to honor his legacy—transforming their grief into a movement that gives underserved youth the opportunity to participate in sports without financial strain.
“Our organization’s impact is already being felt across Northern Colorado as families gain access to the support they need to keep their children active and engaged,” noted Skeen. “However, none of this work would be possible without a strong network of donors, volunteers and community partners.”
One such partner is Alpine Bank, whose support has been instrumental in Sporting Chance Initiative’s fundraising efforts. By helping to offset event costs, Alpine Bank ensures that more of the money raised goes directly to helping kids get in the game.
“At Alpine Bank, we understand that strong communities are built on collaboration and shared values,” said Alpine Bank Market President Ben Van Hoose. “Partnering with organizations like Sporting Chance Initiative, we can help create opportunities for growth, unity and positive change for everyone.”
As Sporting Chance Initiative continues its mission, the organization invites the community to get involved. Whether through volunteering, attending fundraising events or applying for assistance, every effort makes a difference.
WE-cycle is not just about bikes—it’s about movement, progress and sustainability.
As the first bikeshare to launch in a non-urban area in the U.S., the nonprofit has become a model for how rural communities can embrace eco-friendly transit options.
Operating in Aspen, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Willits, El Jebel and Carbondale, WE-cycle provides free community-supported bikeshare services up to 30 minutes at a time, making it easier than ever to choose two wheels for transportation.
“WE-cycle has a real, tangible impact on the community,” explained Mirte Mallory, co-founder and executive director of WE-cycle. “We hear from riders all the time about how our bikes make transportation easier, more enjoyable, on their schedule, and a convenient connection to and from the bus.”
And the numbers tell the story. In 2024 alone, WE-cycle logged a record-breaking 261,063 rides—a 45% increase from the previous year—bringing the organization’s total to over one million rides since it started in Aspen in 2013.
The demand continues to surge, and this spring, WE-cycle will hit another milestone with the launch of its 100th station, expanding its Snowmass Village system from two to eleven stations and adding 80 new e-bikes to its fleet.
But WE-cycle is more than just a convenient transportation solution.
“We actively promote safety and education, distributing free helmets, teaching youth about responsible riding and advocating for e-bike safety,” noted Mallory.
Additionally, its riders collectively offset carbon emissions equivalent to more than 277,000 miles driven by gas-powered vehicles annually—a testament to the power of small, sustainable choices.
WE-cycle’s growth and success have been fueled by strong community support, including long-term partnerships with local businesses like Alpine Bank. The bank has been instrumental in funding station sponsorships and played a key role in the Art in Motion collaboration between WE-cycle and Carbondale Arts.
“Alpine Bank is proud to collaborate with such an innovative organization that is driving positive change in our communities,” said Alpine Bank Head of Community Outreach Isabel Johnson. “We look forward to supporting their efforts in making sustainable transportation more accessible to everyone.”
Through innovation and collaboration, WE-cycle is proving that sustainable transportation isn’t just an urban privilege—it’s a reality for small communities, too. With every pedal push, the Roaring Fork Valley moves closer to a future where transportation is free, accessible and good for the planet.
