survive & thrive spice
Immediate Cash Boost for Locally Owned Restaurants
Up to $1,500 Cash Stipend for participating
New customers
APPLICATIONS CLOSE DECEMBER 31ST, 2025
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.
WHAT IS SPICE?
APPLICATIONS CLOSE DECEMBER 31ST, 2025
chef eric brenner
Hear directly from Chef Eric Brenner, owner of Red Gravy in downtown Colorado Springs, on how SPICE will help local culinary establishments growth and thrive in our community! We are excited and grateful to have Chef Eric involved in the New SPICE Program.
how it works
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 starting in January of local restaurateurs to share best practices and strengthen Colorado Springs’ culinary community.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE DECEMBER 31ST, 2025
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.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE DECEMBER 31ST, 2025
IN-PERSON APPLICATION ASSISTANCE Session
MONDAY, December 29th, 1Pm-3Pm
If you’re planning to apply for the new Survive & Thrive SPICE Program but want guidance to make sure your application is rock-solid, this session is built for you. Bring your questions, your details, and your goals - we’ll walk through the application together so you can submit with confidence.
This is hands-on support, face-to-face. No fluff. Just real help for local restaurant owners who want to take advantage of SPICE’s immediate cash-flow boost, mentorship, and community of fellow restaurateurs growing side-by-side.