By Margaret Hedderman
At Startup Colorado, we know that the next big idea can come from anywhere— even the smallest of towns. That’s why we’re launching the Startup Colorado Pitch Series, designed for rural founders to elevate their profile and connect with meaningful investment opportunities. We’re taking this series on the road, with events planned in Sterling, at West Slope Startup Week in Durango, and Emergent Campus in Florence—each showcasing the potential for investment opportunities outside city limits.
First up: Sterling. Mark your calendar for April 23, 2025, when we’ll gather in this emerging startup community to host the first pitch competition of the year. Partnering with the Logan County Economic Development Corporation, this event will offer in-revenue businesses the opportunity to refine their pitch, gain visibility, and access new funding opportunities.
The History of the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition
From 2020-2023, the Greater Colorado Pitch Series—organized by the Greater Colorado Venture Fund (GCVF)—served as a spotlight for rural founders seeking to scale innovative companies. In 2024, Startup Colorado took the reins from the GCVF team and relaunched the pitch series at West Slope Startup Week in Durango.
The inaugural event saw more than $380,000 awarded to rural entrepreneurs. Since then, the participating founders have raised over $2m collectively, highlighting the potential and promise of rural startups. Building on that momentum, the 2025-2026 series aims to expand its reach, bringing funding opportunities and investment connections to even more communities across the state.
Why Sterling?
Startup Colorado has supported the Logan County EDC’s annual pitch competition for several years. The success of this regional event has proven that Sterling is a prime location for a statewide pitch competition. While the region has supported numerous “success stories”—many in the food and ag industries—we expect the event to attract entrepreneurs across all verticals.
Read how AnywhereCam’s journey to VC funding began at the Logan County EDC pitch competition here.
What to Expect at the Pitch Competition
The Startup Colorado Pitch Competition in Sterling will feature rural entrepreneurs from diverse industries who are ready to pitch their ideas and compete for funding and other business resources. Founders will have the opportunity to present their business models, growth strategies, and impact potential to a panel of experienced judges. The event will not only spotlight these talented entrepreneurs, but also provide attendees with valuable networking opportunities and insights into the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Rural Colorado.
Who Can Apply?
The Startup Colorado Pitch Competition in Sterling is open to entrepreneurs who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be a Colorado resident and operate a business in a rural county.
- Business must be registered with the State of Colorado and in good standing.
- Annual revenue must not exceed $250,000.
- Founders should be prepared to launch a Kiva crowdfunding loan campaign.
These requirements are designed to ensure that early-stage founders with scalable ideas have the chance to participate and benefit from the competition.
Interested in pitching? Read how these rural founders secured VC investment at the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition at West Slope Startup Week.
Creating Win-Win-Win Scenarios
The Startup Colorado Pitch Series is designed to create win-win-win opportunities for all stakeholders involved:
- Entrepreneurs and Companies: Founders gain access to funding, an expert business network, and visibility, helping them scale their startups and refine their strategies.
- Funding Partners: From CDFIs and traditional banks to venture capital, angels and institutional partners, funders connect with innovative businesses and early-stage opportunities in Rural Colorado.
- Regional Economic Impact: The competition generates measurable ROI for the regions where these businesses operate, fostering job creation, community growth, and economic sustainability.
The anticipated outcome of the Pitch Competition Series in 2025 and 2026 is over $2 million in deal flow between entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders, showcasing the value of investing in rural innovation.
Why Participate?
Pitching in this competition isn’t just about securing funding—though that’s certainly a key component. It’s also an opportunity for founders to:
- Refine your pitch: Work with a pitch coach to craft a compelling story that resonates with investors and stakeholders.
- Gain visibility: Step into the spotlight and build awareness for your business.
- Expand your network: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem leaders.
- Access resources: Learn about programs and tools available to help rural businesses thrive.
How to Apply
Applications for the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition in Sterling are now open, and we encourage all eligible founders to apply. Details about the application process, including deadlines and submission requirements, are available here.
Join Us in Sterling
Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to pitch, an investor seeking your next opportunity, or a community member passionate about supporting local businesses, we invite you to join us in Sterling on April 23, 2025. Together, we can amplify the voices of rural founders and shine a light on the untapped potential that exists outside the Front Range.
Stay connected with Startup Colorado for updates on the Pitch Series and other events happening throughout the year. We can’t wait to see you in Sterling as we kick off this new chapter in rural entrepreneurship.
Thanks to Our Sterling Pitch Competition Partners:
Funding Partners:
Join us in empowering rural entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders to achieve even more in 2025. Contributions of any amount directly power our mission to build a sustainable statewide network of resources supporting rural entrepreneurs, so that people and places can thrive and chart their own futures! Will you help us?
