CREATING A TECH ECOSYSTEM
New ventures require a deep and committed infrastructure to take off and grow. Thanks to XI’s supporters, our participating startups gain access to a tremendous range of seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, community and business leaders. We are extremely grateful for their support.
2020 SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC is the largest economic development and chamber of commerce organization in southern Colorado. As the business advocates for the Colorado Springs region, the Chamber & EDC is committed to ensuring that living and working in Colorado Springs is a first-rate experience. Its goal is to encourage a robust economy and unparalleled quality of life, all while protecting the interests of local companies.
In 1924, the residents of Colorado Springs voted to create a four-service public utility. Since then, as a municipal utility, Colorado Springs Utilities’ focus has been on providing exceptional customer service while keeping costs low. Colorado Springs Utilities provides electricity, natural gas, water and wastewater services to the Pikes Peak region and customers enjoy competitive prices, exceptional hometown service, responsible environmental practices and a voice in how their utility operates.
With short commute times, affordable housing, great schools and friendly neighbors, Colorado Springs consistently ranks as one of the best places to live. Companies of all kinds have discovered the distinctive benefits that come with growing a business in the state’s second-largest city. Colorado Springs is Olympic City USA, where a timeless culture of achievement, national pride and dedication sits comfortably alongside awe-inspiring beauty.
El Paso County is the second-most populous county in Colorado and home to Colorado Springs, the state’s second-largest city. El Paso County is tasked with a holistic approach to economic development through diverse incentives for housing and community development, including the Pikes Peak Enterprise Zone – a state incentive that encourages investment in economically distressed areas.
At Classic, our mission is to build the finest homes at the best prices. We do so by…
- Using the best available resources and blending time-tested construction procedures with state-of-the-art technology and design.
- Creating a positive working environment based on honest and ethical business practices, mutual trust and respect.
- Working as a team, with each other and with our customers, while providing opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
- Being a responsible member of our community and investing in its future by actively supporting community, social and educational programs.
El Pomar is a foundation for Colorado dictated by the values of Spencer and Julie Penrose. Together, trustees and staff carry out the foundation’s mission to enhance, encourage and promote the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado. El Pomar awards grant funding to non-profit organizations serving the state of Colorado in the areas of arts and culture, civic and community initiatives, education, health and human services. Among its other programs is the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Program for CEOs and executive directors, and the Pikes Peak Heritage Series, which raises awareness of the region’s natural assets.
FirstMile Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital firm. We commit early in a company’s life and help them set the pace for future success.
The NCC collaborates with the private sector, military and federal agencies, and academia to develop a cyber-ready workforce, foster job creation through entrepreneurship, shape public policy and generate cyber awareness. Since its founding by Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper in 2016, the NCC has emerged as one of the country’s foremost authority on cybersecurity research and development, training and education.
Peak Workplace Solutions shape cultures that drive performance, productivity and creativity, all while improving business. Pear believes an innovative and engage workplace provides positive, long-lasting effects for our clients and their employees. They have been executing important, collaborative and awesome office furniture projects up and down the front range of Colorado since 1984, and have delivered project across the United States and into Canada. Every project Pear works is custom and uniquely designed to meet customer needs.
Sparks Willson is a full-service, general civil law firm with specialized areas of practice. It offers clients world-class legal services with personalized attention. Sparks Willson lawyers have the expertise needed to handle complex litigation, transactional and planning matters for you and your business. Because it build long-term relationships with our clients, Sparks Willson understands its businesses. That understanding allows them to help clients make full use of the legal tools available, while minimizing the risks of operating in today’s competitive economy.
Founded in June 1995, SKR+CO is the largest locally owned certified public accounting company in Southern Colorado. Steeped in teamwork ideals, SKR+CO professionals offer a broad range of services, including audit and assurance, taxes, business advising, litigation support, business valuations, bookkeeping and QuickBooks, and estate and trust planning.
The fastest-growing campus in the University of Colorado system, UCCS continues to make significant investments in cybersecurity education and research. The university is working with the NCC and Cisco to develop a workforce development center that will offer training curriculum and internship programs, as well as identify research opportunities. The partnership is the only one of its kind between Cisco and any university worldwide.
As the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) plays a critical role in facilitating regional economic development efforts in communities across the nation.
Guided by the basic principle that sustainable economic development should be locally-driven, EDA works directly with communities and regions to help them build the capacity for economic development based on local business conditions and needs. EDA’s grant investments in planning, technical assistance, and infrastructure construction are designed to leverage existing regional assets to support the implementation of economic development strategies that make it easier for businesses to start and grow.
SURVIVE AND THRIVE COS SPONSORS AND DONORS
Thank you to all the donors and contributors who supported Survive and Thrive COS.
JOIN XI’S TRAILBLAZERS
XI provides a full accelerator ecosystem in Colorado Springs, with broad access to business leaders, mentors, investors and political leaders in our network. We poise startups for growth and success, and provide resources to understand these new industries. If you’re ready to catapult entrepreneurship with XI, contact Natasha Main at info@exponentialimpact.com.
ENTERPRISE ZONE NOTE
Exponential Impact is an approved Colorado Enterprise Zone Contribution Project. Colorado Income Tax Credit: Donors having made a certified contribution to an Enterprise Zone Contribution Project may claim 25% of a cash donation as an income tax credit, and half of that amount (12.5%) for an in-kind donation. The actual credit earned is figured based on all eligible contributions during the tax year, and capped at $100,000 per tax-payer with the balance carried forward up to five years.