One of the most rewarding things about getting to know so many entrepreneurs is seeing first-hand how many of them are focused on so much more than just financial results. So many of the folks we connect with are focused on having a positive social impact on their community or the world at large. Check out some of these amazing folks below.

Shana Colbin | Boutique owner and image and wellness consultant

Many years ago (barring a two year break during Covid) we launched a program called 12 Months of Giving where we ask customers to round up to the next dollar and we donate their change to a different charity every month. At the end of each month, we match or exceed all donations! I like to think that when we connect with customers, help them on their shopping missions, or are there for them when they want to come in and chat or have a glass of wine, we serve as a consistent, positive place for people to come. Read more>>

Caitlin Hannigan | Education Director at Concrete Couch

Concrete Couch’s main mission is to create community through creative projects. We work with community members of all ages, races, ethnicities and abilities to create tons of different projects throughout the Colorado Springs community. From helping making Colorado Springs beautiful with a giant pumpkin sculpture in downtown, to helping build bridges for pedestrians and cyclists in Manitou Springs, to our newest project, building a community park in Southeast Colorado Springs, for the last 18 years Concrete Couch has offered unique and fun experiences. Read more>>

Christopher La Fleur | Fine artist, advocate and event planner

As an artist, my work strives to address challenging topics and provoke thoughtful discussion. My hope is that people relate to my work in some way. We all need to be having hard conversations, especially at this period of time in history. As a community advocate and event planner, my job is much more specific-to make and hold space in the marketplace for queer and allied vendors. I host about 40 events per year and the entire goal of my events program is to uplift and activate the Denver LGBTQIAA+ community. Read more>>

Kate Merlin | Public interest environmental attorney

The fossil fuel industry has provided cheap fuel that has come at a terrible cost. As we know, the stability of our entire global climate is in dire peril. Communities in areas where extraction and refining are occurring are being exposed to pollution at rates we know are damaging and even deadly. That includes north Denver and the Globeville-Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods where the Suncor refinery is, and the entire north Front Range where fracking is occurring within just a few hundred feet of homes and schools. Read more>>

Jane Deming Scanlon | Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide

The naturalist John Muir once wrote: “Between two pine trees is a door to a new way of life.” As a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, I have the honor of helping people to “open the door” to a deeper relationship with the natural world from which many feel disconnected. I recognize that nature is the therapist; the guide opens the doors. Read more>>

Lisa Simon | Director

Our organization operates in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and seeks to free children from poverty by supporting their academic, physical and spiritual development. The pandemic exacerbated the challenges that the families we serve were already facing so this work became more important than ever. A year ago, our organization added an Income Generation Program for the parents/guardians of the children we serve. This program enables parents/guardians to start or grow a small business by providing financial access as well as basic business skills training. Read more>>

Sheila Thomas | Educational Consultant and Author

My business supports the community by educating and equipping parents with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively advocate for their children and build a solid academic foundation at home. When parents gain the necessary skills to support their children, it creates a better relationship with the schools, which helps a child have better self-confidence and have a deeper desire to learn. Read more>>

Takashi Tamai | Ramen Chef

We believe our business help the community and the world that elevates the ramen standard in Colorado, America, and the world. There are lots of ramen restaurants in Denver but it’s hardly to find 100% homemade and authentic & real ramen. I went to learn how to make ramen in Tokyo 7 years ago. I chosen Menya Itto, one of the most popular ramen and tsukemen restaurants in Tokyo, featured with the documentary movie ” Ramen Heads”. People here don’t have to go Japan to taste Japanese ramen and tsukemen because we are here! Also, we are making handcrafted noodles with a noodles press made in Japan. Read more>>