Starting this October, we’re bringing together a group of local entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders for a six-month incubator designed to support and strengthen businesses and organizational capacity at every stage.
Business Growth Collective
What does the program consist of?
Seven workshops on a variety of business management topics
Custom-paired, expert mentorship that will meet minimally two hours a month
Dedicated, weekly co-working time in our brand-new office space to help turn ideas into action and create a structured framework for greater business success.
Accountability framework crystallization session and monthly checkups to keep you on track with your goals.
A direct line to Collective leader, Whitney Rajotte, a proven entrepreneur who can answer your questions or connect you to our extensive list of support.
Just as importantly, the Collective is an opportunity to connect with other local business owners, build meaningful relationships, expand your network, and discover new opportunities for collaboration.
We’re excited to create a space where local businesses can learn, grow, connect, and thrive—together!
Total Cost is $195
Classes will be held in person at our Creative Coalition office in Paonia, as well as virtually. Classes will also be recorded for future viewing.
Who is this program for?
I currently have a business but struggle with all day-to-day management tasks
I have specific goals I want to reach with my business or organization but need support to get there
I have a great idea and am ready to launch
I want to add sustainability & resilience to my business by improving my managerial skills
I’m ready to scale my business and take it to the next level
I’ve got the creative side down but I need help with all the right brain stuff
What is the time commitment?
Monthly Workshops – there is minimally one, 2-hour workshop held in person, virtually, and recorded for convenient viewing. Some topics may require more than one workshop to cover the material.
Weekly Co-working – Dedicated time at Paonia office will be available to you for co-working and work sprints. The Collective Leader will also be available to answer questions.
Designated mentor time each month (~2 hours/month, but depends on the mentor)
Monthly accountability check in call with the Collective Leader
Dates you need to know:
Monthly Workshop Series
October 20th: 3-5pm, Introduction, Assessment, and Overall Business Planning
November 17th: 3-5pm, Financial Management
January 12th: 3-5pm, Marketing Part 1
January 26th: 3-5pm, Marketing Part 2
February 23rd, 3-5pm, Management
March 23rd: 3-5pm, Technology & Business Tools
April 20th: 3-5pm, Closing Collaboration
April 27th: 5-7pm, Graduation Celebration!
In-Person Coworking Sessions:
The 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays of the month from 10am-12pm
The 2nd and 4th Fridays from 9am-11am.
Meet Your Program Guides
Whitney Rajotte, Business Growth Program Manager, North Fork Valley Creative Coalition
Whitney is a hospitality and business operations professional with more than 15 years of experience spanning restaurant management, franchising, business development, administration, and entrepreneurship. As the owner of Kith and Kin Concepts, LLC, Whitney has overseen the operations of two restaurant concepts and managed teams of approximately 75 employees.
Her experience also includes serving as Chief Development Officer and Partner with Rush Holdings/Rush Bowls Franchising, where she guided franchisees through the entire process of opening new locations—from construction and design to hiring and operations. Whitney brings a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach to business, with expertise in operations, HR, payroll, accounting, contract negotiation, marketing, and customer service.
She relocated to the North Fork Valley in 2024 with her husband and daughter. They are currently working on their new homestead and are enjoying the beauty and community the valley has to offer.
Nancy Murphy, Business Development Director, West Central SBDC Director, Region 10
From ballet to BMW, Nancy’s professional journey began in the nonprofit arts world, where she had the privilege of holding marketing positions with Santa Fe Opera, Silicon Valley Ballet, and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Those early experiences shaped her belief in mission-based organizations' ability to bring people together, inspire communities, and create lasting impact.
Her career transitioned to helping global and national brands-- including BMW, Crate & Barrel's CB2, Chaco Sandals, and more-- build momentum, reach new audiences, and grow revenues through innovative business and marketing strategies. Since 2006, Nancy has brought that same creativity, strategic thinking, and passion for helping others to businesses and organizations across Colorado’s Western Slope.
Nancy currently manages Region 10’s Business Resources and serves as director of the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) serving Region 10 (Delta, Montrose, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Ouray, and San Miguel counties), where she enjoys helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas and expressions of the human spirit into sustainable success.
We appreciate the support from these sponsorship partners!
