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UID:10000311-1790078400-1790082000@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Capital Bootcamp Pitch Prep
DESCRIPTION:In this 5-week bootcamp\, Colorado business owners will receive technical assistance to complete their application for state funding programs. Drop-in for a single session that you specifically need help on\, or attend all 5-weeks and receive a “Capital Ready” certification along with all the tools needed to complete your application. Additional office hours available for 1-1 support. \nWeek 4: Pitch Prep: Telling your Story \nLearning outcomes: \n\nHow to articulate your business story in a clear\, lender-focused pitch\nHow to tailor your narrative to the specific program your pursuing\nIdentify common pitch mistakes and correct before approaching a lender\n\n  \nAbout our facilitator:\nJamie Finney: Jamie works on capital access for Rural Colorado – building tools for the ecosystem at Startup Colorado and investing via Howdy Partners. Since 2018\, Howdy Partners has raised $45M\, vetted hundreds of companies\, and invested in over 50 high-growth rural Colorado startups. Durango is home.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/capital-bootcamp-pitch-prep-telling-your-story-learning-outcomes/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Capital Bootcamp,Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CAPITAL-BOOTCAMP-WEEK-4.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260917T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260917T130000
DTSTAMP:20260813T184124Z
CREATED:20260622T174300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T184124Z
UID:10000307-1789646400-1789650000@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Colorado Capital: Don't miss these OEDIT funding opportunities
DESCRIPTION:Most business owners in Colorado are leaving money on the table…not because the capital isn’t there\, but because they don’t know about it. This workshop series is here to change that. Each session will explore different Colorado-specific capital opportunities that could make a serious difference in your business and how to apply for it. \nIn this final session\, the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) will join us to cover the Venture Capital Authority Program\, which provides seed and early-stage startups $50\,000 up to $1 million in investment capital. OEDIT will give an overview of the program background and program requirements\, share the list of existing VC partners for the program\, and share success stories across the state. Attendees will walk away with a “Program Fit” worksheet to clearly understand their application readiness and next steps. \nAbout our co-host: Crystal Walsh is a Colorado native and the Accounting & Operations Manager for the Colorado Venture Capital Authority (VCA) at OEDIT. With 13 years of combined experience in banking and economic development\, including the last three years on the Business Funding & Incentives team at OEDIT\, she specializes in the operational and financial management of state-led venture capital initiatives designed to empower Colorado businesses and local investors.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/colorado-capital-funding-opportunities-you-may-be-missing-out-on-venture-capital-authority-with-oedit/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community,Roadtrip
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/September-TA-Workshop-OEDIT-VCA.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260916T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260916T163000
DTSTAMP:20260825T184120Z
CREATED:20260825T174548Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T184120Z
UID:10000354-1789570800-1789576200@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Belonging @ Startup Colorado Pitch Competition
DESCRIPTION:Startup Colorado will be at Colorado Startup Week this year\, focused on an important segment of our work: Where Belonging Meets Business. Join three finalists of the Belonging Colorado and Startup Colorado Growth Challenge as they pitch their businesses: \nKatie Kelly\, KnowtifyED\nKyle Parker\, SLED Outdoors\nNichole Argo\, TogetherUp Institute \nThis high-energy showcase isn’t just about the awards—it’s about celebrating the vision\, grit\, and creativity that fuel rural entrepreneurship. Finalists will compete for funding and exposure\, pitching to a panel of judges and a live audience. \nWhether you’re an investor\, fellow founder\, community supporter\, or just curious about the exciting companies emerging from Colorado’s rural regions\, come and see see innovation in action. \nAt Startup Colorado\, we see firsthand that when the business community is mobilized\, it can be a powerful force for good. Our program at Colorado Startup Week is the result of our months-long Belonging Accelerator\, in partnership with Belonging Colorado. We’re excited to showcase founders who are building strong companies while strengthening the communities around them—and to celebrate the important role that you and the ecosystem play in making that possible. \nRSVP below.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/belonging-startup-colorado-pitch-competition/
LOCATION:TARRA\, 865 Albion St Ste 250\, Denver\, CO\, 80220\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community,Pitch Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/belonging___startup_colorado_pitch_competition__september_2026_1024.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260916T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260916T130000
DTSTAMP:20260811T150423Z
CREATED:20260811T150421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T150423Z
UID:10000341-1789560000-1789563600@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Rural Creative Connections: The Mountain and Valley Fiber Arts Festival Comes to Durango
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our next Rural Creative Connections session with co-hosts Jill Knuckles and Lise Poulsen from the 2026 Mountain and Valley Fiber Arts Festival (MVFAF). \nFor over 40 years\, this festival called Taos\, NM home. This year marks its first time in Durango\, Colorado! Jill and Lise will share what’s ahead for the festival’s Durango debut\, happening October 3 & 4\, 2026 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds & Event Center (free admission\, free parking). \nThe festival brings together fiber artists\, animals\, and makers from across the region\, including a juried natural fiber market featuring yarns\, finished goods\, and fiber arts tools; fiber animals like sheep\, alpacas\, goats\, llamas\, and yaks; hands-on workshops led by expert instructors; live demonstrations of spinning\, dyeing\, sheep shearing\, and more; and a brand-new Yarn Bombing initiative\, where acrylic-yarn scarves\, shawls\, mittens\, mukluks\, and blankets will be hung around Durango to announce the festival\, then collected\, washed\, and donated to local assistance programs. \nDuring this virtual session\, Jill and Lise will talk about what makes MVFAF special\, what to expect at this first Durango event\, and how rural creatives can get involved\, whether as vendors\, volunteers\, or attendees. Rural creatives are encouraged to attend and explore how this festival could be a source of connection\, inspiration\, or opportunity for their own creative work. \nWe’ll also open up space for conversation\, connection\, and resource-sharing among rural creatives across Colorado. \nJoin us for this Rural Creative Collective‘s call to learn more about the Mountain and Valley Fiber Arts Festival\, connect with fellow creatives\, and celebrate this exciting new chapter for a beloved regional tradition.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/rural-creative-connections-the-mountain-and-valley-fiber-arts-festival-comes-to-durango/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community,Rural Creative Collective
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Rural-Creative-Connections-Startup-Colorado-The-Mountain-and-Valley-Fiber-Arts-Festival-Comes-to-Durango-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Vanessa McCrann":MAILTO:vanessa@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260915T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260915T130000
DTSTAMP:20260813T184410Z
CREATED:20260623T172052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T184410Z
UID:10000310-1789473600-1789477200@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Colorado Capital Bootcamp: Building your Business Financial Narrative and Loan Package
DESCRIPTION:In this 5-week bootcamp\, Colorado business owners will receive technical assistance to complete their application for state funding programs. Drop-in for a single session that you specifically need help on\, or attend all 5-weeks and receive a “Capital Ready” certification along with all the tools needed to complete your application. Additional office hours available for 1-1 support. \nWeek 3: Building your Business Financial Narrative and Loan Package \nLearning outcomes: \n\nIdentify the full checklist of documentation needed for your target loan programLearn how to frame your business narrative based on a specific loan program\nLearn how to write a compelling use-of-funds statement\n\n  \nAbout our facilitator:\nJamie Finney: Jamie works on capital access for Rural Colorado – building tools for the ecosystem at Startup Colorado and investing via Howdy Partners. Since 2018\, Howdy Partners has raised $45M\, vetted hundreds of companies\, and invested in over 50 high-growth rural Colorado startups. Durango is home.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/capital-bootcamp-building-your-business-financial-narrative-and-loan-package/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Capital Bootcamp,Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CAPITAL-BOOTCAMP-WEEK-3.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260911T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260911T100000
DTSTAMP:20260805T173338Z
CREATED:20260805T173338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T173338Z
UID:10000326-1789117200-1789120800@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Rural Women in Entrepreneurship // September Meetup
DESCRIPTION:Each month\, the Rural Women in Entrepreneurship group inside the Startup Colorado Community comes together for a virtual hour of connection. September’s co-host will be Katy Martin in Steamboat Springs\, founder of Joyful Design Co. \nThis hour is casual\, fun\, and easy to drop into. We talk about what we’re currently working on\, share our stories\, and pool our resources to help each other get to that ‘next step’ on the long entrepreneurial road ahead. \nThe format is simple: \n\n20-minute presentation from our co-host on making sense of your website data — no jargon\, just practical takeaways. Katy will walk through a real website report to show what Google Analytics and Search Console can actually reveal\, which numbers are worth your attention\, and how to turn those insights into concrete improvements to your site\, marketing\, and online visibility. Attendees will also leave with a custom Google Looker Studio report to make reviewing their own data easier going forward.\nRounds of 1:1 connections with other community members\nCome and meet fellow women entrepreneurs from all over the state to discuss current topics and trends in business\n\nFree and open to all Colorado women working in business and business support. \nAbout Katy:\nKaty Martin is the founder of Joyful Design Co.\, where she helps established businesses create brands and websites that inspire confidence\, build momentum\, and drive results. With more than 25 years of experience\, she combines strategy\, design\, and data to help business owners understand what’s working\, make smarter decisions\, and grow with greater clarity. Originally from Australia\, Katy now lives in Steamboat Springs\, Colorado.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/rural-women-in-entrepreneurship-september-meetup/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community,Networking,Rural Women in Entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Katy-Martin-Rural-Women-in-Entrepreneurship.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Vanessa McCrann":MAILTO:vanessa@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260908T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260908T130000
DTSTAMP:20260813T184559Z
CREATED:20260623T171424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T184559Z
UID:10000309-1788868800-1788872400@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Capital Bootcamp Collateral\, Credit Enhancements\, and Bridging the Gap
DESCRIPTION:In this 5-week bootcamp\, Colorado business owners will receive technical assistance to complete their application for state funding programs. Drop-in for a single session that you specifically need help on\, or attend all 5-weeks and receive a “Capital Ready” certification along with all the tools needed to complete your application. Additional office hours available for 1-1 support. \nWeek 2: Collateral\, Credit Enhancements\, and Bridging the Gap \nLearning outcomes: \n\nBusiness owners will learn to articulate their collateral position and identify any shortfalls\nBe able to explain to a lender how CCS or CCR can bridge your gap\nKnow the CCS borrower fee and how it affects loan cost\n\nAbout our facilitator:\nJamie Finney: Jamie works on capital access for Rural Colorado – building tools for the ecosystem at Startup Colorado and investing via Howdy Partners. Since 2018\, Howdy Partners has raised $45M\, vetted hundreds of companies\, and invested in over 50 high-growth rural Colorado startups. Durango is home.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/capital-bootcamp-collateral-credit-enhancements-and-bridging-the-gap/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Capital Bootcamp,Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CAPITAL-BOOTCAMP-WEEK-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260901T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260901T130000
DTSTAMP:20260813T184948Z
CREATED:20260623T170705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T184948Z
UID:10000308-1788264000-1788267600@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Capital Bootcamp: What Lenders Look at and How to Prepare
DESCRIPTION:Week One of this bootcamp will focus on Financial Foundations: What Lenders Look at and How to Prepare \nIn this 5-week bootcamp\, Colorado business owners will receive technical assistance to complete their application for state funding programs. Drop-in for a single session that you specifically need help on\, or attend all 5-weeks and receive a “Capital Ready” certification along with all the tools needed to complete your application. Additional office hours available for 1-1 support. \nWeek One Learning outcomes: \n\nCalculate a basic debt-service-coverage ratio from your own financials\nIdentify gaps in financial statement before approaching a lender\nUnderstanding how credit score affects program access and what to do about it\n\n  \nAbout our facilitator:\nJamie Finney: Jamie works on capital access for Rural Colorado – building tools for the ecosystem at Startup Colorado and investing via Howdy Partners. Since 2018\, Howdy Partners has raised $45M\, vetted hundreds of companies\, and invested in over 50 high-growth rural Colorado startups. Durango is home.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/capital-bootcamp-a-step-by-step-technical-guide-to-prepare-for-state-lending-opportunities/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Capital Bootcamp,Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CAPITAL-BOOTCAMP-WEEK-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260827T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260827T130000
DTSTAMP:20260813T185103Z
CREATED:20260623T180957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T185103Z
UID:10000314-1787832000-1787835600@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:August Capital Bootcamp Info Session
DESCRIPTION:Access to capital can make the difference between a business that is surviving and one that is thriving. Half the battle is knowing about the funding opportunities that are available\, the other half is putting together a strong application. We’re here to help with both. \nIn this info session\, we will share information about our upcoming 5-week Capital Bootcamp\, where Colorado business owners will receive technical assistance to complete their application for state funding programs. The bootcamp allows for drop-ins on a single session that you specifically need help on\, or attend all 5-weeks and receive a “Capital Ready” certification along with all the tools needed to complete your application. \nIn this information session we will cover: \n– An overview of the state funding programs that exist and qualifications for each program\n-A detailed schedule of the Capital Bootcamp and what each session will cover\n-A review of the Capital Ready certification and how it works \nAbout our presenters:\nJamie Finney: Jamie works on capital access for Rural Colorado – building tools for the ecosystem at Startup Colorado and investing via Howdy Partners.  Since 2018\, Howdy Partners has raised $45M\, vetted hundreds of companies\, and invested in over 50 high-growth rural Colorado startups.  Durango is home. \nKiki Hooton: Owner of Jackalope Events\, Kiki works on corporate and community event planning\, finding joy in turning ordinary events into the magical.  Kiki has worked in the venture and startup ecosystem for nearly 10 years\, and has planned everything from three day venture summits to singles auctions. In her free time\, you’ll find her hanging with her dog\, Cheddar.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/august-capital-bootcamp-info-session/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Capital Bootcamp,Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/COLORADO-CAPITAL-August-Info-session.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260820T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260820T130000
DTSTAMP:20260819T214513Z
CREATED:20260724T111006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T214513Z
UID:10000323-1787227200-1787230800@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Ready to Reach Further: A Brand-First Plan for Expanding Your Creative Business
DESCRIPTION:You’ve built something real. You have a product or service\, paying customers\, and momentum in your local community. So how do you grow beyond it? Join brand specialist Amber Andrews of Andrews Artistry for a practical\, growth-stage session on expanding your creative business regionally\, statewide\, or nationally without losing what makes it yours. \nAmber will start where sustainable growth actually starts: brand clarity. You’ll get honest about your mission\, your visual identity\, and whether your brand shows up consistently everywhere people find you. From there\, you’ll learn how to choose marketing channels based on your brand and your exact audience — not the other way around — and start on a repeatable 90-day marketing plan you can build as you grow. \nAttendees of our Rural Creative Collective‘s call will leave with a clear picture of who they’re really talking to\, a channel strategy that fits their capacity\, a 90-day plan template\, and clarifying questions answered as you build your brand guide. Time for discussion and Q&A included. \nSpeaker Bio: \nAmber Andrews (they/them) is the founder and creative director of Andrews Artistry\, a queer-owned\, human-led creative studio in Denver. With 15+ years of experience across brand photography\, web design\, and visual brand strategy\, Amber helps creatives and small business owners build brands that are clear\, consistent\, and unmistakably theirs — so their work can reach the people it’s meant for\, wherever they are. When they’re not behind a camera or building a website\, you’ll find them tap dancing or being supervised by the studio’s most opinionated members: the cats.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/ready-to-reach-further-a-brand-first-plan-for-expanding-your-creative-business/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Rural Creative Collective
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Rural-Creative-Connections-Startup-Colorado-Amber-Andrews.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Vanessa McCrann":MAILTO:vanessa@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260820T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260820T103000
DTSTAMP:20260813T190658Z
CREATED:20260608T183025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T190658Z
UID:10000300-1787216400-1787221800@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Colorado Capital: Funding Opportunities You May Be Missing Out On - Colorado Startup Loan Fund (CSLF) with RMMFI
DESCRIPTION:Colorado Capital: Funding Opportunities You May Be Missing Out On – Colorado Startup Loan Fund (CSLF) with RMMFI \nThursday\, August 20th | 9am-10am \nMost business owners in Colorado are leaving money on the table…not because the capital isn’t there\, but because they don’t know about it. This workshop series is here to change that.  Each session will explore different Colorado-specific capital opportunities that could make a serious difference in your business and how to apply for it. \n In this third session\, we will explore the Colorado Startup Loan Fund\, which is deployed by Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and non-profit lenders across the state\, like Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute (RMMFI). RMMFI will provide a simple\, actionable framework for thinking through business readiness\, customer validation\, pricing\, financial basics\, and preparing for future growth. We’ll also touch on what it means to be “launch-ready” and “capital-ready\,” along with how community-based CDFI lending can differ from traditional financing options. Finally\, we will walk business owners through the program fit worksheet\, and how to determine if a CSLF program is right for them. \nAbout our presenter: Taylor Littrell is the Statewide English Program Coordinator at Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute and is based in Trinidad\, Colorado. They work closely with entrepreneurs and rural business owners across the state\, supporting them through mentorship\, microlending\, and community-based education programs. Taylor is passionate about creating accessible opportunities for small business owners\, strengthening local economies\, and helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses in underserved and rural communities. \nThis event will be hosted via Zoom. Please register here or using the button at the top right of this page.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/from-idea-to-launch-building-a-strong-foundation-for-your-business-with-rmmfi/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community,Roadtrip
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/August-TA-Workshop-RMMFI-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260814T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260814T100000
DTSTAMP:20260813T203037Z
CREATED:20260706T154638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T203037Z
UID:10000316-1786698000-1786701600@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Rural Women in Entrepreneurship
DESCRIPTION:Each month\, the Rural Women in Entrepreneurship group inside the Startup Colorado Community comes together for a virtual hour of connection. August’s co-host will be LaPrell Boston\, Certification Specialist for WBEC-West. \nThis hour is casual\, fun\, and easy to drop into. We talk about what we’re currently working on\, share our stories\, and pool our resources to help each other get to that ‘next step’ on the long entrepreneurial road ahead. \nThe format is simple: \n\n15–20 minute presentation from our co-host on WBEC-West and the Colorado State Certification Scholarship currently available to women business owners\nRounds of 1:1 connections with other community members\nCome and meet fellow women entrepreneurs from all over the state to discuss current topics and trends in business\n\nFree and open to all Colorado women working in business and business support. \nAbout LaPrell: \nLaPrell is a dedicated Certification Specialist for WBEC-WEST\, motivational coach\, and entrepreneur with a bachelor’s degree in business and a diverse professional background that includes certification\, project management\, and entrepreneurship. She lives in Colorado Springs. In her professional life\, she is passionate about supporting women-owned businesses\, helping women navigate opportunities for growth\, and encouraging others to recognize their potential and confidently pursue their goals.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/rural-women-in-entrepreneurship-12/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Rural Women in Entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LaPrell-Boston-Rural-Women-in-Entrepreneurship.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Vanessa McCrann":MAILTO:vanessa@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260805T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260805T130000
DTSTAMP:20260627T233310Z
CREATED:20260522T143824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260627T233310Z
UID:10000291-1785931200-1785934800@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:August Pitch Workshop with Startup Colorado
DESCRIPTION:Are you ready to pitch your business with confidence? Join us for a virtual Pitch Readiness Session facilitated by Startup Colorado’s Ecosystem Development & Parterships Director\, Mark Madic. Mark is the event lead for our Pitch Series and has years of experience coaching founders as the prepare to take the stage. \nWhether you’re preparing for a Pitch Competition or simply want to sharpen your business storytelling\, this session will help you refine your message and deliver it with clarity and impact. \nWhat you’ll learn: \n\nHow to introduce yourself and your company\nDefining the problem you’re solving\nExplaining your solution and business model\nUnderstanding your customer and market opportunity\nShowcasing key milestones and your team\nPerfecting “The Ask” – what you need and why it matters\nBest practices for presenting with confidence
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/august-pitch-readiness-workshop-with-startup-colorado/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community,Pitch Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/August-Pitch-Workshop-Startup-Colorado-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260730T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260730T130000
DTSTAMP:20260721T151210Z
CREATED:20260513T162341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260721T151210Z
UID:10000284-1785412800-1785416400@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Rural Creative Connections: Meet the Verra App
DESCRIPTION:For our July Rural Creative Connections session\, we’re meeting Paul Spitzer from Durango. He’s the founder of Verra\, a social marketplace app for handmade goods rooted in authenticity\, creativity\, and community. \nPaul brings a unique mix of experience to this conversation. With a long career in technology and a background in art and design\, he approaches entrepreneurship through a deeply creative lens. He is also an active artist and photographer\, giving him firsthand insight into the needs\, challenges\, and opportunities facing makers and creative entrepreneurs. \nDuring this virtual session\, Paul will share more about Verra\, how the platform is being built to support handmade goods and the people who create them\, and what it means to design technology around trust\, storytelling\, and community. Verra is currently accepting new artists and makers\, and rural creatives are encouraged to attend\, explore the platform\, and consider whether it could be a fit for sharing and selling their work. \nWe’ll also open up space for conversation\, connection\, and resource-sharing among rural creatives across Colorado. \nJoin us for this Rural Creative Collective‘s call to learn more about Verra\, connect with fellow creatives\, and explore how digital tools can help strengthen creative businesses and handmade economies.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/rural-creative-connections-meet-the-verra-app/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community,Rural Creative Collective
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Rural-Creative-Connections-Startup-Colorado-Paul-Spitzer.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Vanessa McCrann":MAILTO:vanessa@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260723T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260723T100000
DTSTAMP:20260615T174451Z
CREATED:20260615T174223Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T174451Z
UID:10000304-1784797200-1784800800@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Capital Bootcamp Info Session
DESCRIPTION:Access to capital can make the difference between a business that is surviving and one that is thriving. Half the battle is knowing about the funding opportunities that are available\, the other half is putting together a strong application. We’re here to help with both. \nIn this info session\, we will share information about our upcoming 5-week Capital Bootcamp\, where Colorado business owners will receive technical assistance to complete their application for state funding programs. The bootcamp allows for drop-ins on a single session that you specifically need help on\, or attend all 5-weeks and receive a “Capital Ready” certification along with all the tools needed to complete your application. \nIn this information session we will cover: \n– An overview of the state funding programs that exist and qualifications for each program\n-A detailed schedule of the Capital Bootcamp and what each session will cover\n-A review of the Capital Ready certification and how it works \nAbout our presenter:\nKiki Hooton: Owner of Jackalope Events\, Kiki works on corporate and community event planning\, finding joy in turning ordinary events into the magical. Kiki has worked in the venture and startup ecosystem for nearly 10 years\, and has planned everything from three day venture summits to singles auctions. In her free time\, you’ll find her hanging with her dog\, Cheddar.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/capital-bootcamp-info-session/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/July-Capital-Bootcamp-Info-Session.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260716T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260716T130000
DTSTAMP:20260706T161743Z
CREATED:20260623T175212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T161743Z
UID:10000313-1784203200-1784206800@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Colorado Capital: Funding Opportunities Through OEDIT
DESCRIPTION:Most business owners in Colorado are leaving money on the table…not because the capital isn’t there\, but because they don’t know about it. This workshop series is here to change that.  Each session will explore different Colorado-specific capital opportunities that could make a serious difference in your business and how to apply for it. \n In this second session\, we will provide attendees with a high level overview of several of the funding opportunities offered through the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)\, specifically the Colorado Startup Loan Fund\, CLIMBER\, Colorado Credit Reserve and Cash Collateral Support\, and finally the Colorado State Small Business Credit Initiative.  Attendees will walk away with a “Program Fit” worksheet to clearly understand their application readiness for each program and next steps. \nAbout our presenter:\nOwner of Jackalope Events\, Kiki Hooton works on corporate and community event planning\, finding joy in turning ordinary events into the magical.  Kiki has worked in the venture and startup ecosystem for nearly 10 years\, and has planned everything from three day venture summits to singles auctions to support small businesses. In her free time\, you’ll find her hanging with her dog\, Cheddar.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/colorado-capital-funding-opportunities-you-may-be-missing-out-on-a-high-level-overview-of-funding-opportunities-offered-through-oedit/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/July-Colorado-Capital-with-Kiki-Hooton.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260716T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260716T100000
DTSTAMP:20260706T161844Z
CREATED:20260604T142714Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T161844Z
UID:10000298-1784192400-1784196000@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Navigating Business Transition and Growth Through Employee Ownership
DESCRIPTION:Join us along with Minsun Ji\, Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Colorado (RMEOC)\, to address critical pathways for sustainable business growth and succession planning by exploring employee ownership models. Designed for both startup groups and retiring business owners\, the session highlights actionable strategies for navigating business transitions and structuring employee-led organizations. \nLed by insights from Minsun\, the webinar addresses major industry hurdles\, including complex financing structures and the lack of accessible\, cost-free platforms for business listings. Participants will gain a clear understanding of practical solutions for these challenges\, supported by recent data and ecosystem feedback in Colorado. \nKey Takeaways: \n\nNavigating Transitions: How retiring owners can seamlessly sell their businesses to their employees.\nOvercoming Financial Barriers: Insights into emerging financing options and no-charge business services.\nA Proven Roadmap: A step-by-step breakdown of RMEOC’s conversion process\, including:\nFeasibility Assessment: Evaluating viability and financial health.\nGovernance Structures: Designing fair\, collective leadership frameworks.\nCo-op Education: Empowering employee-owners for long-term operational success.\n\nAbout Minsun:\nMinsun Ji (Ph.D.) is a labor-community organizer\, activist scholar and popular educator. She has long experience in non-profit management and employee ownership efforts. Minsun was a graduate program director of the Center for New Directions in Politics and Public Policy in the Political Science Department at the University of Colorado Denver where she created graduate program tracks in the social economy and community-labor organizing to grow leaders of social economy-labor organizing in Colorado. Minsun organized immigrant janitors\, immigrant day laborers and domestic workers and she was the founder and the executive director of Denver’s first worker center\, El Centro Humanitario para los Trabajadores (Humanitarian Center for Workers).
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/passing-the-torch-navigating-business-transition-and-growth-through-employee-ownership/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Passing-the-Torch-Navigating-Business-Transition-and-Growth-Through-Employee-Ownership-Startup-Colorado-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260710T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260710T100000
DTSTAMP:20260522T161259Z
CREATED:20260413T172402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T161259Z
UID:10000269-1783674000-1783677600@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Rural Women in Entrepreneurship
DESCRIPTION:Each month\, the Rural Women in Entrepreneurship group inside the Startup Colorado Community comes together for a virtual hour of connection. July’s co-host will be Maureen Rikhof\, co-owner of Carpe Construction and Ark Valley Pallet Company. \nThis hour is casual\, fun\, and easy to drop into. We talk about what we’re currently working on\, share our stories\, and pool our resources to help each other get to that ‘next step’ on the long entrepreneurial road ahead. \nThe format is simple: \n\n15–20 minute talk from our co-host\nRounds of 1:1 connections with other community members\nCome and meet fellow women entrepreneurs from all over the state to discuss current topics and trends in business\n\nFree and open to all Colorado women working in business and business support. \nAbout Maureen: \nMaureen Rikhof is an entrepreneur\, educator\, and La Junta City Council member who co-owns Carpe Construction and Ark Valley Pallet Company\, where she is deeply involved in building and operating businesses in a rural market. She also teaches business at Otero College\, bringing real-world experience into the classroom. With a background in leadership across higher education and nonprofits\, Maureen is passionate about entrepreneurship and supporting rural founders in creating sustainable\, impactful ventures.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/rural-women-in-entrepreneurship-10/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community,Networking,Rural Women in Entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Maureen-Rikhof-Rural-Women-in-Entrepreneurship.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Vanessa McCrann":MAILTO:vanessa@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260701T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260701T100000
DTSTAMP:20260514T192540Z
CREATED:20260512T165405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T192540Z
UID:10000283-1782896400-1782900000@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:July Lean Coffee
DESCRIPTION:Join the Startup Colorado Community for our quarterly Lean Coffee online series (register here)—an interactive networking discussion that’s tailored to entrepreneurs from all industries. Each quarter\, we are featuring a co-host from the either the founder or funder world. These founders or funders will kick things off by explaining their niche\, how they got to where they are today\, and answering your questions in real time. \nThis month we’ll be joined by Keegan Drake. Keegan is the managing attorney of Drake Legal\, PLLC\, a boutique law firm serving businesses and individuals. Previously\, Keegan held roles at major law firms and global corporations. He earned a JD/MBA from Duke University\, where he was an editor of the law review. Keegan believes that although talent is everywhere in Colorado\, access to sophisticated legal advice is often limited to a handful of zip codes. As such\, he is passionate about closing that gap\, to bring big-firm caliber service to rural entrepreneurs and the communities that anchor them. An active member of the Colorado Bar Association\, Keegan also writes on topics specific to agricultural and natural resource assets. \nGoing from “idea” to “incorporation” can be difficult without a legal playbook. In this session\, we will discuss the basic checklist to comply with the law and build a framework for success. There is an interactive Q&A for founders to apply the conversation to their own situations.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/july-lean-coffee/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/July-Lean-Coffee-Startup-Colorado-Keegan-Drake-.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260626T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260626T100000
DTSTAMP:20260519T160139Z
CREATED:20260519T160137Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T160139Z
UID:10000286-1782464400-1782468000@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Scaling Your Business Requires Scaling Your Mind
DESCRIPTION:Event Description\nMost founders know the business strategies for growth. What often goes unexamined is what happens internally when the pressure builds: the decision fatigue\, the isolation\, the stress that compounds quietly in the background. \nIn this session\, Stephanie Kwong\, co-founder of the Rapid Rewire Method and Unbound\, walks through how unresolved emotional patterns directly impact your business outcomes. From decision-making under stress to the mental load of carrying full responsibility\, we’ll explore what’s actually driving the cycles that keep founders stuck and what it looks like to address them at the root\, not just manage them. \nYou’ll leave with a clearer understanding of why inner work is a business growth strategy\, and a practical framework you can apply right away. \n  \nAbout Stephanie:\nKnown as the “secret weapon” to elite leaders\, Stephanie is a subconscious coaching expert with 20 years of experience. She is the Co-Founder of the Rapid Rewire Method®\, a training company teaching a proven suite of transformational tools that fuse science and spirituality to dissolve mental and emotional blocks in minutes\, unlocking greater power\, peace\, and freedom. She’s also the Founder of Unbound\, a breakthrough platform that connects clients with certified Rapid Rewire practitioners for rapid\, lasting transformation. Her work empowers people to rewire their brain and body and step into the next evolution of human potential.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/scaling-your-business-requires-scaling-your-mind/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Scaling-Your-Business-Requires-Scaling-Your-Mind-Startup-Colorado.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260624T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260624T130000
DTSTAMP:20260522T160000Z
CREATED:20260514T150538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T160000Z
UID:10000285-1782302400-1782306000@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:What’s Next: A Roadmap for Bringing Your Creative Business to Life
DESCRIPTION:If you have an idea for a creative business but aren’t sure what comes next\, this workshop is for you. Join creative business coach Chereen Leong Schwarz for an encouraging\, action-oriented session designed for idea-stage creatives who are starting from the ground up. \nChereen will open with a grounding exercise\, then lead a workshop-style presentation focused on helping you move from idea to action. Together\, you’ll explore how to get clear on your direction\, identify practical next steps\, and build momentum in a way that feels aligned with your values\, creativity\, and capacity. \nAttendees will leave with actionable takeaways\, a stronger sense of direction\, and time for discussion and Q&A around the real questions that come up when you’re just getting started. \n  \nAbout the Speaker: \nChereen is a creative business coach and founder of Smeeny Made Wild. She helps creatives and small business owners turn ideas into action through intentional\, practical support that builds clarity\, confidence\, and momentum.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/whats-next-a-roadmap-for-bringing-your-creative-business-to-life/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community,Rural Creative Collective
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Rural-Creative-Connections-Startup-Colorado-Chereen-Leong-Schwarz.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Vanessa McCrann":MAILTO:vanessa@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260618T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260618T090000
DTSTAMP:20260605T191158Z
CREATED:20260605T191157Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T191158Z
UID:10000299-1781769600-1781773200@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Colorado Capital: Funding opportunities you may be missing out on- CLIMBER Loan Fund Program 
DESCRIPTION:Most business owners in Colorado are leaving money on the table…not because the capital isn’t there\, but because they don’t know about it. This workshop series is here to change that.  Each session will explore different Colorado-specific capital opportunities that could make a serious difference in your business and how to apply for it. \n In this first session\, First Southwest Community Fund (FSCF) team members Rosy Aburto McDonough and AJ Shaikh will provide an overview of the CLIMBER Loan Fund Program\, a statewide program offering working capital loans to Colorado small businesses\, up to $500\,000. We will cover how the program works\, loan specifics and qualification requirements\, and exactly how to apply. FSCF will also share easily accessible technical resources (templates\, examples\, fillable files) they share to help with the application. Attendees will walk away with a “Program Fit” worksheet to clearly understand their application readiness and next steps. \nMore about our presenters: \nRosy Aburto McDonough- Executive Director \nRosy has extensive experience as an independent business consultant in financial\, strategy and business development\, and procurement/certification state-wide. She comes to FSWCF from the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado (HCC) where she was the Executive Director. Prior to her role at HCC\, she served as the Director of the Minority Business Office of Colorado at the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). \nAJ Shaikh- Commercial Lender \nAJ Shaikh has over a decade of experience in retail banking\, business banking\, commercial lending\, and SBA finance. He has held senior roles at regional and national financial institutions\, managing multimillion-dollar lending portfolios and specializing in SBA 7(a) and 504 lending\, commercial credit\, and relationship management.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/colorado-capital-funding-opportunities-you-may-be-missing-out-on-climber-loan-fund-program/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/COLORADO-CAPITAL-June-TA-Workshop-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260612T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260612T100000
DTSTAMP:20260522T161339Z
CREATED:20260318T133311Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T161339Z
UID:10000256-1781254800-1781258400@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Rural Women in Entrepreneurship
DESCRIPTION:Each month\, the Rural Women in Entrepreneurship group inside the Startup Colorado Community comes together for a virtual hour of connection. June’s co-host will be Heather Otter\, Executive Director SCAPE \nThis hour is casual\, fun\, and easy to drop into. We talk about what we’re currently working on\, share our stories\, and pool our resources to help each other get to that ‘next step’ on the long entrepreneurial road ahead. \nThe format is simple: \n\n15–20 minute talk from our co-host\nRounds of 1:1 connections with other community members\nCome and meet fellow women entrepreneurs from all over the state to discuss current topics and trends in business\n\nFree and open to all Colorado women working in business and business support. \nAbout Heather:  \nI started my career in education—first teaching high school\, then moving into adult education and technology training. That sparked my entrepreneurial side\, and I grew a small computer training business\, learning a lot about running a company along the way. From there\, I moved into the corporate world\, helping natural gas compression companies design hands-on training programs for their field teams. Those experiences gave me a strong foundation in scaling businesses\, workforce development\, and relationship-building\, which naturally led to my work in economic development here in Southwest Colorado—supporting entrepreneurs\, strengthening local companies\, and helping our communities thrive.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/rural-women-in-entrepreneurship-9/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community,Networking,Rural Women in Entrepreneurship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Heather-Otter-June-2026-Rural-Women-in-Entrepreneurship.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Vanessa McCrann":MAILTO:vanessa@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260603T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260603T130000
DTSTAMP:20260514T192438Z
CREATED:20260318T170024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T192438Z
UID:10000261-1780488000-1780491600@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:June Demo Days
DESCRIPTION:Community members are encouraged to tune in to cheer on the five rural founders pitching in our second Demo Days of 2026! \nOur Demo Days event is a quarterly virtual pitch opportunity for Colorado founders to present their businesses to a panel of judges and audience of community members. Each founder delivers a four-minute pitch\, followed by three minutes of questions and brief feedback from the judges. Companies are scored on a simple one-to-five scale\, and a top-performing pitch is announced at the end of the event. \nFounders selected to pitch will compete for a cash award\, along with in-kind support opportunities that may include legal services\, mentorship\, and marketing packages. \nDemo Days are designed to offer meaningful exposure\, clear feedback\, and a streamlined pitching experience without the pressure of a full competition. \nApplications closed May 8th. \nTuning in to join the audience? Register here via Zoom\, or through the button at the top of the page.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/virtual-demo-days/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/June-Demo-Days.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260528T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260528T130000
DTSTAMP:20260514T195156Z
CREATED:20260420T152939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T195156Z
UID:10000275-1779969600-1779973200@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Rural Creative Connections with Mesa County Fantasy Faire
DESCRIPTION:For our first Rural Creative Connections session of the year\, we’re heading (virtually) to Grand Junction to meet Dierdre Monroe—co-owner of Sweet River Event Venue and organizer of the returning Mesa County Fantasy Faire. \nOriginally held in the 2010s\, the Fantasy Faire built a loyal following—and now\, a decade later\, Deirdre is bringing it back with a fresh vision. Designed as a family-friendly cultural festival\, the Faire creates paid opportunities for local artists\, makers\, and performers while offering accessible arts experiences for families across the Western Slope. \nWith early momentum and support from the Grand Junction Commission on Arts & Culture\, Deirdre is reimagining what this event can be—blending creativity\, community\, and economic opportunity for rural creatives. She’ll share what it takes to revive a beloved event\, build new partnerships\, and grow something sustainable from the ground up. \nAfter the spotlight\, we’ll move into rounds of 1:1 networking—a chance to share what you’re working on\, what you need help with\, and connect with fellow rural creatives.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/rural-creative-connections-with-mesa-county-fantasy-faire/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Networking,Rural Creative Collective
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rural-Creative-Connections-Startup-Colorado-Deirdre-Monroe-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Vanessa McCrann":MAILTO:vanessa@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260519T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260519T133000
DTSTAMP:20260514T192343Z
CREATED:20260427T190557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T192343Z
UID:10000281-1779192000-1779197400@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Belonging @ Startup Colorado Demo Day
DESCRIPTION:Ever wondered what makes a company a “Belonging” company? Join us and see for yourself! Startup Colorado is hosting a special Demo Day featuring the inaugural Belonging @ Startup Colorado cohort. This virtual event will showcase all of the companies in the cohort as founders share their ventures\, their vision\, and the impact they hope to create through entrepreneurship. \nFrom businesses designed to strengthen connection and expand opportunity to ventures rooted in community impact\, this Demo Day offers a look at how founders are building companies with belonging at the center. Founders will be judged by a panel of experts in entrepreneurship and the belonging space. The top eight companies will move on to the Belonging @ Startup Colorado Growth Challenge program. \nJoin us on May 19 from 12–1:30 p.m. MT to hear directly from founders\, discover emerging companies from across Colorado\, and see how entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for creating belonging. \nThe Belonging @ Startup Colorado program is the result of an innovative new partnership between Startup Colorado and Belonging Colorado. \n>> Register via Zoom: Linked here or in the button at the top of the page.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/belonging-colorado-startup-colorado-demo-day/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/belonging___startup_colorado_demo_day_720.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Olivia Reed":MAILTO:olivia@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260410T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260410T100000
DTSTAMP:20260325T212237Z
CREATED:20260312T140422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T212237Z
UID:10000254-1775811600-1775815200@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Rural Women in Entrepreneurship
DESCRIPTION:Each month\, the Rural Women in Entrepreneurship group inside the Startup Colorado Community comes together for a virtual hour of connection. April’s co-host will be Sasha Nelson\, serial entrepreneur and founder\, Zephyr Mountain Publishing\, Economic Catalysts\, Colorado Kaleidoscopes\, and Adventure Hosts. \nThis hour is casual\, fun\, and easy to drop into. We talk about what we’re currently working on\, share our stories\, and pool our resources to help each other get to that ‘next step’ on the long entrepreneurial road ahead. \nThe format is simple: \n\n15–20 minute talk from our co-host\nRounds of 1:1 connections with other community members\nCome and meet fellow women entrepreneurs from all over the state to discuss current topics and trends in business\n\nFree and open to all Colorado women working in business and business support. \nAbout Sasha:  \nJust Transition Subject Matter Expert | Sasha Nelson is a strategic advisor with over two decades of experience in community\, workforce\, and economic development. A serial entrepreneur herself\, she specializes in guiding regions\, governments\, and organizations through the complex process of transitioning away from fossil fuel dependence toward sustainable\, diversified economies. \nHer prior roles include serving as the Dean of Workforce Education & Economic Development at Colorado Northwestern Community College\, where she authored statewide coal worker surveys informing the Colorado Office of Just Transition’s energy transition strategy. Currently\, as an Economic Recovery Corps Fellow supporting Northwest Colorado—a focal point for one of the largest U.S. coal Just Transition efforts—Sasha leverages her deep expertise in ecosystem building\, diversification strategy\, and community-centered resilience. She also leads Northwest Colorado’s first regional business retention and expansion program and recently launched a new micro-revolving loan fund. \nSasha’s work focuses on unlocking a region’s latent capacity through inclusive processes and strategic investment\, ensuring that disruption transforms into durable\, long-term prosperity. Sasha has directly advised on over 25 regional projects\, securing more than $25 million in grants to advance economic diversification in the tier 1 coal just transition communities within Northwest Colorado across emerging sectors like renewable energy\, value-added agriculture\, and technology. This effort has helped advance a projected 400–450 jobs and contributed to over $4 billion in new capital investment. A respected thought leader\, Sasha has presented her work on Just Transition at national convenings\, including the IEDC and NACo.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/rural-women-in-entrepreneurship-8/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sasha-Nelson-Rural-Women-in-Entrepreneurship.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Vanessa McCrann":MAILTO:vanessa@startupcolorado.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260313T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260313T100000
DTSTAMP:20260306T164310Z
CREATED:20260216T160002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T164310Z
UID:10000245-1773392400-1773396000@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Rural Women in Entrepreneurship
DESCRIPTION:Each month\, the Rural Women in Entrepreneurship group inside the Startup Colorado Community comes together for a virtual hour of connection. March’s co-host will be Lauren Czaplicki\, founder of Fungal Solutions- Wildfire Ltd! \nThis hour is casual\, fun\, and easy to drop into. We talk about what we’re currently working on\, share our stories\, and pool our resources to help each other get to that ‘next step’ on the long entrepreneurial road ahead. \nThe format is simple: \n\n15–20 minute talk from our co-host\nRounds of 1:1 connections with other community members\nCome and meet fellow women entrepreneurs from all over the state to discuss current topics and trends in business\n\nFree and open to all Colorado women working in business and business support. \nAbout Lauren: \nLauren Czaplicki is an entrepreneur and founder of Fungal Solutions – Wildfire Ltd.\, a wildfire mitigation and land resilience company serving Southwest Colorado. She launched her business to challenge the status quo of “cut and burn” fire mitigation by developing water-wise\, living fire barrier systems that convert woody debris into soil\, upcycling flammable woodchips into fire barriers\, erosion control features\, and passive irrigation systems that strengthen landscapes over time. \nLauren works primarily with 5–35 acre landowners and HOAs\, coordinating strategic thinning and implementing fungal fuels treatments that reduce risk while enhancing property value. Her work blends science\, contracting\, and ecological design and reflects her passion for building innovative\, mission-driven businesses in traditionally male-dominated industries. Her background is in Environmental Engineering and this is her second company. \nPlease register through Zoom: linked here\, or through the ‘register’ button at the top of the page.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/rural-women-in-entrepreneurship-7/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Community,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LAUREN-CZAPLICKI-Rural-Women-in-Entrepreneurship.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260304
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260306
DTSTAMP:20260303T182329Z
CREATED:20251205T233419Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T182329Z
UID:10000167-1772582400-1772755199@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Weld County Startup Colorado Roadtrip
DESCRIPTION:Startup Colorado is hitting the road\, bringing the top business resources\, knowledge\, and networking opportunities to your hometown. Join us for this event series\, spotlighting access to capital\, digital transformation\, and connectivity in Rural Colorado. Our next stop will be in-person in Weld County (Greeley specifically)\, March 4-5th 2026! \nThis three-day event aims to equip founders with hands-on support and education\, strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem\, spotlight the innovation that is already taking place in the area\, and expand access to funding and bringing new opportunities to the area. \nThis event is open to founders at every stage and from every corner of the state! \nYou can learn more and see our full agenda here: https://startupcolorado.org/roadtrip/weld-county-roadtrip/ \nLooking to get involved or have questions? Reach out to us at Olivia@StartupColorado.org
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/weld-county-startup-colorado-roadtrip/
LOCATION:Greeley
CATEGORIES:Community,Conference,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Weld-County-Roadtrip.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260225
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260228
DTSTAMP:20260123T234753Z
CREATED:20251120T210044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T234753Z
UID:10000159-1771977600-1772236799@startupcolorado.org
SUMMARY:Rural Startup Days
DESCRIPTION:Join us in La Junta\, February 25-27th\, for Rural Startup Days! \nThis is a completely free\, multi-day event designed to activate the Southeast entrepreneurial community by providing educational sessions\, local showcases\, and networking opportunities! Rural Startup Days spotlights the joy of supporting small businesses and a thriving community by shopping local\, building community\, and network with fellow founders in and around the La Junta area. \nExplore the event details (schedule\, locations\, speakers\, etc.) \nRural Startup Days is proudly organized by Startup Colorado.
URL:https://startupcolorado.org/event/rural-startup-days/
CATEGORIES:Community,Conference,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://startupcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Rural-Startup-Days-banners-1.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR