​Durango Chamber of Commerce Scholarship

The Durango Chamber of Commerce Scholarship supports startups, nonprofits, and small businesses that are either newly launched or facing financial hardship. Awardees receive a one-year Build Partner membership (valued at $575) to help them access resources, build relationships, and grow sustainably within the Durango business community.

See what’s included in the $575 membership

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Eligibility Requirements: 

1. Business Status 

• Must be located in Durango or La Plata County. 
• Must meet one of the following: 
  • Opened within the past 12 months, or 
    • Can demonstrate financial hardship (e.g., revenue loss, disaster-related impact, major business interruption). 

2. Business Size and Type 

• Must have fewer than 25 employees. 
• Open to all sectors: retail, service, nonprofit, and professional services. 

​​3. Commitment to Chamber Engagement 
Applicants must show intent to actively participate in Chamber offerings, including: 

• Attending at least 4 Chamber events per year (e.g., Business After Hours, Mornings at El Moro). 
• Participating in at least one professional development workshop.
• ​Engaging with Chamber media (e.g., directory listing, social media features). 

4. Financial Need 

• Must submit a brief explanation of the financial hardship or startup-related costs that justify scholarship need. 

Application Process:​

1. Required Materials 

• Completed application form. 
• Proof of business status (e.g., EIN or tax ID).
  
• A 250–500 word statement outlining: 
  • How the Chamber membership will benefit the business. 
  • Specific plans for using membership benefits to support growth. 
  • ​Commitment to community involvement. 

2. Review Process 

• Applications are reviewed quarterly by the Chamber’s Membership Committee.
  
• Selection is based on: 
  • Demonstrated financial need. 
  • Growth potential and community contribution. 
  • Willingness to engage in Chamber programming. 

3. Award Details 

• Recipients receive a 1-year Build Partner membership (valued at $575). 
• Renewal for a second year will be considered if engagement benchmarks are met. 
  

​Accountability and Reporting: 

Recipients are asked to submit a short report at the end of year one summarizing: 

• How Chamber events, programs, and resources were utilized. 
  
• Tangible outcomes for the business (growth, partnerships, visibility). 
  
• Challenges faced and future engagement plans. 

​Application Deadline: 

​Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with review cycles conducted quarterly.

Scholarship Sponsors

Thank you to our scholarship sponsors for investing in the growth of our local business ecosystem. ​

Apply for a Scholarship