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Accelerator program to receive award

Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado will receive a 2014 Innovation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations Research Foundation for the regional Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs program, according to a news release issued by Region 9.

The SCAPE program will be recognized at a special reception during NADO’s 2014 Annual Training Conference, to be held Aug. 23-26 in Denver. Southwest Colorado programs have been recognized by NADO in 2009, 2011 and this year.

“It is particularly nice to be recognized this year as the annual conference is being held in our home state,” said Region 9 Executive Director Ed Morlan in the news release.

SCAPE supports the creation and development of high-growth, job-creating companies in the area by offering an accelerator program. The program offers in-depth mentoring, office space and an equity investment to help companies enter markets and raise capital.

Since beginning in 2013, the program has graduated five business ventures creating eight jobs and leveraging $385,000 in investment.

“SCAPE provides another level of services and support for the high-growth startups in Southwest Colorado,” Morlan said in the news release. “We are happy to support this program and expect to see some great companies come out of it.”

NADO is a national association that provides advocacy, education, networking and research for regional development organizations. The association’s Innovation Awards program recognizes the innovative and strategic programs that strengthen and enhance their regions.

vguthrie@durangoherald.com



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