The Business Incubator Center based in Grand Junction has joined in an effort to promote the use of recycled materials in manufacturing.

The center has partnered with the Circular Economy Development Center to provide assistance to businesses, recyclers and communities to reuse materials and foster a circular economy.

“Our commitment to our communities in western Colorado aligns with the essence of a circular economy,” said Dalida Sassoon Bollig, chief executive officer of the Business Incubator Center. “Through our strategic partnership with the Circular Economy Development Center, we are dedicated to building robust pipelines across diverse sectors. Together, we aim to identify and manage challenges and help entrepreneurs and small businesses seize opportunities for sustainable growth.”

Created by state legislation in 2022, the Circular Economy Development Center creates and grows markets for recycled commodities and assists in efforts to promote an economy in which materials are recycled and used repeatedly, in turn reducing waste. The center is a program of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

“Our goal is to foster and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders to stay informed of local and regional challenges and opportunities related to establishing circular economies,” said Laurie Johnson, director of the Circular Economy Development Center. “Our partnership with the BIC is ideal for that since our respective missions are closely aligned.”

The Business Incubator Center offers a range of programs and services to help entrepreneurs start and grow their ventures, including business and kitchen incubators, a coworking space and a revolving loan fund.

Bollig said the incubator program already supports several businesses that use recycled materials. Surpstone uses recycled plastics to create custom garden stones. Confluence Woodcraft uses wood byproducts to create furniture, charcuterie boards, coasters and gifts.