West Slope Startup Week is all about building momentum to launch or scale your business. There are dozens of workshops and seminars about transforming your idea into reality, self-care because owning a business is hard, and discovering all the resources you need. With more than 60 speakers—all of whom are successful Colorado business owners—it’s hard to highlight them all. To give you a sneak peek at what in store at this year’s West Slope Startup Week, we spoke with a handful of presenters from each track. Read on and don’t forget to sign up for this year’s event.
Chereen Leong Schwarz, Founder of Smeeny Beanie Knits
Turning Your Creative Work Into a Business and Life You Love, July 11th at 12pm
Startup Colorado: What inspires you about the Western Slope’s entrepreneurs?
Chereen: I’m inspired by the wild spirit and tenacity of the Western Slope’s entrepreneurs. Most of us live in smaller rural communities where there may be fewer resources, fewer mentors or examples to look up to in our specific fields, and a smaller pool of colleagues and peers to connect with. The entrepreneurs on the Western Slope blaze their own unique trails.
SUCO: What do you hope entrepreneurs will take away from your session at WSSW?
Chereen: One thing I hope entrepreneurs will take away from my session is that they CAN achieve that dream that they might not necessarily think is possible. I hope I inspired them to embrace who they are and create and tell their authentic brand story.
Jonathan Greechan, Cofounder at Founder Institute
Let’s Talk Founder Wellbeing: An Open Discussion Around Mental Health & Depression, July 14th at 3pm
SUCO: What inspires you about the Western Slope’s entrepreneurs?
Jonathan: Since arriving here, I have been amazed at the camaraderie and pay-it-forward mentality that is prevalent across the Western Slope.
SUCO: What do you hope entrepreneurs will take away from your session at WSSW?
Jonathan: I have had my share of struggles with mental health as an entrepreneur, and seen countless other founders struggle as well. I’m no therapist, but hopefully my session will break down some barriers and help a few people acknowledge their struggles and move in a positive direction to address them.
Kirstie McPherson, Principal at Edeveco / The Behavioral Economics Company
SUCO: What inspires you about the Western Slope’s entrepreneurs?
Kirstie: Being an entrepreneur on the western slope isn’t for the faint of heart – these are doers, dreamers, and most importantly they are flexible. The resources aren’t necessarily the same here as there are in the metro area, so watching entrepreneurs pivot, balance, and adapt to the area and the changing landscape while building a business is impressive.
SUCO: What do you hope entrepreneurs will take away from your session at WSSW?
Kirstie: My panel will focus on the variety of ways founders can look for funding, from state agencies and incentives to traditional banking methods, this is a panel for everyone who ever asks “is there a grant for my business” and when that answer is no, it’s a place to find other options and direction.
Kate Ishay, Founder at Psyche Digital Marketing
SUCO: What inspires you about the Western Slope’s entrepreneurs?
Kate: Western Slope entrepreneurs have this amazing make-it-happen spirit. No matter the challenge, the entrepreneurs in this area are ready to meet it. That drive is truly inspiring.
SUCO: What do you hope entrepreneurs will take away from your session at WSSW?
Kate: Marketing isn’t rocket science. It takes time and a clear understanding of why you are doing your work, but anyone can do it. Anyone telling you there is a secret sauce is lying. We want to give you the tools to get your business off the ground and then hopefully support you once you grow beyond the “do-it-yourself” stage.
Spencer Herms, Sr. Manager of Cloud Development at Aspen Technologies
SUCO: What inspires you about the Western Slope’s entrepreneurs?
Spencer: I’m inspired by the commitment and perseverance demonstrated by the entrepreneurs of the Western Slope.
SUCO: What do you hope entrepreneurs will take away from your session at WSSW?
Spencer: Anyone who is committed to continuous learning and dedicated to putting the hours in can learn to code.
Browse the complete schedule of events and build your own custom schedule here.
