Incubator Program FAQs

The Wheelhouse Retail Business Incubator and Community Makerspace is a community economic development initiative led by Huerfano County Economic Development Inc. (HCED) , a 501(3) (C) non-profit, and supported by other local, regional, state, and federal partners, including significant financial contributions from the Economic Development Administration of the US Department of Commerce, Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and Huerfano County.

Through the Business Incubation Program, the Wheelhouse intends to encourage small business development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the retail sector which will result in company formation, job creation, increased sales, and growth of the tax base. In addition, the Business Incubator will partner with local and regional partners to provide established businesses with training and community events to increase networking opportunities and continuous skill development.

The Makerspace supports the incubator clients through technology-based manufacturing programming, and technical assistance to foster creativity, modernization, and innovation while supporting the business incubator clients in visioning product manufacturing options to meet market demand.

A retail incubator is a specialized type of business incubator designed to catalyze the process of starting and growing retail businesses by providing a place for highly motivated entrepreneurs to learn retail skills relatively quickly.

Retail incubators nurture new, emerging, and established small business owners by helping them to survive during the critical start-up period and by assisting in continuous growth and sustainability planning.

Anyone with a retail business or idea for a retail business in Huerfano County that wishes to participate in the business incubator program and process.

The Wheelhouse will provide:

• Advice/guidance from experienced retail consultants
• Business courses
• Networking
• Technical support (e-commerce, website development, retail setup)
• Services (coaching/mentorship, external marketing)
• A physical space for a retail pop-up Incubator

Clients will:

• Commit to the program• Actively engage in the incubation process and dynamic action planning• Attend tailored programming sessions• Work collaboratively with staff, consultants, and other incubator clients• Abide by Wheelhouse Operating Principles• Commit to a minimum of eight hours per week of direct customer service activities at the Wheelhouse

Entrepreneurs interested in applying can get additional information and access the online application here.

There is no cost to the business incubator program participants. This project is funded by a grant under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities.

The Wheelhouse is located at 609 Main Street in Walsenburg, CO or call (719) 410-0188.