Rural Women in Entrepreneurship

Building community for women entrepreneurs across rural Colorado

The Rural Women in Entrepreneurship group is a monthly gathering that helps women grow their networks, share experiences, discover resources, and support one another in business and life.

OUR STORY

What started in August 2021 as a small virtual gathering called Women’s Lean Coffee has grown into a thriving community of women entrepreneurs across Colorado.

As the group evolved beyond the Lean Coffee format, so did its name. Rural Women in Entrepreneurship (RWE) better reflects the women who show up each month—rural entrepreneurs, founders, creatives, and business support leaders who come together to share ideas, resources, and encouragement.

Today, RWE monthly virtual meetups are a space to:

Build meaningful connections
Share stories and real-world challenges
Exchange resources and opportunities
Find inspiration and reduce the isolation of entrepreneurship

WHY THIS COMMUNITY EXISTS

Entrepreneurship can be isolating, especially in rural communities. RWE exists to change that for women.

This support group is designed to be a network for women across Colorado, where participants can:

Grow their personal and professional networks
Learn from other women navigating similar paths
Access funding and business resources
Show up authentically and be supported

Stay in the loop for events and opportunities:

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Join us for our monthly virtual gatherings, co-hosted by women leaders and entrepreneurs from across Colorado.

What to expect:

Facilitated conversation and peer connection
Insights from a rotating co-host each month
Space to share wins, challenges, and ideas

RSVP for the next RWE meetup:

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July 2026
Rural Women in Entrepreneurship

July 10 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Online

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 […]

FEATURED: RWE Retreat

October 30 – November 1, 2026

Gather. Reflect. Reset.

In 2026, we’re bringing this virtual community together in person for the first time to celebrate five years of connection.

The Rural Women in Entrepreneurship Retreat is designed as an affordable, intentional space to step away from the day-to-day, reconnect with yourself and others, and set meaningful direction before the busy holiday season. Whether you’ve been coming to RWE meetups for a while, or you’re completely new to the group and ready to dive in, we’d love to have you with us.

What to expect:

Connection with fellow rural women in business
Time for reflection and goal-setting
Wellness-focused activities
Space to plant seeds for the business year ahead before the holiday rush

FUNDING & RESOURCES FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS

We believe access to funding and resources should be easier to navigate.

Here are a few opportunities and organizations that support women entrepreneurs:

Grants and funding programs for women-owned businesses
Microloan and community lending resources
Business support organizations across Colorado
Educational tools and workshops

MEET OUR CO-HOSTS & SPEAKERS

Each month, RWE is co-hosted by a woman entrepreneur or leader who brings her perspective, experience, and insights to the group. Together, these voices shape the richness of this community.