By Margaret Hedderman
Montrose is steadily gaining traction as a hub for entrepreneurs on Colorado’s Western Slope. In the years since COVID, the city has been rebuilding its entrepreneurial community, spurred by the efforts of startup ecosystem builders.
Ecosystem building is a holistic effort, the result of creative collaborations and partnerships. In this ecosystem snapshot, we’re taking a look at how one coworking space is building community (and a lot of energy) via events.
The State of Montrose's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
According to Brock Predovich, Operations Manager of Alt Space coworking, Montrose’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is not only surviving but thriving.
“I believe Montrose continues to have a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurship,” Predovich said. “Predominantly Montrose’s entrepreneurs tend to be within service sectors, but there are many tech-focused entrepreneurs and startups as well.”
The pandemic posed significant challenges, but the community has shown resilience and is beginning to foster new business starts. From Predovich’s perspective key contributors to this revival include collaborative efforts from city government, economic development organizations, and individual ecosystem builders, all of whom play a crucial role in rekindling Montrose’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Alt Space: The Catalyst for Collaboration and Growth
With locations across the Western Slope, Alt Space has long served as an agent for healthy startup ecosystem development. Earlier this year it was acquired by Emergent Campus, an award-winning business campus in Fremont County. The move serves as an opportunity to facilitate greater connectivity and accessibility for entrepreneurs across the region.
“I see where we can add value to Montrose is by collaborating with and serving the various entrepreneurial initiatives in the city,” Predovich said. He added that this is best done by supporting both the entrepreneurs and the ecosystem builders who serve them.
Alt Space has positioned itself as a central player in this ecosystem, striving to empower local entrepreneurs and support various initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurial growth. Predovich emphasizes the importance of collaboration in rural communities, where the success of the ecosystem hinges on the collective efforts of local government, economic development organizations, and community builders.
“In rural communities, the success of the ecosystem is largely dependent on how collaborative and supportive the local government, economic development organizations, and individual ecosystem builders are within the community.”
Events That Inspire and Connect
One of the key strategies employed by Alt Space to invigorate the entrepreneurial community is through events. This year’s West Slope Startup Week offered the perfect opportunity. While principal activities will take place in Durango, the event also coordinates satellite events across the regions to engage entrepreneurs in their hometown.
Alt Space will be hosting two Hometown Days events in Montrose this year:
August 2nd, 9am-1pm: West Slope Success Syndicate: Open Business Mastermind
August 2nd, 5:30-7:30pm: Rural AI Innovation
While the Mastermind will take place at Alt Space, the larger AI-themed event will be hosted by the new RV campsite and coworking space, The Camper’s Hub. This type of collaborative partnership is representative of effective ecosystem building.
“I see the biggest impact hometown events make is by starting those creative, ambitious, and collaborative conversations that let people know they are not alone and that there are others seeking to build their dreams and make an impact on the world just like them,” Predovich notes.
The Mastermind event is another critical initiative, offering participants a powerful platform for group coaching and peer feedback.
“For those that have participated in a Mastermind type of event, or been a part of an accelerator program before, they know how powerful it can be to sit in a room with a curated group of smart, successful, and seasoned entrepreneurs,” Predovich says.
“Through the group coaching and peer feedback process of the Mastermind, I want each business to leave with a solid action plan of clearly defined, ambitious goals they will go after in the months ahead.”
Embracing the AI Revolution
The second Hometown event, themed “AI in Rural,” is particularly timely and forward-thinking.
Predovich believes that the pace of AI innovation has increased exponentially, and businesses that fail to adapt risk being left behind.
“I think very few people right now realize what’s coming with AI,” he emphasizes. “With AI the pace of innovation has increased exponentially.”
The event aims to demystify AI for rural entrepreneurs and established businesses, inspiring them with knowledge about various AI tools and how these tools can automate and scale different aspects of their business. By showcasing the potential of AI, Alt Space hopes to equip Montrose entrepreneurs with the tools they need to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
“If businesses are not jumping into AI and learning how it can help them infinitely scale their businesses NOW they will be left behind.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Alt Space is committed to continuing its support for individual entrepreneurs in Montrose. Predovich envisions a future where Alt Space not only serves the local entrepreneurial community but also collaborates closely with the city and local organizations to inspire, cultivate, and support entrepreneurs.
“My goal in Montrose is to continue serving the individual entrepreneurs within the community, but also supporting both the city and local organizations in their efforts to inspire, cultivate, and support entrepreneurs within the community,” Predovich concludes.
