By Margaret Hedderman
The Startup Colorado Founder Coopetition – Idea Factory has just wrapped up its July cohort which supported 14 rural founders from around the state. Today we’re pleased to announce our top three participants that have stood out for their innovation, passion, and commitment to their visions.
This program was designed to help rural entrepreneurs transform their Big Ideas into clear, ready-to-launch strategies by fostering a collaborative environment that encourages peer-to-peer support, strategic development, and community building.
The Idea Factory culminates in a pitch competition where participants showcase their progress and vision to a panel of judges. Awards are granted based on overall performance, active participation, and peer reviews, reflecting the program’s focus on collaboration and mutual growth. We are thrilled to share the success stories of this cohort’s top three companies: Local NEWS Network, Mindful Toolbox, and Grow Nutrition, LLC.
“The winners in this cohort, along with all the participants, truly represent the innovation and resilience that define rural Colorado,” said Tim Martinez, Startup Colorado’s Director of Program Development & Innovation. “They are not just building businesses; they are building stronger communities and creating opportunities where others might see limitations.”
The Winners:
1st place, $2,000: Local NEWS Network, Durango.
Taking home the top prize of $2,000, Local NEWS Network is a tech media company that is revolutionizing how community news is produced and distributed. Founder Laurie Sigilito and Chief Technology Officer Nathan Morris are on a mission to rebuild the information economy in rural America by providing free, frictionless content that is both accessible and scalable. With an initial focus on rural communities in the USA, the company aims to support the production and distribution of local news at both micro and national levels as their technology continues to mature.
Laurie Sigillito noted the impact the Idea Factory programming—especially the 90-second pitch video—has had upon her company:
“Ninety seconds seems long when listening to others share their business information, but it speeds by when attempting to share your own. The Founder Coopetition helped us crystallize our messaging and positioning, as well as identify our current “ask” in our growth strategy.”
Laurie’s journey from the urban tech scene of Silicon Valley to the rural landscapes of Colorado has given her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by rural businesses. She has successfully harnessed her systems management expertise to develop a media company that is reshaping local journalism in areas such as Durango, Cortez, Telluride, and Farmington, NM.
2nd Place: Mindful Toolbox – $1,000 Prize
Earning second place and a $1,000 prize is Mindful Toolbox, founded by Jessica Noll. With a passion for mindfulness that has developed over years as a yoga student and teacher, Jessica Noll believes that mindfulness is a skill that can be learned at a young age. Mindful Toolbox offers a range of classes, camps, and parties for local children, blending movement, meditation, breathwork, art, and play to create an engaging and transformative learning environment.
Jessica expressed her gratitude for the support and recognition from the Idea Factory:
“Participating in Startup Colorado’s Founder Coopetition allowed me to connect with other entrepreneurs to gain inspiration, connection, and support. The program helped me hone in my idea for growth and get really clear on communicating it in a way that is understandable to an audience. This has given me momentum to expand my business and gain more connections to help me do so!”
Jessica’s innovative approach to integrating mindfulness into early education is not only providing immediate benefits to children but is also laying a foundation for a more mindful, balanced future generation.
3rd Place: Grow Nutrition, LLC – $500 Prize
In third place, with a $500 prize, is Grow Nutrition, LLC, founded by Katie Kelly. Grow Nutrition is an app designed to directly support the health of both expectant mothers and their growing children by providing personalized, trustworthy nutrition education and guidance. Understanding that a mother’s nutrition before and during pregnancy plays a crucial role in birth outcomes and long-term health, Katie’s app addresses the information gap by offering actionable advice that empowers women to make informed choices.
Katie Kelly spoke about her journey with Grow Nutrition and what the recognition means for her startup:
“Participating in the Startup Colorado’s Founder Coopetition was an incredible experience that helped us hone our launch and growth strategy. We learned so much from the guest speakers, especially what to look for in an investment partner for our pre-seed round when that time comes.”
Katie’s passion for maternal and child health is evident, and her innovative approach to providing nutritional guidance is set to make a significant impact in the field of prenatal care.
Looking Ahead: Join the Founder Coopetition – Idea Factory October Cohort!
The Startup Colorado Founder Coopetition – Idea Factory is a unique opportunity for rural entrepreneurs to take their ideas to the next level. If you’re an entrepreneur with a Big Idea and a vision for impact, the Idea Factory could be your launchpad to success. The program provides a supportive community, access to invaluable resources, and the chance to learn and grow alongside other like-minded entrepreneurs.
Applications are now open for the October cohort of the Founder Coopetition – Idea Factory!
Don’t miss this chance to transform your idea into a ready-to-launch strategy with the help of a collaborative and empowering community. Click here to learn more and apply.
“Joining our next cohort is more than just an opportunity to develop your idea—it’s a chance to become part of a growing community dedicated to launching successful, impactful businesses in Rural Colorado,” said Martinez.
