Grand Junction Holiday Expo Boosts Local Small Business Growth — Hosted by BIC
On November 21, 2025, the Business Incubator Center (BIC) in Grand Junction is transforming its campus into a charming European‑style holiday market. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., visitors will be greeted by festive lights, smiling vendors, and the unmistakable spirit of Santa. The BIC Campus, located at 2591 Legacy Way, will host this year’s Holiday Expo, bringing together local entrepreneurs, artisans, and small‑business owners for an evening of celebration.
This is not just any seasonal gathering. The BIC is using this event as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the small business ecosystem in the Grand Valley. According to Dalida Sassoon Bollig, CEO of BIC, the incubator has played a part in supporting one in every three businesses in Mesa County.
Why This Expo Matters
At its heart, the Holiday Expo is more than a festive fair. It is BIC’s annual fundraiser, and proceeds from the event fuel services that support local small businesses through mentorship, loans, and advisory programs.
By attending, members of the community aren’t just shopping, they’re investing in the regional economy. Their support helps BIC continue empowering entrepreneurs, particularly as many of these business owners are newly established or still navigating growth challenges.
What to Expect: Highlights & Attractions
The evening promises a warm, engaging experience for all ages:
- Vendor Booths & Hand‑made Goods: Local artisans and small business owners will display handcrafted items — ideal for holiday gift shopping.
- Food & Drinks: Seasonal treats, food trucks, and festive drinks will keep the energy high and the mood cozy.
- Santa Claus: A highlight for families — Santa himself will be present, ready to greet visitors and spread holiday cheer.
- Max the Bull: In an unusual twist, attendees will also get to meet Max, a 2,000‑lb Charolais bull from VanWinkle Ranch — making for a truly memorable photo-op.
- Carriage Rides: For an extra touch of magic, there will be cozy carriage rides around the campus, led by JR’s Carriage Rides.
- Silent Auction: An online silent auction will open starting November 14. Proceeds from the auction go back to supporting BIC’s mission.
A Community-Driven Mission
BIC’s commitment to small business is not only limited to the occasions they hold. Bollig mentions that the organization has been an economic development, mentorship, and financing support leader for countless startups and new businesses in the community.
BIC is not only facilitating commerce by holding the Holiday Expo but also doing it in a way that small-business ecosystem of the entire Western Slope gets strengthened. Local entrepreneurs are not only given a brief moment of time in the spotlight: they also get access to the long-term structures that assist them in scaling, sustaining, and thriving.
What the Community Can Do
- Shop Local: If you decide to go, do not forget to support the vendor booths. Every purchase is of absolute importance, it is a direct contribution to local business owners.
- Engage: Meeting entrepreneurs and talking with them about their journey can help you get to know their business and understanding the stories behind their products.
- Donate: You might want to take part in the silent auction or be a donor or a sponsor – the money that is raised will be used to support BIC’s programs.
- Spread the Word: Posting on your social media, inviting a friend, or encouraging others to come. The more people are informed, the bigger the impact will be.
Final Thought
The Holiday Expo is more than just a night to celebrate, it is a way for the community to come together and support their small businesses. Through shopping, socializing, and supporting, attendees become entrepreneurs’ biggest fans in the Grand Valley, thus, the entrepreneurial scene is being kept alive long after the event.
If you are in Grand Junction or the surrounding area, you really ought to take this opportunity to get into the holiday spirit while making a difference that can be felt.
Read More: Click Here