Elevating local community members to lead and excel.

The Elevar Program

Elevar, a program of Eagle Valley Community Foundation, is designed to elevate local entrepreneurs and community leaders by helping them grow both personally and professionally. At its core, Elevar focuses on empowering people of color, immigrants, and individuals from low-income backgrounds who are developing business ideas, growing small businesses, launching social enterprises, or leading community-centered projects that benefit Eagle County.

Elevar provides a pathway of support for entrepreneurs at different stages of growth. Through training, mentorship, networking, leadership development, and access to capital, the program helps participants strengthen their business ideas, build confidence, communicate their vision, and grow as leaders in the community.

Startup Elevar: The First Step in the Elevar Journey

New this year, Elevar is launching Startup Elevar, a 4-week preparation program designed to help entrepreneurs clarify and strengthen their ideas before the full launch of the ALUNA course and official Elevar cohort selection.

Startup Elevar is ideal for entrepreneurs and small business owners who have a business idea, are just getting started, or want to grow their business but need support organizing and communicating their vision. This introductory program helps participants better understand their business purpose, audience, goals, and community impact while also strengthening their future Elevar application.

Program dates: July 16 to August 6
In-person sessions: Mondays at 7:00 p.m. at The Hub
Applications open: June 16 to July 6
Space is limited: 30 participants

All Startup Elevar participants will also receive a scholarship for the virtual course “Create Your Digital Marketing Plan” by Mentors International, which includes Spanish-language training, live online sessions with an instructor, marketing plan development, and a certificate of completion.

The Elevar Cohort

Following Startup Elevar, participants may move into the next steps of the Elevar process, including interviews, evaluation, and potential selection for the official Elevar cohort and ALUNA course.

Each year, Elevar selects a cohort of entrepreneurs for a more intensive experience that includes mentorship, specialized curriculum, leadership development, and capital support to help advance their ventures. The cohort model is designed not only to support business success, but also to cultivate entrepreneurs as community leaders who contribute to a more inclusive and thriving local economy.

Community-Led Leadership

Elevar is guided by a diverse Steering Committee that plays a central role in shaping leadership development, supporting cohort selection, and guiding community investments. This community-led approach ensures that Elevar remains grounded in lived experience, local knowledge, and the real needs of entrepreneurs in Eagle County.

Our inaugural cohort and second cohort has graduated, and their success reflects Elevar’s long-term vision: to build a sustainable pipeline of entrepreneurs and leaders who are equipped to create opportunity, strengthen local businesses, and drive positive change across our community.

Applications Are Open for Startup Elevar

Startup Elevar is the first step for entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their ideas, improve how they communicate their business vision, and prepare for future opportunities through Elevar.

Applications for Startup Elevar are open June 16 through July 6. Space is limited to 30 participants.

Apply today by using the application link or scanning the QR code on the Startup Elevar flyer.

Follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter to stay connected and receive the latest Elevar updates.

2026 Elevar Steering Committee

Cecilia Galardo

Rocio Martinez

Rocio Martinez is an Ayurveda consultant, local yoga instructor, and owner of Gula Wellness. Rocio holds a Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda Wellness and Integrative Medicine and became a certified Maharishi Ayurveda Happy Healthy Mother Baby Practitioner. As the owner of a health apothecary, she believes in the power of plant-based medicine, harmony with nature, our bodies, and our minds to be the core of healing.

Luz Parra

Cindy Ramos

Bibiana Rivero

Bibiana Rivero, originally from Chihuahua City, Mexico, is a proud Mexican entrepreneur, artist, and devoted mother of three daughters. At 47 years old, she is a homemaker deeply committed to her family, striving to instill strong values and principles. As a member of the Catholic faith, she finds inspiration in her spirituality and gratitude for the opportunities her community has provided, enabling her to build a safe and fulfilling life filled with prosperity and satisfaction.

A graduate of the Faculty of Accounting and Administration in Chihuahua City, Bibiana holds a degree in Business Administration. Since 2009, she has resided in Eagle County, Colorado, where she has worked across various sectors. Over the past 15 years, she has contributed to the community by offering childcare services, housekeeping, and laundry work within the hospitality industry. Starting in January 2025, she will expand her professional endeavors by providing new outsourcing services.

Bibiana is the founder of multiple ventures, including Babysitter Service, Quality Clean Laundry Service, and BibiArt. Her artistic creations have been showcased in prestigious locations such as The Charter Hotel at Beaver Creek, the Vail Valley Art Guild Gallery, Colorado Mountain College, and renowned art shows across the region.

In addition to her professional achievements, Bibiana is actively involved in programs that support personal and community growth in Eagle County. Her contributions include:

• Serving as a catechist at Santa Clara de Asís Catholic Church in Edwards, CO, and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Minturn, CO.
• Participating in programs such as Parents as Mentors and YouthPower365.
• Graduating from the Family Leadership Training Institute.
• Volunteering and pioneering support groups for grieving Hispanic families.
• Earning certifications in CPR, health consultancy through the Consortium for Older Adult Wellness (COAW), and the "Taking Control of Your Health" program in Colorado.
• Participating in the "Incredible Years" parenting program and other educational and volunteer initiatives in the county.

Bibiana is passionate about nature, art in all its forms, and lifelong learning. She believes in the power of service, embodying her philosophy: “To live is to serve, and to serve is to live.”

Israel Solis

Israel Solis was born in Cd. Juárez, Mexico, and has been dedicated to working from a young age while continuously studying different fields to innovate. He enjoys learning, loves playing the guitar and singing, and has a deep passion for helping others.

Throughout his professional journey, he has worked in various roles, including Quality Control Manager, Engineering, Environmental Control, and Production Supervisor. Currently, he serves as a Project Manager in the company he co-founded with a friend.

His academic background includes select college courses and extensive studies in production, quality control, and engineering. He also holds a diploma in theological studies from the Latin America Bible Institute.

Israel is a member of the Speaker Bureau for Radon Awareness and a state-licensed professional for Radon Gas removal. Additionally, he is a survivor of open-heart surgery.

He believes that the foundation of a healthy community is a strong family unit, where parents uphold strong moral principles, economic stability, emotional well-being, and spiritual balance. Israel is committed to actively contributing to the development of such a community, providing resources either directly or through his efforts.

Deisy Vazquez

Arturo Zuniga

Our Partners

Thank you to our partners who are committed to supporting entrepreneurs building sustainable and impactful businesses in the Eagle Valley community.

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See all of our Partners

👐 Today is #GivingTuesday – a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. Your acts of generosity, care, kindness, and understanding extend outward, like the threads of a beautiful tapestry and inspires each of us. Join the movement and give, whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community. The impact of your gifts are felt daily on the nearly 4,000 people we serve each week through The Community Market, MIRA Bus - Camión MIRA, and Elevar.
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👐 Hoy es #GivingTuesday – un movimiento global de generosidad que desata el poder de la generosidad radical. Tus actos de generosidad, cuidado, amabilidad y comprensión se extienden hacia afuera, como los hilos de un hermoso tapiz, e inspiran a cada uno de nosotros. Únete al movimiento y da, ya sea un poco de tu tiempo, una donación o el poder de tu voz en tu comunidad local. El impacto de tus regalos se siente a diario en las casi 4,000 personas que servimos cada semana a través del Mercado Comunitario, el Camión MIRA y Elevar.

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🤘 A huge thank you to Heaven Hill Brands for volunteering your time and energy at EVCF`s food pantry, 🍎The Community Market🍎 in the Vail Valley! 🙏 Your team`s support helps us provide much-needed resources to our neighbors in need. CHEERS!

@heavenhillbrands #GiveBack #VolunteerNow @Eagle Valley Community Foundation @eaglevalleycf #TCM #EVCF
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🤘 ¡Un enorme agradecimiento a Heaven Hill Brands por ofrecer su tiempo y energía como voluntarios en la despensa de alimentos de EVCF, 🍎 The Community Market 🍎 en el Valle de Vail! 🙏 El apoyo de su equipo nos ayuda a proporcionar recursos muy necesarios a nuestros vecinos. ¡SALUD!

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📅 Mark your Calendar!

We`re celebrating Eagle County Gives Non-Profits and counting down to Colorado Gives Day with an unforgettable evening full of connection, fun, and all the gratitude! 🌟

🌟 A huge THANK YOU to Colorado Mountain College Vail Valley, Little Bird Creative Community, and FirstBank for their generous support in making this event possible.

🗓️ When: Thursday, December 5 from 5-8 PM
📍 Where: Colorado Mountain College

🎶 What’s in store?
🍹 1 FREE Drink Ticket
🍴 Delicious Dinner Buffet from Little Bird Creative Kitchen
🎵 Live Music
✨ Learn about the amazing work of Eagle County Non-Profits and how you can get involved!

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors—let’s celebrate our community! 💚#EagleCountyGives #ColoradoGivesDay #supportlocalnonprofits @littlebirdcommissarykitchen #EVCF #TCM #MIRA @eaglevalleycf
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📅 ¡Marca tu calendario!

¡Estamos celebrando a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro de Eagle County y contando los días para el Colorado Gives Day con una noche inolvidable llena de conexión, diversión y mucha gratitud! 🌟

🌟 ¡Un enorme GRACIAS a Colorado Mountain College Vail Valley, Little Bird Creative Community y FirstBank por su generoso apoyo para hacer posible este evento!

🗓️ Cuándo: Jueves, 5 de diciembre, de 5 a 8 p.m.
📍 Dónde: Colorado Mountain College

🎶 ¿Qué te espera?
🍹 1 BOLETO DE BEBIDA GRATIS
🍴 Delicioso bufé de cena de Little Bird Creative Kitchen
🎵 Música en vivo
✨ ¡Conoce el increíble trabajo de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro de Eagle County y cómo puedes involucrarte!

¡Trae a tu familia, amigos y vecinos—celebremos nuestra comunidad! 💚

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🙏 Our endless appreciation to our dear friends at Eagle River Presbyterian Church for your ongoing commitment to nourishing our neighbors in need❣️ Bless your hearts❤️🍎❤️
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🙏Nuestro agradecimiento infinito a nuestros queridos amigos de la Iglesia Presbiteriana Eagle River por su compromiso continuo de nutrir a nuestros vecinos necesitados❣️ Bendice tus corazones❤️🍎❤️

@eagleriverpresbyterianchurch #EagleRiveerPResbyterianChurch #TCM #TheCommunityMarketCO #GiveBack #VolunteerToday

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🛒🛍🛒 SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY!!!! Please please please support our local wonders who inspire life and originality and uniqueness in our valley. Good people doing good work and we admire your tenacity and creativity beyond words!

TODAY - until 3pm - there is still time to join All The Good Stuff and Berit Books for their food and toy drive to help support the work of EVCF programs, The Community Market and MIRA Bus - Camión MIRA and Elevar. Together, we helping nourish all our neighbors.💚❤️

🎄BONUS -🎅🏾SANTA🎅🏾 on site until 2pm! Bring the kids.

#smallbusinesssaturday2024 #allthegoodstuff #beritbooks #TCM #MIRA #EVCF #Elevar #shoplocal #supportcommunity
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¡🛒🛍🛒 SÁBADO DE NEGOCIOS PEQUEÑOS!!!! ¡Por favor, por favor, por favor, apoyen a nuestras maravillas locales que inspiran vida, originalidad y singularidad en nuestro valle! ¡Gente buena haciendo un buen trabajo y admiramos su tenacidad y creatividad más allá de las palabras!

HOY - hasta las 3 p.m. - ¡aún hay tiempo para unirte a All The Good Stuff y Berit Books en su colecta de alimentos y juguetes para apoyar el trabajo de los programas de EVCF, el Mercado Comunitario y el Camión MIRA - MIRA Bus y Elevar. Juntos, ayudamos a nutrir a todos nuestros vecinos.💚❤️

🎄BONUS -🎅🏾¡SANTA🎅🏾 estará en el lugar hasta las 2 p.m.! ¡Traigan a los niños!

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