The Advance Colorado Center (ACC) opened its doors December 2, 2004, ushering in a new era in Colorado economic development. Key non-profit industry associations and entrepreneurial support organizations were invited to join forces within the same building as the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT).

The Advance Colorado Center provides a common headquarters and logistical support for selected non-profit associations and organizations that, in turn, provide a variety of services and programs to companies, entrepreneurs and individuals in order to stimulate job growth and promote a sustainable corporate environment in the State of Colorado.

The Advance Colorado Center concept allows officials and VIPs from Colorado and around the world to meet leaders of emerging and technology industries in one place. Dynamic partnerships and common interests emerge among members and create a supportive atmosphere that bolsters non-profit initiatives.

The ACC is a partnership between the OEDIT, Economic Development Commission, and the University of Colorado at Denver & Health Sciences Center. For more information on the organizations sharing the Advance Colorado Center, visit www.AdvanceColoradoCenter.com. The ACC organizations include:

• Colorado Alliance for Microenterprise Initiatives: www.coloradoalliance.org. Seeks to build the capacity of very small businesses, to help entrepreneurs become economically self-sufficient.
• Colorado Association for Manufacturing and Technology: www.CAMT.com. Assists manufacturers through consulting, training, export assistance, and improved technology.
• Colorado BioScience Association: www.cobioscience.com. Grows the state's bioscience workforce, provides networking opportunities, educational and technical programs, creates corporate partnerships and finds investors.
• Colorado Film Commission: www.coloradofilm.org. Stimulates and supports growth of all segments of the Colorado film and video industry. Promotes the state as a competitive location for filming.
• Colorado Nanotechnology Alliance: Dedicated to nanotechnology development in Colorado through research, education, technology commercialization, and business development.
• Connected Organizations for a Responsible Economy: www.corecolorado.org. Promotes Colorado as a center for environmental commerce and sustainable technologies and business practices.
• Colorado Photonics Industry Association: www.coloradophotonics.org. Promotes Colorado's cluster of large and small optics and photonics companies, four national research laboratories, and educational institutions.
• Colorado Software & Internet Association: www.coloradosoftware.org. Fosters innovation and growth for the technology industry in Colorado.
• CTEK: www.ctek.biz. Expert financial and business volunteers mentor entrepreneurs working with innovative technologies.