The Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs, or SCAPE, has entered into a new partnership with San Juan College, the city of Farmington, San Juan County and Four Corners Economic Development.

That partnership will now allow businesses and companies in northern New Mexico to apply for the program.

The SCAPE program is an accelerator program that connects companies with mentors, technical assistance and access to funding needed to grow the business, according to a news release distributed by San Juan College.

The city of Farmington was also included in that partnership, and Mayor Nate Duckett said healthy communities need diversity in their economic base.

“We’re excited SCAPE has chosen to expand its program to the Farmington area,” Duckett said. “This program will be an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs and businesses and will help further the city and partnering organizations’ goal to diversify our economy and attract industries that will provide high paying jobs for our citizens.”

The goal of the partnership is to create and strengthen New Mexico-owned businesses that create employment opportunities for northern New Mexico residents, just as SCAPE has done in Southwest Colorado.

“SCAPE is honored to be recognized as a solution for business growth and expansion by the local government of New Mexico, San Juan College and Four Corners Economic Development,” said Elizabeth Marsh, SCAPE director.

The release said the events of 2020 and the pandemic brought into focus the importance of diversification and expansion in the business sector.

So far, SCAPE has worked with 35 businesses and helped them raise more than $24 million to create 152 jobs, according to the release.

mmitchell@durangoherald.com