Unlock your startup idea and prepare for launch
The Idea Factory is a 4-week accelerator program tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs ready to transform their innovative ideas into actionable, launch-ready plans.
Join a community of motivated founders and work closely with our expert advisors to fine-tune your business strategy. At the end of the program, you’ll be prepared to succinctly summarize and pitch your idea in 90 seconds to a committee of expert advisors and funders.
What you’ll gain in FOUR weeks
- Funding assessment for your business
- Pros and cons of different funding models
- Direct connections with expert advisors in Colorado
- A supportive community of fellow rural entrepreneurs
- Opportunity to pitch your business to our committee of advisors and funders
- Potential feature story in Startup Colorado’s storytelling program
WHO IS THE IDEA FACTORY FOR?
- You’ve got a business idea but are feeling stuck or you have many ideas and need feedback on which one has the most potential for success.
- Your business is currently pre-revenue
- Your still working through the idea or early concept
The Idea Factory is the default starting point for unclear and early-stage ideas. In most cases, it is the precursor to the Growth Challenge.
WHAT TO EXPECT
| Length | 4 weeks, 4 two-hour sessions |
| Time Commitment | 3–4 hrs/week (includes group meetings) |
| Format |
Weekly group meetings Cohort of 10–15 founders 1:1 office hours Optional brown Bag Lunches Private online forum |
| Weekly Homework | Short (1–3 minute) video every week, peer-reviewed by the cohort |
| Curriculum Focus | Idea clarity and conciseness, funding assessment, peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, refining your pitch |
| Culminating Outcome | Final 90-second video distributed to a network of advisors, for direct feedback and support. |
UPCOMING COHORTS
FALL 2026:
Office of Just Transition (OJT) Idea Factory
- For coal transition workers and their communities
- Applications close on September 18. Apply here.
- Program dates: Sept 30-Oct 21, 2026
