
The Grand Enterprise Initiative is proud to have a positive impact on business owners and job growth in Grand County. The Northwest Colorado Council of Governments recently named Grand County the regional leader in job growth.
To learn more about the impact of the Grand Enterprise Initiative in Grand County read the excerpt below from the July 10, 2014 article in theSky-HiDaily News titled, " Grand County Leads the Region in Job Growth".

"Grand County Leads the Region in Job Growth."

"The Northwest Colorado Council of Governments recently named Grand County the regional leader in job growth, with an unemployment rate of 4.6 percent, which was lower than both the state and the national rates.
Job growth in the county increased by 4.4 percent from April 2013 to April 2014.
The spur of economic development in the county may partially be attributed to job-growth programs established in recent years, such as Grand County’s economic development department and the Grand Enterprise Initiative, which offers one-on-one free and confidential business management coaching to anyone who wants to start or expand a business.
Since starting in January 2013, Grand Enterprise Initiative facilitator Patrick Brower has managed to improve the business climate in Grand County."
Read the full article from the "Sky-Hi Daily News" HERE.


If you could give advice to a novice entrepreneur, what would it be?
"Get a coach. Join a support group. “What gets measured gets managed,” do your books or hire someone to make sure you are aware of where the money is going."
That's good advice, the same advice offered to each client by Grand Enterprise Initiative business coach, Patrick Brower.
Check out the stats below to see what the Grand Enterprise Initative has accomplished since it began work in 2012.

What's New?
The visual above (geistats) highlights some of the key statistics that we monitor:
Number of clients: the number of clients working towards their business dreams with
support from the Grand Enterprise Initiative.
Existing businesses assisted: the number of existing businesses working with the Grand
Enterprise Initiative. These businesses may want to expand, change their model or
otherwise modify their business workings.
New businesses assisted: the number of new businesses developed with the support of
the Grand Enterprise Initiative.
Jobs created: These are new jobs created through the support of the Grand Enterprise
Initiative. These can include jobs as a result of a newly opened business, an expanded
business, or a business that avoided closure.
Grand Enterprise Initiative October Client of the Month
Grand Enterprise Initiative October Client of the Month
Jilly's
Ken and Kendra Wilkinson
Jilly's
Ken and Kendra Wilkinson

“This is a great place to bring your family,” says Kendra Wilkinson, owner and cake decorator for the establishment. “Come get a meal, visit with your friends and enjoy the fun atmosphere. You can even order a cake for an upcoming event. We have soft serve and scoop ice cream, shakes, malts, banana splits, fries, hamburgers, nachos, and hot dogs,” says Kendra. Rounding out the offerings at the conveniently located establishment is a variety of snack foods, drinks and a soda fountain. Our goal has been to create a wholesome, open and friendly
environment where families and kids can hang out and enjoy something to eat while socializing", says Wilkinson. Hours will be Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wilkinson says they plan to stay open later on West Grand home game nights and for other special evening events.
Grand Enterprise Initiative Featured in local Sky Hi News
The article highlighted some of the early program clients who have benefited from the free and confidential business coaching offered by the Grand Enterprise Initiative Enterprise Facilitator Patrick Brower.


As part of the countywide expansion plan the program will be performing county information sessions to let communities throughout Grand County know what the Grand Enterprise Initiative does and how it can make a difference. The next two information meetings take place in Winter Park/Fraser area at the Winter Park Town Hall and in Grand Lake, CO at the Grand Lake Community Center.
If you live in Grand County, CO please consider attending one of these information sessions to see how you can support the program or take advantage of the free and confidential business coaching.
Kapoks is excited to see the Grand Enterprise Initiative growing and supporting the dreams of many more Grand County entrepreneurs.
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