Happy May from all of us at First Southwest Community Fund! This month, we proudly celebrate National Small Business Week—a time to uplift the dreamers, doers, and risk-takers whose businesses form the heartbeat of our rural communities. We’re thrilled to share a powerful blog post by FSWCF board member and Executive Director of the SLV SBDC, Sonia Perez, titled “Empowering Dreams in Rural Colorado: Why Small Businesses Matter More Than Ever.” Sonia captures the transformative impact of entrepreneurship in places like the San Luis Valley and highlights the strength that comes from community partnerships. Read it here.

This month we also celebrate Mother's Day, the love, strength, and dedication of all the incredible moms in our lives. Whether it's through their nurturing care, inspiring wisdom, or unwavering support, mothers make the world a better place. We honor and appreciate all the ways they make a difference. Wishing all mothers a wonderful and joyful Mother's Day filled with love and appreciation!

 

Thank you for reading and sharing this newsletter. Together, we're building stronger, more resilient communities.

 

Rosy McDonough
Executive Director, First Southwest Community Fund

 

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The Navigator will work closely with FSWCF’s team to provide direct support to students and organizational support with documents, grant payments, and technical assistance specific to business for all programs. 

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Wild Iris

 

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The SLV SBDC is hosting this event in collaboration with CHFA to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses navigate funding options and connect with key resource partners. This is a valuable opportunity for anyone looking to start or already in business.

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National Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development Council in 2016 to increase awareness of local programs and services that create jobs, advance career development opportunities and increase quality of life among our communities. The Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) and Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI) are teaming up in 2025 to bring an award-winning, week-long celebration of educational webinars and more.

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