Economic Diversity: Five Businesses Graduate |
Telluride Venture Network (TVN) is pleased to announce that five businesses have graduated from its annual Strategy & Growth Bootcamp. The two-week program brings together startups and small businesses from across the Western Slope to learn, network, and be inspired by fellow founders. This year's cohort included three businesses from Telluride, Disco Swell, Stellar Air, and J&H Event Collective, as well as two companies based in Grand Junction, Studio82 Digital Marketing, and Backslope Tools.
The first week was spent delving into business viability and customer development. Entrepreneur-in-Residence Julie Penner led sessions about viability modeling, customer empathy interviews, demand-side marketing, measuring what matters, and goal setting—the second week revolved around visualizing your work and cadence, with many great discussions on implementing a Kanban, mapping uncertainty, conducting experiments, and using AI tools. A highlight of the Bootcamp was hearing from two local entrepreneurs about their journeys and business exits.
The next step is to match these founders with mentors. Graduates are offered the opportunity to pitch to the TVN Mentorship Network. Mentorship is critical to business success, especially in rural areas with fewer business resources. TVN curates teams of 2-4 expert mentors who meet with founders monthly for one year. Mentors coach, advise, and provide a sounding board for founders as they navigate business challenges. TVN is actively recruiting mentors to join its network, so if you have run your own business or are an expert in a particular business field, please consider becoming a TVN mentor. If interested, please complete our mentor form.
Finally, TVN supports local businesses by offering capital at below-market rates. A generous donor initiated this $100K pilot program, and TVN has already received multiple loan requests. TVN has submitted its first loan proposal to the Telluride Venture Network Loan Fund (TVNLF) Committee, which will be reviewed on April 2nd. Three more proposals are in the works and will be submitted to the Committee during April. It is expected that all four loans will be approved. While we are thrilled to support the expansion of local businesses, we will also fully deplete the loan fund. Consequently, we have started to fundraise to ensure this program continues to be available for other local entrepreneurs. If you want to learn more about the TVNLF or contribute, please contact Annemarie Jodlowski at annemarie@telluridefoundation.org.
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Nonprofit Support: A Critical Conversation |
Amid uncertainty surrounding federal and state grants, DEI-related executive orders, and economic instability, the Telluride Foundation convened regional nonprofits to discuss funding challenges and future strategies. In partnership with the Wilkinson Public Library and the Ah Haa School for the Arts, the event provided a platform for nonprofit leaders to share experiences and solutions. Attorney Cara Lawrence of Tierney, Lawrence & Stiles outlined the shifting legal landscape. At the same time, representatives from EcoAction, KOTO, San Miguel Resource Center, Tri-County Health Network, and others spoke about the direct impacts of funding losses.
Despite increased demand for services and shrinking resources, participants reaffirmed their commitment to equitable, inclusive programming. San Miguel County representatives and the Foundation expressed solidarity and support, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustaining critical community services. While the future remains uncertain, the discussion fostered a sense of unity—reminding everyone that “we are all in this together.” The Telluride Foundation remains dedicated to helping the nonprofit community navigate these challenges and continue its essential work. |
Workforce Housing: DPA Ready, Set, Launch |
Originally launched by the Trust for Community Housing in 2019, the Housing Opportunity Fund has provided over $273,000 in small grants and forgivable down payment assistance loans, helping more than 100 families purchase homes or secure stable rental housing. Since assuming stewardship of the fund in 2023, the Telluride Foundation has continued this critical work, and recognizing the ongoing need for affordable housing solutions, we are excited to launch a new, expanded program.
Thanks to the support of generous community members, local governments, and taxing districts, we have established a dedicated loan fund that provides qualifying families with up to $50,000 in down payment assistance—or up to $100,000 in San Miguel County—to help them achieve homeownership and put down roots in the region. This assistance is in the form of a 0% interest shared appreciation loan, with no payments due until the home is sold or refinanced. Because this is a revolving loan fund, repaid loans will be reinvested to help future homebuyers working in the region. Funds raised for this program will also be leveraged with other state funding sources dedicated to providing down payment assistance to low- to middle-income families. Education is a key component of this initiative—we will help families identify and combine multiple down payment assistance options to make homeownership a reality. We invite those passionate about solving our region's housing challenges to contribute to this initiative. Please contact Elaine Demas at elaine@telluridefoundation.org. |
Mountainfilm: A Year of Inspiration & Change |
As one of our inaugural recipients, Mountainfilm has been fortunate to receive Telluride Foundation community grant support for an impressive 22 years. This steadfast partnership included a pivotal capital grant that enabled Mountainfilm to secure its permanent home in Telluride. Today, the festival’s impact extends far beyond our region, with Mountainfilm on Tour bringing compelling stories and thought-provoking films to audiences worldwide.
Mountainfilm is thrilled to announce that longtime staffer Crystal Merrill has taken the creative helm as the new festival director. With her fresh vision and deep experience, she looks forward to advancing the festival’s mission- to inspire audiences to create a better world - while staying true to its roots of celebrating epic adventures. Adding to the excitement, Mountainfilm proudly welcomes acclaimed actor, activist, and storyteller Sophia Bush as its 2025 guest director. Known for her unwavering commitment to social change, Sophia will bring dynamic energy and fresh perspectives to this year’s festival.
This milestone year also marks a major achievement - Mountainfilm is now an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival in the Documentary Short Film category. While the Memorial Day weekend program remains under wraps, expect a dynamic festival of powerful films, inspiring conversations, and a vibrant community of athletes, artists, activists, and changemakers. |
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Featured from left to right: Ernest House Jr, Lorelei Cloud, Izabella Cloud, Izabella Ruffino, Celine Hawkins, and Dani Reyes-Acosta. |
Mutual Collaboration Brings Indigenous & Latino Youth Together for Annual Ski Day |
On Saturday, March 29th, over 30 local Latino youth and families and 20 members of the Ute Mountain Ute tribe came together to enjoy a full day of skiing at the Telluride Ski Resort. While both “Indigenous Ski Days” and “Dia de Esqui” had been operating as separate events in the past, this was the second year both programs combined to provide a free day of rentals, lessons, skiing, and an enhanced cultural experience. This event was made possible by the Telluride Foundation along with multiple partners, including the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Nation, Telluride Institute, Sheep Mountain Alliance, Collaborative Action for Immigrants (CAFI), the Wilkinson Public Library, the Telluride Ski Resort, the Town of Mountain Village, CCAASE, San Miguel County, and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).
After skiing, the participants and the public were treated to a free film and panel discussion focusing on belonging in the outdoors and connecting with the land. Participants viewed the short documentary “Well Worn Life,” which reveals the practices of outdoor-minded individuals who love life deeply and live it to the fullest extent. The film, starring Dani Reyes-Acosta, promotes connecting underrepresented communities to the outdoors.
Following the film, panelists from the Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, and Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribes shared their thoughts about nature and their connection to ancestral lands. There was discussion about the importance of recreational access in the San Juan Mountains, but Ernest House Jr. spoke about the need for the Ute People to maintain their cultural relationship with the outdoors through traditional hunting and fishing to preserve their historical tribal practices. Lorelei Cloud and Izabella Cloud expressed their bittersweet emotions around visiting this area and emphasized that the native way of life is about fostering a symbiotic relationship with Mother Earth, describing themselves as caretakers of the land. When returning to the San Miguel Valley, they can still see and feel the care their ancestors took for this land many years ago. The Foundation prioritizes restoring regular access for tribal nations to ancestral lands and plans to support future programs. The evening was well attended, and the multicultural audience felt moved by the conversation.
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Skidola Raises Funds for Peter Inglis Avy Fund |
The Telluride Foundation's 5th Annual Skidola broke attendance records! On March 14th, 92 athletes took on the challenge, with racers ranging from seasoned professionals to first-timers. The course spans 1.2 miles, ascending 1,810 feet of elevation gain, providing for a tough but rewarding climb from the base of the Telluride Gondola to San Sophia Overlook.
The event raised over $14,000, and net proceeds go to the PI Avy Fund, which provides scholarship opportunities for avalanche education and backcountry awareness in our region. This event would not be possible without the generous support from Telluride Mountain Club, volunteers, and sponsors. Special shout out to our presenting sponsor, Jagged Edge!
After the race, participants enjoyed sliders and drinks at OAK restaurant. The event was followed by Telluride Ski Patrol's annual torchlight parade in honor of ski patroller Peter Inglis and other locals who have passed.
Congratulations to Davide Giardini and Skylar Dresel for securing the top spots in the men's and women's categories with times of 26:25 and 35:12, respectively. The Best Costume Award went to Darren Miller, who raced in a handmade Einstein costume, adding an extra fun element to the day.
Mark your calendars for next year’s event on Pi Day 2025, Saturday, March 14th. We hope to see even more faces with our first weekend race and hope to raise more funds for avalanche education!
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Crafting a Fire-Smart Future |
On February 27th, the Telluride Foundation hosted “Adaptation: Protecting our Communities From the Threat of Climate Change” at the Sheridan Opera House, a free community event focused on wildfires and other climate-related natural disasters that are becoming more frequent and severe. The event, which drew over 150 attendees, included four expert panelists: Matt Mikkelsen, Co-Director, Adaptation Film; Steve Hawks, Senior Director for Wildfire, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety; Kate Harris, Chief Deputy Commissioner, Colorado Division of Insurance; and Jamie Gomez, Executive Director, West Region Wildfire Council.
The event included a sneak peek of “Adaptation,” a short documentary in development from Spruce Tone and SLOMotion, exploring unique experiments by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Afterward, the panelists discussed the research and innovation happening on a national level to protect homes against wildfire and improve insurability, new legislation occurring in Colorado to help address the housing insurance crisis, and work being done locally to protect homes from wildfires.
The Adaptation producers are seeking contributions to ensure the film's completion. If you are interested, please donate directly to their efforts. Please visit the West Region Wildfire Council to learn more about regional mitigation work and how to protect your home.
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Gratitude and Appreciation |
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"The Telluride Foundation gave me the resources and the power to change the entire culture of outdoor recreation for the young people of the West End. From the rehoming of over 50 donated bicycles to children in need, to the execution of a fleet of brand new mountain bikes for our school curriculum and outdoor rec programs, the Telluride Foundation is an integral part of lifting up the kids of the West End and giving them such tremendous opportunities for outdoor adventure."
Brock Benson, Owner, Paradox Cycle, Naturita, CO
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Help us grow the Telluride Foundation If you know a community member who may be interested in
becoming a donor or a volunteer please make an introduction! Contact Jason at jason@telluridefoundation.org. With your help, we can make more possible!
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About
The Telluride Foundation is committed to enriching the lives of our community members by investing in initiatives and supporting nonprofits in the region. telluridefoundation.org |
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