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Survive and Thrive SPICE

  • Immediate Cash Boost for Locally Owned Restaurants
  • Up to $1,500 Cash Stipend for participating
  • Up to $10,000 in Gift Card Purchases
  • New customers

Applications For The Next Cohort Will Open Early Fall 2026

Express Interest Here To Be Notified When Applications Open

Check out this segment from FOX 21 News and the Southern Colorado Business Digest!

Survive and Thrive SPICE

  • Immediate Cash Boost for Locally Owned Restaurants
  • Up to $1,500 Cash Stipend for participating
  • Up to $1,000 in Gift Card Purchases
  • New customers

Applications For The Next Cohort Will Open Early Fall 2026

Express Interest Here To Be Notified When Applications Open

Check out this segment from FOX 21 News and the Southern Colorado Business Digest!

What is SPICE?

The Survive & Thrive SPICE (SPrings Independent Culinary Establishments) Program celebrates locally owned restaurants that shape the culture and identity of El Paso County. These are the places where community happens — where people gather, stories are shared, and local flavor comes to life. SPICE supports restaurants ready to grow their impact, expand their reach, and continue serving as cornerstones of our region’s identity. Because when restaurants like yours thrive, our whole community flourishes. 

This new initiative is built for restaurants — a spin-off of our proven Survive & Thrive program that has already helped more than 300 local businesses grow. SPICE empowers independent eateries with financial relief, workshops, mentorship, and community connections to stay strong year-round. More than just a funding program, SPICE invests in community-rooted restaurants that are independently owned, owner-resident, with no national chain affiliation or corporate backing – that lives, works, and shapes the soul of El Paso County.

Applications For The Next Cohort Will Open Early Fall 2026

Express Interest Here To Be Notified When Applications Open

What is SPICE?

The Survive & Thrive SPICE (SPrings Independent Culinary Establishments) Program celebrates locally owned restaurants that shape the culture and identity of El Paso County. These are the places where community happens — where people gather, stories are shared, and local flavor comes to life. SPICE supports restaurants ready to grow their impact, expand their reach, and continue serving as cornerstones of our region’s identity. Because when restaurants like yours thrive, our whole community flourishes. 

This new initiative is built for restaurants — a spin-off of our proven Survive & Thrive program that has already helped more than 300 local businesses grow. SPICE empowers independent eateries with financial relief, workshops, mentorship, and community connections to stay strong year-round. More than just a funding program, SPICE invests in community-rooted restaurants that are independently owned, owner-resident, with no national chain affiliation or corporate backing – that lives, works, and shapes the soul of El Paso County.

Applications For The Next Cohort Will Open Early Fall 2026

Express Interest Here To Be Notified When Applications Open

How Does SPICE Work?

Restaurants Apply:

Locally owned restaurants located in enterprise zones in El Paso County, submit a short application.

Immediate Cash Support:

Selected restaurants will receive between $4,000-$10,000 in exchange for gift cards and a grant stipend for attending SPICE programming (attendance is mandatory).

Community Impact:

Gift cards are shared with local nonprofits, bringing new guests to your restaurant while providing vital cash flow when it’s needed most.

Mentorship & Connection:

Join a 4-week cohort of local restaurateurs to share best practices and strengthen Colorado Springs’ culinary community.

Applications For The Next Cohort Will Open Early Fall 2026

Express Interest Here To Be Notified When Applications Open

How Does SPICE Work?

Restaurants Apply:

Locally owned restaurants located in enterprise zones in El Paso County, submit a short application.

Immediate Cash Support:

Selected restaurants will receive between $4,000-$10,000 in exchange for gift cards and a grant stipend for attending SPICE programming (attendance is mandatory).

Community Impact:

Gift cards are shared with local nonprofits, bringing new guests to your restaurant while providing vital cash flow when it’s needed most.

Mentorship & Connection:

Join a 4-week cohort of local restaurateurs to share best practices and strengthen Colorado Springs’ culinary community.

Applications For The Next Cohort Will Open Early Fall 2026

Express Interest Here To Be Notified When Applications Open

SPICE 4-WEEK CURRICULUM

STRENGTHEN. GROW. THRIVE.

WEEK 1: DEFINING YOUR DNA

Theme: Who You Are – and Who You’re Not

Every thriving restaurant starts with a strong sense of identity. In this session, participants clarify their Differentiators, Nuance, and Attitude – the DNA that drives every decision. 

You’ll define your clear vision, target customer, and what sets you apart from the competition. This foundation influences everything from your menu and service style to décor, branding, and community presence.


Key Takeaway: A written, crystal-clear definition of your restaurant’s identity – the guiding framework for all future decisions.

WEEK 2: UNDERSTANDING THE ECONOMICS

Theme: Knowing Your Numbers

Strong restaurants understand the math behind their mission. This week focuses on how to make your space profitable – from seat count to check average, and daily revenue targets tied to your rent and costs.

We’ll also dive into bookkeeping, accounting, and the “cost of exposure” – balancing rent and marketing investment to drive sustainable growth.


Key Takeaway: A personalized revenue plan that clarifies exactly what it takes to thrive financially in your location.

WEEK 3: STREAMLINING OPERATIONS

Theme: Systems That Scale

Consistency builds credibility. In this deep-dive session, we’ll refine your operational systems – from recipes and training to safety standards, staffing structures, and management flow.

Participants will leave with clear job descriptions, standardized systems, and the tools to create a workplace that runs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably.

Key Takeaway: A stronger, more sustainable operation built on systems, not stress.

WEEK 4: DRIVING REVENUE

Theme: Growth Through Creativity

Instead of cutting your way to success, learn to grow it. This session shifts focus to increasing your top line – with creative strategies for boosting visibility, growing market share, and building a loyal customer base.

You’ll explore how to align marketing, menu development, and community engagement to generate consistent revenue year-round.


Key Takeaway: A revenue-growth plan that helps your restaurant stay strong and visible in a competitive market.

SPICE 4-WEEK CURRICULUM

STRENGTHEN. GROW. THRIVE.

WEEK 1: DEFINING YOUR DNA

Theme: Who You Are – and Who You’re Not

Every thriving restaurant starts with a strong sense of identity. In this session, participants clarify their Differentiators, Nuance, and Attitude – the DNA that drives every decision. 

You’ll define your clear vision, target customer, and what sets you apart from the competition. This foundation influences everything from your menu and service style to décor, branding, and community presence.


Key Takeaway: A written, crystal-clear definition of your restaurant’s identity – the guiding framework for all future decisions.

WEEK 2: UNDERSTANDING THE ECONOMICS

Theme: Knowing Your Numbers

Strong restaurants understand the math behind their mission. This week focuses on how to make your space profitable – from seat count to check average, and daily revenue targets tied to your rent and costs.

We’ll also dive into bookkeeping, accounting, and the “cost of exposure” – balancing rent and marketing investment to drive sustainable growth.


Key Takeaway: A personalized revenue plan that clarifies exactly what it takes to thrive financially in your location.

WEEK 3: STREAMLINING OPERATIONS

Theme: Systems That Scale

Consistency builds credibility. In this deep-dive session, we’ll refine your operational systems – from recipes and training to safety standards, staffing structures, and management flow.

Participants will leave with clear job descriptions, standardized systems, and the tools to create a workplace that runs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably.

Key Takeaway: A stronger, more sustainable operation built on systems, not stress.

WEEK 4: DRIVING REVENUE

Theme: Growth Through Creativity

Instead of cutting your way to success, learn to grow it. This session shifts focus to increasing your top line – with creative strategies for boosting visibility, growing market share, and building a loyal customer base.

You’ll explore how to align marketing, menu development, and community engagement to generate consistent revenue year-round.


Key Takeaway: A revenue-growth plan that helps your restaurant stay strong and visible in a competitive market.

      INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THE SPICE PROGRAM?

      Fill out the form to let us know that you would like to apply when Survive and Thrive applications are open. Our team will reach out to you once applications are available!

      Name

      INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THE SPICE PROGRAM?

      Fill out the form to let us know that you would like to apply when Survive and Thrive applications are open. Our team will reach out to you once applications are available!

      Name