Multicultural Business and Entrepreneur Center receives 2024 Gold Award

Contact Information

• Shannon Hein, Economic Health Manager, 970-416-2294, [email protected]

The City of Fort Collins Multicultural Business and Entrepreneur Center received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The award was bestowed specifically for the organization's work in the Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development category that impacted 25,000-200,000 residents.

The Multicultural Business and Entrepreneur Center (MBEC) is the City's free bilingual (English and Spanish) center, welcoming all current and aspiring business owners. MBEC makes it easy for entrepreneurs to access business services, understand licensing and permits, and receive guidance on catching up on regulatory requirements. The center connects businesses to the resources they need to start, grow and thrive in Fort Collins, including access to specialized training and support.

"It's an incredible honor to see the Multicultural Business and Entrepreneur Center recognized at this level," said SeonAh Kendall, Economic Health Office director. "Our work is deeply collaborative, and this recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of all our partners across Northern Colorado. Together, we are dedicated to ensuring that entrepreneurs in Fort Collins, especially those from underrepresented and underserved communities, have equitable access to the resources they need to succeed. Small, local businesses are the heartbeat of our city's economy, and by breaking down barriers and creating pathways to opportunity, we help ensure that every entrepreneur has the chance to thrive."

The IEDC judges praised MBEC's work to have, and facilitate, dedicated communication channels between different governmental departments to remove barriers for entrepreneurs.

"The City of Fort Collins is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its MBEC project. This award highlights Fort Collins' commitment to its community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development," said Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO. "It is with great pride that IEDC presents this award to The City of Fort Collins, celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development."

"We are absolutely thrilled to announce this year's award winners. These exceptional projects showcase remarkable dedication and ingenuity within the field," said Kevin Kramer, chair of IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee. "The City of Fort Collins' contributions will leave a lasting impact and demonstrate its commitment to creating positive change for its residents."

Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.

About Fort Collins Economic Health Office (EHO)

The City of Fort Collins (EHO) is committed to strengthening and diversifying the local economy while creating better opportunities for all residents. Its programs and staff work to retain and expand local businesses, connecting business owners and employees with support, resources and expertise to help them succeed and thrive. EHO staff work alongside local and regional organizations to support and foster workforce development. Learn more about the EHO, its work, programs and strategic plan at fcgov.com/business.

About the Multicultural Business and Entrepreneur Center (MBEC)

MBEC is the City's free bilingual (English and Spanish) center. It provides current and prospective business owners and entrepreneurs easy access to business service providers, resources, mentorship and specialty training. The program reflects the City's dedication to inclusive economic development, bridging gaps and fostering a thriving, diverse business ecosystem in Fort Collins. Through strategic partnerships, proactive outreach and personalized assistance, MBEC aims to ensure the success of minority-owned businesses and promote equitable economic growth. The program leverages key partnerships in the community-even using some of as host locations to make services more accessible-with the Larimer Small Business Development Center, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, Poudre Library, regulatory agencies and community cultural partners.

About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)

IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC's members engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. When IEDC succeeds, its members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more about IEDC at iedconline.orgThis link opens in a new browser tab.