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.
New this year: Our Belonging @ Startup Colorado Accelerator in partnership with Belonging Colorado, supporting founders who build businesses that drive belonging and impact across the state.
STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT with OUR PITCH programming
Startup Colorado’s Pitch Programming gives rural founders the chance to showcase their ideas, connect with investors, and gain visibility across Colorado’s entrepreneurial network. Our lineup includes: virtual Pitch Workshops to shape your pitch, virtual Demo Days opportunities to pitch to a panel and audience, and in-person events.
See when the next opportunity to take the stage is:
Demo Days: March 11th
Our quarterly virtual Demo Days give founders a low-pressure platform to deliver a four-minute pitch and receive direct, actionable feedback from expert judges. Gain statewide exposure while competing for cash awards and professional in-kind support.
Pitch Practice: May 6th
Refine your story and pitch with confidence. Join us for our quarterly workshop with Jolene Collins to learn the essential architecture of a high-impact presentation. We will help you bridge the gap between a great idea and a compelling business narrative so you can grab the attention of investors and partners alike!
This could be you:
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.