Simple Ideas. Bold Launches. Real Returns.

We build and back ventures that make life better for people, pets, and places - then open them to investors through the Local Salsa Access Fund.

Apply to Invest

The only U.S. destination resort completed during the Great Recession.

Pacific Coast retreats and Montana ranch conversions.

Carolinas golf communities.

A new senior living model where residents age 10 years below the norm.

Consumer products and technology launches, from SaaS platforms to lifestyle brands.

Experience that earns trust.

For two decades, I’ve been building and launching projects across industries and economic cycles:

Every project taught the same lesson: the right launch creates durable value.

HYDROFLASK

Start-up Launch

Vertical Launch

Ag Connections Bend, Agricultural Connections Bend, Bend CSA,

Turnaround & Exit

‍ Central Oregon

Food HUB

‍USDA Grant 2021-2024

Start-up Board Member

Start-up Launch

Urban Growth Boundary Technical Advisor

“Sacred perseverance - building good things that last.” - Stu Hicks

Your financial advisor won’t show you these deals.

We’ve launched resorts, SaaS tech, and consumer brands that have scaled into major markets. Now we’re packaging those kinds of opportunities - before they hit the mainstream - into one accessible platform for accredited investors.

HYDROFLASK

Start-up Launch

Suncadia, Roslyn, WA

Current Launches

™

I began in the mail room of a master-planned community in North Carolina. A “temporary” move West in 2002 became permanent after leading the first major resort launch in the U.S. post-9/11.

Since then, I’ve led launches of every scale - always drawn to simple, healthy, longevity - focused visions that improve everyday life for people and planet.

This is the expertise behind the Access Fund.

The Founder's Journey

Pronghorn, Bend, OR

Wilderness Club, Eureka, MT

Racine Dominicans, WI

Clear exits defined before capital is deployed.

Diligence that drives action - turning facts into conviction.

Customer insight that ensures adoption and growth.

Most startups fail at launch.

We succeed because launch is what we do best.

The Access Fund identifies opportunities, shapes them into investable ventures, and delivers disciplined execution.

Our focus is on:

This is how we de-risk early-stage ventures and create compounding investor returns.

Why an Early-Stage Venture Fund?

Learn More

The Access Fund I gives accredited investors entry to a curated portfolio across pet and people wellness, real estate, consumer goods, and alternative market opportunities usually reserved for insiders.

Minimum: $100K

· Limited to 100 investors

Access the Portfolio - Not Just a Product

Investor Questionnaire

Download PPM

“I build what I believe in. And I invite others to join — not just for returns, but for impact.” - Stu Hicks, Founder and Managing Partner

Built From Experience, Driven by Faith and Perseverance

After helping scale global brands and sustainable developments, Stu Hicks founded Local Salsa to bring the same discipline and creativity to ventures that improve everyday life — for humans, animals, and the world around them.

Backed by Builders

Advisors include brand builders, resort developers, and CPG executives.

Join the First 100 Investors

Access the ventures, the people, and the purpose behind Local Salsa.

Apply to Invest

For accredited investors only. Local Salsa Access Fund I is offered under Regulation D, Rule 506(c). Investments involve risk and potential loss of capital.