Programs

TIME TO LEVEL UP

ACCELERATORS, PITCH COMPETITIONS, AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING CURATED FOR RURAL FOUNDERS

ACCELERATOR PROGRAMS FOR EVERY STAGE

Startup Colorado’s accelerator programs help rural entrepreneurs take their business to the next stage through mentorship, collaboration, and community. Our flagship Founder Coopetition combines cooperation and friendly competition to empower founders at every level—from validating ideas in the Idea Factory to scaling success in the Growth Challenge. Each program builds momentum through hands-on learning, peer connection, and a final pitch event.

Coming soon: our Social Entrepreneurship Accelerator in partnership with Belonging Colorado, supporting founders who build businesses that drive belonging and impact across the state.

EXPLORE THE FOUNDER COOPETITION

IDEA FACTORY

GROWTH CHALLENGE

STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT AT OUR PITCH COMPETITION​

Startup Colorado’s Pitch Competition gives rural founders the chance to showcase their ideas, connect with investors, and gain visibility across Colorado’s entrepreneurial network. Each event highlights innovation from every corner of the state—celebrating bold ideas, real impact, and the people building the future of rural business.

See when the next opportunity to take the stage is:

DISCOVER THE PITCH COMPETITION

This could be you:

When Sarah Berkeley realized every backpack on the market was built for someone else, she decided to build her own—and a company to match. Through Startup Colorado’s Pitch Competition, she turned frustration into innovation with her women’s ultralight gear brand, Symbiosis Gear. She’s redefining the outdoor industry from the ground up. Read More
Sarah BerkeleySYMBIOSIS GEAR
Sarah Berkeley
Thayer Hirsh, founder of Knome in Frisco, is one of three startups awarded a $5K grant from Startup Colorado's Founder Coopetition. A few months ago, Startup Colorado relaunched the Founder Coopetition, a 4-week accelerator program that helped 12 founders and co-founders advance their businesses. Read More
Thayer HirshKnome
Thayer Hirsh in front of his Knome display
Once the site of a uranium mill company town, this 120-acre parcel northwest of Naturita was reborn as a hip glamping and arts destination. Meet the founders putting Colorado's West End on the map. Read More
Natalie Binder, Jodie Wright and Bruce WrightCampV
CampV Startup Co-founders around a fireplace
Many of Colorado's rural communities have limited access to mental health services. This San Luis Valley entrepreneur hopes to change that. Read More
Jessica Chacon Sweetgrass Therapeutics
Founder of theraputic wellness center Jessica Chacon
A quick check on #vanlife social media channels would have the world believe that 1. It’s the coolest way to travel and 2. Everyone is doing it. Here are the entrepreneurs making it all possible. Read More
Meet the Entrepreneurs Behind the #Vanlife Boom
Vanlife is a cultural boom trending since before pandemic times

RURAL COLORADO, WE HEAR YOU

Startup Colorado offers a free library of on-demand business resources, curated specifically for rural startups and small businesses. Whether you’re looking for a business model template or a vetted list of Colorado-specific grants and loans, we’ve got you covered.

It’s time to startup!
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