COLORADO – Startup Colorado is thrilled to announce the appointment of a new program director for its innovative Founder Coopetition program, a unique blend of cooperation and competition designed to fuel the growth of early-stage businesses in rural areas. Tim Martinez will join the Startup Colorado team in their efforts to support rural entrepreneurs and small business owners.
In addition to this exciting leadership change, Startup Colorado announces three Founder Coopetition cohorts:
- September 7-27, 2023
- October 26 – November 18, 2023
- April 25 – May 16, 2024
The organization is also issuing an immediate call for applications from aspiring rural entrepreneurs looking to elevate their businesses. There is a rolling deadline for all cohorts, however founders interested in participating in the September program are encouraged to apply by August 28th.
Participants in the program will have the opportunity to engage in shared learning and accountability experiences, fostering a collaborative environment that uplifts all businesses involved. Furthermore, participants will put their competitive spirits to the test by participating in a funding pitch, where they will receive valuable feedback from both peers and expert reviewers.
Each cohort will welcome 12-15 exceptional rural startups from across the state, awarding the top three founders in each cohort with a $5,000 micro-grant to further their early-stage development. With four cohorts in total, this results in an impressive $60,000 in non-dilutive funding that will be distributed to 12 companies throughout the program.
Applications for the upcoming cohorts are now open. Interested rural entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply without delay to secure their spot in this transformative program. For more information and to apply, visit FounderCoopetition.com.
About Tim Martinez, Founder Coopetition Program Director
“My passion is supporting entrepreneurial growth and watching it flourish,” Tim Martinez said. “Getting to do this work in rural Colorado via the Founder Coopetition is a dream come true.”
Martinez is a seasoned advocate for Colorado’s economic development initiatives, dedicating his expertise to strengthen and diversify local economies. Based in Salida, Colorado, Martinez co-founded the Chaffee County EDC Ascent accelerator program, empowering entrepreneurs and equipping them with the tools to succeed. He also manages THE LOBBY coworking and event space, fostering collaboration and innovation among businesses, remote workers and the local ecosystem. Tim plays a pivotal role in engaging with the Ascent Mentors and Ark_Angels Angel Network, connecting startups with vital resources and funding.
About Startup Colorado
Startup Colorado is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports rural entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders in 53 rural counties across Colorado. We 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.
For media inquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
Margaret Hedderman
Communications & Editorial Director
Startup Colorado
margaret@startupcolorado.org
