RAPTOR RUN 3 | AG SUMMIT 10 | PUEBLO WEST CHAMBER 20 | MEN’S LACROSSE 24
Vol. 3 No. 2
FEBRUARY 2, 2024
• DIG DEEPER •
Grow & Prosper with SBDC
PSJ launches small business column, spotlights youth mentorship organization
By Catherine O’Grady SoCo SBDC Education and Specialty Projects Coordinator
hat is so special about small businesses? According to the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Annual Report, there are approximately 691,230 small businesses in Colorado, making up 99.5% of all businesses in Colorado. These businesses employ an estimated 1.2 million workers. Proving, undeniably, that small businesses are important to our economy. But is that what makes them special? Is that why we skip the convenience of a box store or pay a little more from the shop down the street than online? Certainly, those reasons are part of it. But when it all boils down, isn’t it also about fostering a sense of connection, instilling community pride and embracing the heartfelt essence that small businesses bring to our lives? On this note, it is with much pleasure and pride, that the Southern Colorado Small Business Development Center has the opportunity to use this space to bring a little entrepreneurial advice, inspiration and introduce you to some of the amazing small businesses we have in Southern Colorado. Meet Jace’s Place: In every endeavor, every step taken and every life touched through Jace’s Place, owners Monica and Mark Martinez honor the memory of their beloved son, Jace Anthony Martinez, who died of a rare metabolic genetic disorder, called Methylmalonic Acidemia Cobalamin C (MMA Cbl C), at 1 years old. The parents have dedicated this endeavor to their child: “This business is our son’s legacy.” It is an affirmation said with unwavering determination and heartfelt conviction. Losing Jace became the catalyst for Monica and Mark to channel their immense
Photos courtesy of Jace’s Place
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| COMMUNITY | ACCOUNTABILITY | CURIOSITY | CONNECTION |
Owners Monica and Mark Martinez, started the youth mentoship organization, Jace’s Place, in honor of their son. The Southern Colorado Small Business Development Center chose Jace’s Place the first business to spotlight in its new column, “Grow & Prosper.” Photos courtesy of Jace’s Place.
GROW & PROSPER continued on page 6
‘VOICES OF PUEBLO’ PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: ‘LA PURA VERDAD’
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e at the Pueblo Star Journal are so excited to announce that we will be featuring the “La Pura Verdad” podcast in our Voices of Pueblo series. The Spanish phrase “La Pura Verdad” means “the pure truth.’ This phrase acts as the title of a limited series podcast created by Angelika and Ana Palacios. Over the span of four episodes, these two sisters unveil the truth of growing up in a “Mexirican” household, a
FULL STORY ON PAGE 8
family of split Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage. Ana came up with the podcast name as they set out to share their truth. The podcast is focused on “machismo” which is evocative of the role prideful-to-toxic masculinity has within Hispanic culture. Together, as two women, Angelika and Ana grapple with the things they saw growing up and how to move forward together. ...