The Estes Park EDC was established in August 2013 due to the recognized need for a sustained, systemic economic development effort for the Estes Valley and surrounding region. Economic development is an important component of the quality of life for all residents. The Estes Park Economic Development Corporation (Estes Park EDC) mission is to plan for and promote the economic development of the Estes Valley in ways that are compatible with those qualities that make Estes Park a unique mountain community. The Corporation exists to build a stronger and more broadly-based economy and tax base; to advise and assist existing local businesses to reach their full economic potential; and to attract new businesses that create primary jobs and new employment opportunities. Estes Park EDC Projects: The Estes Park EDC Entrepreneur Center (E-Center) is the premier business incubator program in the Estes Valley. Through partnerships with Larimer SBDC and Innosphere Ventures, a successful 20-year business incubator with locations throughout Colorado, the Estes Park EDC E-Center provides customized, hands on assistance and business resources to Estes Valley startups and scale-ups. As part of our continued strategic plan, the Estes Park EDC Board of Directors agreed to initiate a Business Expansion And Retention Program called the BEAR Program. The goal of this program is to directly work with and help our existing businesses grow. To do this we reach out to as broad a representation of businesses in our community as possible and meeting with them regularly. Today, the Estes Park EDC helps facilitate private investment and public-private partnerships to address the workforce housing needs in the Estes Valley. The Workforce Housing Task Force includes the Town of Estes Park & The Estes Park Housing Authority.