
Elevating local community members to lead and excel.
The Elevar Program
Reimagining the systems of leadership and decision-making to be inclusive, innovative, and equitable for all.
Elevar, the newest initiative of EVCF, is designed to elevate local leaders by helping them excel both personally and professionally. At its core, Elevar focuses on empowering people of color and individuals from low-income backgrounds who are implementing or accelerating projects, social enterprises, or nonprofit organizations that benefit our community.
Elevar engages a diverse Steering Committee that plays a central role in guiding leadership development and community investments. Through grantmaking, the program provides targeted support to emerging leaders, offering them the tools, mentorship, and financial resources they need to succeed. Each year, Elevar also selects a cohort of entrepreneurs for an intensive program that includes mentorship, a specialized curriculum, and capital to support their ventures. The program’s holistic approach ensures that participants not only achieve business success but also grow as community leaders.
Our inaugural cohort has just graduated, and their success is a testament to Elevar’s vision of long-term empowerment. By investing in leadership development, mentorship, and capital support, we aim to create a sustainable pipeline of leaders who will drive positive change and strengthen the fabric of our community.
Applications for Elevar Are Now Closed
Thank you to everyone who applied to be part of the next Elevar cohort! We’re inspired by the passion and talent in our community. All applicants can expect to hear back from us in May regarding next steps.
In the meantime, follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter to stay connected and hear the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Application
What is Elevar?
Elevar is a program designed to support BIPOC entrepreneurs by providing capital, community, and curriculum to help grow and sustain their businesses.
Who is eligible to apply?
Elevar is open to BIPOC entrepreneurs who have an existing business or a well-developed business idea and are looking for support in areas such as funding, mentorship, and networking. Applicants should be based in or serve communities within Eagle County, Colorado.
What does Elevar offer to selected entrepreneurs?
Participants receive:
Support in scaling and sustaining their businesses
Access to grant funding
One-on-one mentorship with industry experts
Business development workshops
Networking opportunities with local and national leaders
How many entrepreneurs are selected for each cohort?
Each cohort is small and intentionally designed to ensure participants receive personalized support. The exact number may vary based on funding and resources available. We anticipate 7-11 entrepreneurs in the second cohort.
How do I apply?
Applicants can complete the online application through https://eaglevalleycf.org/our-programs/elevar/. There is also a word document available for download to work on your application before submitting.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for the next Elevar cohort is March 31, 2025.
What should I include in my application?
Your application should include:
How you plan to use the resources provided through the program
Business description and mission
Your background and why you are seeking support from Elevar
Current challenges and opportunities for your business
Please answer all questions thoroughly and completely. Applications will be reviewed by the steering committee.
Is there an application fee?
No, applying to Elevar is completely free.
Do I need a formal business plan to apply?
A formal business plan is not required, but applicants should be able to clearly articulate their business goals, challenges, and vision for growth.
What is the time commitment for Elevar?
The program lasts 9 months and includes regular mentorship sessions, workshops, and networking events. Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 4-6 hours per week.
Can I participate if I have a full-time job?
Yes, Elevar is designed to accommodate entrepreneurs with full-time jobs. However, participants must be able to attend required workshops and mentorship meetings.
What happens after completing the program?
Graduates of Elevar gain access to an alumni network, ongoing mentorship opportunities, and potential connections to additional funding sources.
Is there a word document version of the application I can work on to draft my application before submitting?
We recommend downloading and working in this word document version of the application before submitting on the Google Form link above.
Who can I contact for more information?
For any questions, please contact Sofia Fecchino at sofia@eaglevalleycf.org
2025 Elevar Steering Committee
Our Partners
Thank you to our partners who are committed to supporting entrepreneurs building sustainable and impactful businesses in the Eagle Valley community.
👐 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.

🤘 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!

📅 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! 💚

🙏 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

🛒🛍🛒 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!
