By Margaret Hedderman
We’re only halfway through 2025, and it’s already shaping up to be a year for the books. From brand launches and team milestones to expanded programming and inspiring stories on the horizon, Startup Colorado has been busy building momentum across the state. As we reach the mid-year mark, we’re taking a moment to celebrate what’s unfolded so far—and share a few exciting updates about what’s coming next.
Vanessa McCrann Steps In as Managing Director
Vanessa McCrann is now the Managing Director at Startup Colorado, where she leads strategic initiatives to strengthen rural entrepreneurship across the state. With a background in community engagement, ecosystem building, and event leadership—including West Slope Startup Week—Vanessa brings a collaborative, impact-driven approach to her work. Based in Pagosa Springs, she’s passionate about empowering rural communities and fostering spaces where innovation, creativity, and connection can thrive.
Sterling Pitch Competition: Rural Ideas Took Center Stage
Pitch competitions can be a powerful launchpad for rural entrepreneurs to share their vision and gain real-time support from judges and community members. In rural regions where capital is scarce and visibility limited, this event offers a rare chance to be seen, heard, and supported. It also energizes the local ecosystem by spotlighting what’s possible in even the smallest towns.
In April, we had the privilege of hosting the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition in Sterling alongside Northeastern Junior College and the Logan County Economic Development Corporation. Four outstanding founders took the stage to pitch ventures spanning multiple industries: Sarah Berkeley of Symbiosis Gear, Paul Bierman of Power Tool Safe, Erwin Germain of TreadShare, and James Mataczynski of Craft Crate. Their presentations reflected the creativity and tenacity of rural business owners, and sparked meaningful conversations around entrepreneurship in Colorado’s eastern plains. Read the competition recap here—and, tune into NPR’s Marketplace story about this event!
As the finalist, Sarah Berkeley launched a Kiva campaign asking for public loan contributions to support her next big business goal. She was fully funded within just 24 hours of going live! By leveraging the momentum of the pitch competition, Sarah secured vital capital. It’s a perfect example of the ripple effect these events aim to spark— when a founder shares their story with clarity and courage, people respond. Learn about Sarah and Symbiosis Gear on our blog.
Our First Artist in Residence: Emilie Odeile
We recently launched our very first Artist in Residence program—an exciting step forward in our mission to celebrate creativity as a key driver of rural entrepreneurship. Our inaugural artist, Emilie Odiele, is a contemporary fiber artist known for transforming everyday materials into large-scale, immersive installations. Rooted in place and full of movement, her work echoes the dynamic energy of rural communities in motion. During her six-month residency, Emilie will receive mentorship, a stipend, and the opportunity to showcase her work at West Slope Startup Week in October. We’re thrilled to support her journey and can’t wait to see how her creative lens will inspire founders and community builders across the state. Read Em