NLF Funds enabled EC+F to equip and staff a world-class facility without high interest loans or unreasonable loan covenants

Funds used for Equipment – Climbing walls, Hand Holds, Padded Flooring, Harnesses, Ropes, Etc.

NLF is proud to be the public lender for this project…THE world-class climbing gym and fitness facility between Golden and Grand Junction.

Climbing is part of who Larry and Courtney Moore are –they met at a climbing competition many years ago, fell in love, got married and moved to Eagle. They knew climbing would be a big part of their lives. Larry managed a tiny climbing wall in Vail for 16 years, where he developed a climbing program of 65+ children and had taken athletes to competitive events throughout the country, allowing him to realize the potential for this fast-growing sport.

Over three years, advisors, consultants, and investors brought the concept to fruition.

“The Loan Fund Director was on board from day one. She saw our vision and believed in us and the impact we could have on the community. Her help was invaluable. The NLF stood by my side from concept to opening and beyond,” remarked concept creator and owner, Larry Moore.

As a start-up business with no track record, Larry knew it would be difficult to get financing through traditional funders. Even with personal financial resources and private lenders, there were still funding needs.

EC+F was built to encourage all ages and levels of athletes to improve their skills through practice, classes, teams, competitions, and a variety of local events. It is intended to be a gathering place for climbers, cross-fit aficionados, and yogis at all levels to hone their skills in state-of-the art facilities with highly qualified instructors. Their youth programs include day camps and team programs for all ages from preschool to high school, where professional staff teach the proper techniques with games and skills development in a fun-filled atmosphere.

Their philosophy is not only about building strong bodies, it’s about building a strong social impact through their programs in the community. Their work is about providing inclusive opportunities for all – children and adults, beginners, and experts – with diverse climbing and training options in a clean, friendly, environment.

Groundbreaking started in 2017 and as the building began to take shape, the equipment needed to transform the shell into a topnotch climbing and fitness center began to arrive.

NLF funds provided walls, climbing holds, padded flooring, ropes, harnesses and more. There are walls in excess of 42 feet for experienced climbers, as low as 28 feet in the children’s climbing room and adjustable training walls and 5-degree angle wall for speed climbing, which will be in the Olympics. There is a campus wall allowing for climbers to use only their hands, and a bouldering garden enabling lone climbers the opportunity to get on the wall. In addition, the NLF funds provided working capital enabling EC+F to hire 25 professionals -both full and part-time- adding to the creation of good quality jobs in the community.

Staying true to their mission the EC+F creates corporate partnership arrangements for additional member benefits and more exposure for their partners. A list of current partnerships includes restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, vets, physical therapy providers and more. The partner/member benefits create yet another win for strengthening the community. The Moore’s have also been working with USA Climbing to help bring climbing competitions to the Vail Valley, with events ranging from youth local competitions to only World Cup Bouldering event in North America. Additionally, they have worked with the American Scholastic Climbing League to help develop High School competitive climbing ranging from the local level to the State Championships, bringing 200+ competitors to the town of Eagle.

The dream of building a high-end climbing and fitness facility with a focus on athletes at all levels and ages, with a professional and friendly staff, a variety of educational and social offerings, comfy couches, multitudes of educational opportunities, extensive class and workshops, along with various social events, including competitions, film premieres, lecture series and slideshows is currently being realized by Larry and Courtney Moore.