FOUNDER COOPETITION
ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS
Gain practical, hands-on support to build a successful strategy for your business and compete for a BEN Advisory Session (a 90-minute virtual presentation, Q&A, and feedback opportunity with executive advisors from the Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network). Our top 3 participants will each earn a $5K microgrant.
The Founder Coopetition is purpose-built for rural Colorado founders who need to take their business to the next level with the timely advice from some of Colorado’s most experienced thought leaders.
WHAT IS A COOPETITION?
Building a business is hard. But it can be even harder in small-town Colorado, where access to experienced funding guides and capital networks is often limited.
That’s why Startup Colorado created the Founder Coopetition, combining cooperative learning with a friendly competition.
Cooperation: You will join a select group of rural entrepreneurs in shared learning and accountability, as you get clear on your funding needs, your best options, and your “Ask.”
Competition: The course culminates in a video pitch for expert reviewers to determine which three participants get to participate in a 90-minute BEN session.
What you’ll gain in 4-weeks
- Expert funding assessment for your business
- Pros & cons of different funding models to best-fit your business
- Where and how to access your funding options
- Direct connections with expert advisors in Colorado
- A supportive community of fellow small-town entrepreneurs
- Present your growth needs to over 50 Startup Colorado and Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network Colorado advisors
What to expect
Part 1: Assessment. We start with an assessment of your business to define your funding needs and recommend best-fit options for your business.
Part 2: Access. You will learn where and how to access your funding options, connect with people who can help, and begin preparing your 90-second video presentation, an “Ask” to help get you beyond a current strategic road block.
Part 3: Action. In the final week, we share your video pitch with our extensive network of partners to attract the support and attention you need.
What your weeks will look like
Weekly Interactive Learning
Zoom cohort discussions and Brown Bag Lunches covering weekly assignments
1:1 office hours with your Startup Colorado Lead
Private discussion forum to share your work and ask questions
Built For Busy Founders
Are you excited about what you see here, but worried about the time commitment? We can’t help you if we can’t meet you where you are.
That’s why the Coopetition is designed to fit into your schedule, not compete with it. Weekly assignments are bite-size to avoid overthinking and to quickly gain feedback.
Everything else in the program is opt-in as needed.
UPCOMING COHORTS
Cohort Dates
- February 5 – 29, 2024
- July 22 – August 19, 2024
- October 7 – October 31, 2024
"The collaboration and camaraderie I found in the Founder Coopetition has been impactful and unforgettable. The direction and insight I gathered from the BEN Session was invaluable.” - Elisha Espinoza, Palisade Coffee
jumpstart your business
MEET THE FOUNDERS
