In the heart of Salida, Colorado, Moonlight Pizza & Brew Pub has become a cherished fixture of the community. Founded in 1994, the original owners made donuts by day and pizzas in the “moonlight” of the evening hours.  And with that, a new brand was born!  Moonlight’s pizza, along with its commitment to team members, customers, and community, has grown into something more extraordinary than its founders could have imagined.

With its unmistakable Colorado vibe, Moonlight Pizza is known for its delicious hand tossed crust style that leaves locals and visitors craving more. But, as life in a small mountain town evolves, so did Moonlight's story. In 2011, the narrative took an exciting turn with the addition of "Brewpub" to its name.  Hand tossed pizzas paired with freshly brewed beers added to the brands’ growth and success!

However, even the most idyllic tales face challenges and Moonlight was no exception. The impact of COVID brought labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, increased expenses, closures, and overall exhaustion. In the face of adversity, the owner partners, Kyle and Brenna Buskist, turned to the Central Mountain SBDC for guidance.

As Moonlight found its resilience during these challenging times, the Central Mountain SBDC played an important role in the continued success story. Business advisors provided strategic planning assistance, assisted the Moonlight team in navigating the intricacies of a partnership buyout, and collaborated on operational goals. The support extended to financial aspects, with a thorough review of profit and loss statements and margin analysis. The SBDC also supported funding for the buyout, which resulted in a combination of support from local lender Collegiate Peaks Bank and the SBA. The outcome was not just a successful transition but the birth of a new venture. Moonlight Pizza & Brew Pub emerged as a 50% women-owned business, a source of pride for the community, and assisted in retaining 30 full-time and 30 part-time jobs, contributing to the economic vitality of the rural area.

Beyond its business success, Moonlight stands out for its ethos. The commitment to freshness is evident in their dough, made in-house daily. Their eco-conscious decisions, from eschewing plastic straws to serving beverages in glass, reflect a global perspective. Moonlight's dedication to sustainability extends to its handmade sodas, served at cellar temps for a full-flavored experience.

Woven into the fabric of Moonlight's narrative is a commitment to the community that goes beyond the pizza oven and brewing vats. Every Monday they generously donate 10% of their sales to programs in Salida that make the town amazing. Whether supporting school groups, ski clubs, horse rescue, or the mentor program, Moonlight gives back because, in their words, “it's the right thing to do.” As they thrive, they continue to uplift the community that has supported them on this incredible journey.

As Moonlight Pizza & Brew Pub continues to weave its narrative into the fabric of Salida, it stands as a testament to resilience, community, and the pursuit of dreams. The Central Mountain SBDC, a guiding force in this journey, celebrates Moonlight's success as a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit in the mountains of Colorado.

- Moonlight Pizza & Brew Pub
For more info visit www.moonlightpizza.biz

Nestled in the heart of Buena Vista, Colorado, the Buena Viking has been more than just a food truck. It's a culinary haven, voted Buena Vista's favorite for five consecutive years, and was crowned the Best Food Truck in the Rockies in 2018. Owned by Evan and Anna Winger, integral community members since 2008, the Buena Viking blends Rocky Mountain passion with culinary excellence, attracting locals and adventurers alike.

After six years of culinary triumph, Evan and Anna embarked on a journey to obtain a permanent location in Buena Vista. Like many rural Main Street businesses, they faced challenges with rent increases and finding viable locations for their food truck. Wisely, they purchased one of the last pieces of vacant land in cooperation with CKS Main Street and began their long-term legacy.

Their visionary three-story building on Main Street, featuring rooftop dining and rental options, secures a permanent home for the Buena Viking while addressing community needs. This includes partnerships with CKS Main Street to enrich the cultural and economic tapestry of Buena Vista.

Turning to the Central Mountain SBDC for guidance, Evan and Anna received invaluable support, from a formatted business expansion plan to strategic funding connections and introductions. This collaboration bore fruit in late 2022, through combined funding from CHFA and High Country Bank, paving the way for construction to commence in spring 2023.

Beyond culinary success, Evan and Anna actively engaged in HR training and shared their inspiring journey at The Power of WE (Women Entrepreneur) Conference. The SBDC not only expanded their knowledge but also facilitated connections, showcasing the transformative power of collaboration within the entrepreneurial community.

Anticipating the early 2024 opening of its brick-and-mortar location, the Buena Viking emerges as a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit and community resilience. Their rallying call beckons locals and tourists alike to savor more than just the delectable cuisine. It invites them to immerse in the community's rich tapestry, the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, and the dual serenity and excitement offered by the Arkansas River, encapsulating the unique blend of peace and adventure that defines Buena Vista. As the doors of their new establishment swing open, the Buena Viking not only celebrates its culinary triumphs but invites all to partake in the vibrant story of Buena Vista's growth and vitality.

- Evan and Anna Winger
For more info visit www.buenaviking.com

In the beautiful town of Salida, Colorado, where the mountains echo with stories of solo entrepreneurs and makers, Jessica Sorden, the creative mind behind Envision Web Designers, embarked on a journey of personal and professional transformation.

The couple years following the birth of her child, corporate burnout as an e-commerce manager led her to contemplate what is best for her and her family - and what is helping and hurting that cause. Her postpartum experience became a catalyst for change. She delved into the world of attachment-centric parenting, became a Baby-Led Sleep & Well Being Specialist, and a Certified Lactation Consultant & local volunteer. This helped her feel deeply rooted in her world as a mother, but something else needed to change.

Jessica's confidence to leave her corporate career fell into place after she submitted a form for free one-on-one business advising on the Central Mountain SBDC website. She had her first of many impactful meetings with an SBDC advisor that she looks up to, carved out her action plan, and still has check-ins with that advisor today.

Next, she attended the LeanUp Start + Scale training guided by who she calls yet another brilliant SBDC advisor. She spent 8 interactive hours crafting her Lean Canvas & business plan and vetting new product ideas on paper. She also relished meeting other like-minded local business owners and created new connections.

The spring Female Freelancer Mastermind Series added another layer to Jessica's toolkit. Surrounded by a diverse cohort she gained valuable insights and learned low-cost, actionable tactics to apply to her business.

She also attended The Power of WE conference where she was both a guest and exhibitor. Not only was it awe inspiring to be surrounded by hundreds of talented women, but Jessica made connections to further strengthen her presence in this bustling High-Rockies business community.

Every one of her interactions with the SBDC supported her path of a progressive business journey, providing her with tools for strategic growth as well as a sense of community belonging and a network.

Envision Web Designers, Jessica's company, stands as a testament to her commitment to supporting solo and small businesses locally and globally. Her tailored WordPress and Shopify websites reflect not just technical expertise but also a deep understanding of her clients' goals and visions. With a focus on on-site search engine optimization, keyword research, and compelling messaging, Jessica helps give her clients an online recipe for success.

Beyond her role as a website expert, Jessica helps educate others on how to succeed online. She is now one of our Marketing Power Hour distinguished experts, teaching business workshops, including 'Get More Organic Website Traffic - Easy On Page SEO Improvements' and 'Online Store - E-Commerce Best Practices + Emerging Trends.'

As Jessica looks back on her journey and anticipates the upcoming opportunities, she appreciates the invaluable support from the Central Mountain SBDC. Through their advising sessions, workshops and mastermind series, she discovered more than just knowledge; she found her community.

- Jessica Sorden
For more info visit envisionwebdesigners.com