Mesa County remains at the forefront of transformative initiatives, including a new partnership focused on bolstering a diversified economy through a circular economy.

Diversifying the economy also promotes resilience. An economy that isn’t overly reliant on a single industry sector is more robust and adaptable to external shocks. A more diversified Western Slope economy is better off in mitigating risks, providing a buffer against downturns and promoting long-term stability and growth. Building entrepreneurial ecosystems diversifies the economy by providing  support to entrepreneurs in operating innovative and resilient businesses

Within this context, I want to highlight a new partnership with the Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC) in which diversifying the economy takes on added significance.

The Business Incubator Center promotes circular economic practices. What that means is we’re encouraging businesses to find innovative uses for byproducts and recycled materials. In connecting businesses, we bolster supply chains, revenue streams and sustainable business models. This model of diversification is essential to creating a more adaptable and resilient economy on the Western Slope.

The Business Incubator Center opened the first CEDC satellite office serving the Western Slope. This partnership connects businesses, manufacturers, recyclers, and communities with opportunities to create products from byproducts or recycled materials. The idea is to help businesses find innovative uses for byproducts, in turn promoting the creation of additional businesses and jobs.

The CEDC was established through state legislation in 2022 to foster the growth of markets for recycled commodities and establish the necessary infrastructure, logistics, marketing and systems for a sustainable circular economy in Colorado. By creating multiple life cycles for products through recycling and the intentional use of byproducts, a circular economic model minimizes waste and promotes environmental well-being.

Our commitment at the Business Incubator Center has always been to stimulate local economies through the creation and retention of jobs, help entrepreneurs access capital and support businesses through various programs that promote growth and innovation. That’s why a partnership with CEDC aligned with our goals as we joined forces to identify and address challenges while seizing opportunities for sustainable growth across diverse sectors.

The Business Incubator Center already supports several businesses in its incubator intensive program that implement circular economy practices. SURPStone crafts custom garden stones from recycled plastics. Confluence Woodcraft creates zero-waste furniture and gifts from reclaimed wood byproducts. These businesses offer two examples of how creativity and innovation drive our community towards a resilient and sustainable future.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis highlighted the significance of the partnership between the  Business Incubator Center and CEDC during his recent visit to Grand Junction.

We invited the governor to engage in a roundtable discussion with community leaders, elected officials, economic development partners and small business leaders. The discussion explored the mission of CEDC, the partnership with the Business Incubator Center and the ways in which the Mesa County economy will benefit from our collective efforts. We also discussed circular economy solutions implemented the cities of Fruita and Grand Junction and by small businesses and manufacturers in Mesa County.

Polis emphasized the importance of circular economic behaviors, citing such examples as multiple uses for newspapers and companies repurposing restaurant oil. His observations underscored the need to create systems that recognize the value of byproducts and fostering markets that promote their use.

This initiative will become a platform for job creation and new revenue streams. It will stimulate innovation and position the region as a hub for sustainable practices.

The fact a diversified economy can better adjust to changes in market conditions and technological advancements ensures continued prosperity for our communities. The value it brings is safeguarding the economy against uncertainties and laying the foundation for dynamic and thriving communities.