The Grand Junction-based center outpaced over 1,200 organizations globally in 2024, thanks to its community-first approach and real-world results.

It might look modest from the outside, but what’s happening inside the Mesa County Business Incubator Center is turning heads around the globe.

After supporting over 500 entrepreneurs and helping launch nearly 30 start-ups in 2024 alone, the center was named runner-up for Best Business Incubator in the World—a title awarded after stiff competition with more than 1,200 organizations from 33 countries.

How a Local Hub Gained Global Spotlight

You wouldn’t necessarily expect an international award for business innovation to land in Grand Junction, Colorado. But that’s exactly what happened.

In an announcement that surprised even some within the organization, the Mesa County Business Incubator Center was recognized globally for its wide-ranging impact on the regional economy.

And here’s the twist: they didn’t win by chasing hype or gimmicks. They won by sticking to the basics—deep support, practical services, and community trust.

Dalinda Sassoon Bollig, the Incubator’s CEO, puts it plainly: “We wrap our arms around the businesses. Someone might come in for one service and walk out with support in areas they didn’t even know they needed.”

That approach? It’s winning awards now.

The Numbers Behind the Praise

This wasn’t just a trophy based on good vibes. The data tells its own powerful story.

In 2024 alone, the Incubator:

• Supported over 500 entrepreneurs and small business owners.

• Helped launch nearly 30 new start-ups across various industries.

• Contributed to the creation or retention of 700 jobs in the region.

That’s not a flash in the pan. That’s structural change for a local economy.

One-sentence spotlight: That kind of impact in a region of this size is rare—and it’s exactly what judges looked for.

It’s Not Just Tech: All Kinds of Ideas Are Welcome Here

When people hear “incubator,” they might imagine Silicon Valley vibes—apps, pitch decks, guys in hoodies. Mesa County’s model is a bit different.

Sure, they’ve got tech. But they’re also nurturing:

• Food start-ups

• Artists and artisans

• Manufacturers

• Scale-ups with export goals

• Family-owned shops trying to level up

It’s the diversity that makes the place tick.

As Bollig explains, “They could be trying to bypass a financial hurdle. They could be ready to exit and need guidance. We’ve got tools for all of it.”

Why This Model Works—Especially Here

Part of what makes the Incubator so effective is its understanding of the unique challenges facing small-town and rural entrepreneurs.

Many national incubator programs assume access to large venture capital networks or research universities. Mesa County’s doesn’t. Instead, it builds practical bridges between ideas and execution.

That includes help with:

• Business planning and licensing

• Financial forecasting

• Mentorship programs

• Access to local lenders and small business grants

• Shared office and manufacturing space

“Some folks walk in with just an idea scribbled on paper,” one staff member shared. “Six months later, they’re getting customers and hiring their first employees.”

Global Recognition, Local Roots

The competition that landed them runner-up status wasn’t just a pat on the back. It involved months of evaluation by international economic development experts and business leaders.

And the message from the final rankings? What Mesa County’s doing works. Really works.

Here’s a quick view of how the finalists stacked up:

That’s no small feat for a program nestled in Colorado’s Western Slope.

What Comes Next for the Incubator?

After the accolades, the question naturally becomes—what’s next?

Bollig says the recognition is nice, sure. But the real prize is what it brings to the community. “It builds credibility. It brings more partners to the table. And most of all, it gives entrepreneurs confidence—they know this is a place where they can succeed.”

One sentence of honesty: And that might be the most valuable thing the center offers—belief.

There’s talk of expanding partnerships, bringing in more training opportunities, and even sharing their model with other rural regions across the U.S. who face similar hurdles.

But for now, they’re keeping the focus local—just how they like it.