Made in Colorado 2016 winner: Women's Bean Project

This nonprofit helps women learn critical job skills

Women's Bean Project was named winner of the 2016 Made in Colorado "Most Ethically Produced " award. This Denver-based 501(c)3 nonprofit manufacturer has a serious social mission: to help women break out of poverty with entry-level jobs designed as stepping stones for long-term careers.

The company started with a dry bean soup mix but now offers everything from brownie mix to salsa, CEO Tamra Ryan says.

Another company product: Hope.

"We hire women who are chronically unemployed or impoverished," Ryan says. "We help them learn the skills they need to move to mainstream employment."