We believe in the power of rural Colorado

At Startup Colorado, we believe that everyone should have the ability to start and scale a business in the place they call home. We’re here to help both entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders access the human, social, and financial capital they need to build thriving businesses. We do this via our online community, partnership development, storytelling, and curated business resources.
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STARTUP: IT’S A VERB

What does startup mean to us?

Doing this type of work in rural Colorado demands a deep level of inclusivity and an awareness that starting something up is just that: it’s an action, a journey, and a life-cycle that exists outside of a specific industry or business model.

Startup could mean you’re building a scalable tech enterprise or a Main Street retail shop. It could also mean launching a new coworking space or a meetup event in your community. That’s why we serve both founders and the local startup ecosystem builders who support them. See how we can help you.

Founders
Ecosystem Builders

A RURAL STARTUP community

The Startup Colorado Community is the only online networking platform built for rural entrepreneurship. Expand your business network beyond regional boundaries by connecting with other founders, mentors, service providers, funders, and business support organizations across the state. The Startup Colorado Community also provides a ton of free, on-demand resources to get started with no muss, no fuss.

We’re upgrading our platform to better serve this vibrant network of entrepreneurs and supporters. Sign up today to be part of the new and improved community AND start receiving email updates, resources, and opportunities right away.

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Upcoming Events

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Featured

Today

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Ecosystem Builders

Six innovative entrepreneurs took the stage at Startup Colorado’s Pitch Competition in Durango, showcasing the strength of rural innovation across Colorado. Meet the winners and learn how they’re turning bold ideas into thriving businesses. Read More
Rural Founders Shine at West Slope Startup Week
Startup Colorado is partnering with Belonging Colorado to launch a first-of-its-kind Social Entrepreneurship Accelerator in 2026. The program will support a select group of founders using business as a force for connection—bridging divides, strengthening communities, and redefining what entrepreneurship can achieve. Read More
A NEW SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACCELERATOR
Meet Sarah Berkeley, founder of Symbiosis Gear, an ultralight backpacking brand redefining outdoor equipment for women. What started as a frustrating hike with ill-fitting packs has grown into a movement for better design, inclusivity, and innovation in the outdoor industry. Read More
Sarah BerkeleyGOING THE DISTANCE
Sarah Berkeley
Pitch competitions are more than a stage—they’re a catalyst for rural entrepreneurship. From connecting founders with investors to strengthening entire startup ecosystems, these events help transform isolation into opportunity across Colorado’s rural communities. Read More
WHY RURAL PITCH COMPETITIONS ARE ESSENTIAL
Go behind the scenes with Startup Colorado’s Managing Director and Event Afficianado, Vanessa McCrann, as she shares how to design events that truly connect entrepreneurs. From small-town meetups to statewide gatherings, her “Startup Colorado Way” turns networking into community-building with purpose and heart. Read More
Organize an Event the Startup Colorado Way

Recent News

15 October, 2025

Announcing the Pitch Competition Winners at West Slope Startup Week

The spirit of rural entrepreneurship was on full display last week at Startup Colorado’s Pitch Competition at West Slope Startup Week. More than 115 attendees—including founders, funders, ecosystem builders, and […]

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23 September, 2025

Night Market at West Slope Startup Week

This blog was first published by West Slope Startup Week on September 17, 2025. Looking for your next favorite artisan-crafted necklace, ceramic creation, or herbal remedy—or maybe just a good […]

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21 September, 2025

Announcing the Finalists of the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition at West Slope Startup Week

Rural founders are stepping into the spotlight once again. Startup Colorado has named the finalists for its upcoming Pitch Competition at West Slope Startup Week in Durango on October 8, […]

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