Meet the SUCO team 2024 graphic

Meet the Startup Colorado Team

By Margaret Hedderman

Within the last year, the Startup Colorado team has grown. This set of Coloradoans is the powerhouse behind SUCO’s efforts to connect rural entrepreneurs through meaningful events, business education and support, and storytelling. Not only is this a team of hard workers, but also yogis, climbers, bikers, foodies, artists, and adventurers!

Brittany Romano, Executive Director

Brittany Romano, Executive Director, headshot

How has your previous experience as a small business owner in Rural Colorado informed planning for Startup Colorado?

ABSOLUTELY. Before I was the Executive Director at Startup Colorado I was an active user of the Funding Database and closely connected to the mission of Startup Colorado. I ran business in three rural counties, Mesa, Gunnison and Summit County and became intimately aware of what kind of community fosters thriving businesses and the types of resources that Colorado’s rural entrepreneurs need to succeed.

What are your favorite activities and past-times?

I have a self-proclaimed healthy addiction to movement so when I have spare time you can find me teaching yoga, running, lifting, nordic skiing, or riding one of my bikes. I have a two year old daughter who is started to love all of these things as well so we are in a really fun phase of life.

Do you have any personal projects or fun facts to share?

I still own and operate Thrive Yoga Summit, it’s a rockin’ little yoga studio in Frisco, Colorado. Would love to have you join me for a class sometime. Check out the schedule at ThriveYogaSummit.com.

Margaret Hedderman, Communications & Editorial Director

Why is storytelling important in the development of startup ecosystems in Rural Colorado?

We want to change the narrative of “rural entrepreneurship,” creating a culture of belief in one’s ability to start and scale a successful business outside of an urban area. By highlighting the successes (and challenges) of entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders, stories have the capacity to inspire, inform, and change attitudes about rural stereotypes. Besides, the people starting businesses in Rural Colorado are a pretty impressive crew – why wouldn’t you want to tell their stories?

What are your favorite activities and past-times?

Favorite activity: trying to balance all of my activities! On one hand I need to be outside (biking, climbing, and hiking) and on the other hand, I’ve got my creative/curiosity-propelled pursuits like writing, learning French, and reading.

Do you have any personal projects or fun facts to share?

I’ve always got several projects in the works! On the professional side, I’m interested in entrepreneurial solutions to the climate crisis, so I’ve been spending a lot of time learning about climate tech. On the fun, creative side, I recently launched a Substack about my expat adventures in France, which you can find here.

Mark Madic, Ecosystem Development & Partnerships Director

Mark Madic, Ecosystem Development and Partnerships Director, headshot

What inspires you about the state of entrepreneurship in Colorado?

I am constantly inspired by the passion and creative problem solving that is embodied by entrepreneurs across Colorado! In rural areas, community members are so collaborative and supportive; and everyone is interested in making their community a better place to live!

What are your favorite activities and past-times?

Running, hiking, spending time with friends & family, boating at the Pueblo Reservoir in the summer time, and checking out Colorado!

Do you have any personal projects or fun facts to share?

I’ve had the fortune of volunteering, and helping with projects through Palmer Land Conservancy for the past few years. They will have the premier of a short film on April 25, which highlights some of the agricultural and farming history and modern day water issues along the Bessemer Ditch. (mirasolfilm.com) Additionally, Palmer hosts an annual bike ride that is educational, and catered with locally sourced food! Check it out here.

Vanessa McCrann, Director of Community Engagement

Vanessa McCrann, Director of Community Engagement, headshot

What do you love about working for Startup Colorado?

I am motivated by how hard rural entrepreneurs work to grow their businesses. Working within the rural entrepreneurship ecosystem has inspired me to do the best work of my professional career thus far. I love having purpose-driven work that can have ripple-effects into all rural communities in Colorado.

What are your favorite activities and past-times?

I’m crafty! I love to spend evenings crocheting, felting, or embroidering. I enjoy writing letters longhand, in cursive. I’m also dangerous! 😉 I enjoy kickboxing for fitness and watching UFC fight nights with my husband.

Do you have any personal projects or fun facts to share?

I love art! My husband and I are working together on his art business: HOT MIKE (www.hotmikeart.com). I have also helped to launch the Rural Creative Collective within our community, to better support all rural creatives! 

Tim Martinez, Director of Program Development & Innovation

Tim Martinez, headshot

How does programming like the Founder Coopetition serve rural entrepreneurs?

I spent many years working at the City of Denver promoting its economic development opportunities to prospects throughout the world with the hope that a rising tide would raise all boats. I’ve now pivoted my efforts to directly support innovative ideas becoming reality. The connection to Front Range advisors now allows rural entrepreneurs access to the same resources as those in the big city.

What are your favorite activities and past-times?

I really enjoy mountain biking around Salida and skiing Monarch Mountain.

Do you have any personal projects or fun facts to share?

My wife and I run THE LOBBY Salida, an entrepreneur-focused event and coworking space. It is based in the ground floor of the vintage Palace Hotel in Salida, CO. If you are in Salida, stop in and get a history tour.

Sarah Woodward, Digital Content Coordinator

Sarah Woodward, Digital Content Coordinator, headshot

How do Colorado’s rural entrepreneurs inspire your digital content program?

The creativity and resilience of rural entrepreneurs around Colorado are the heart behind our digital content program. We’re in the wild west – everyone has a unique story to share about how and why they chose to plant their entrepreneurial roots away from urban hustle and bustle. I can feel the energy and innovation that pulsates from these entrepreneurs, and this inspires me to amplify their voices through inspiring digital storytelling!

What are your favorite activities and past-times?

I am often found at the yoga studio with my friends, trying to stand on my hands or loosen up after meandering the mountains with my dog. I’m also a wine aficionado and have my nose in a wine book most evenings (and in a glass of Rioja). My weekends are filled with ski days, culinary experimentation, and horror movie marathons.

Do you have any personal projects or fun facts to share?

My love of wine blossomed into a full-blown obsession in recent years. I’ve earned a number of certifications to solidify my wine snob status, and plan to take on the sommelier II exam in a few months. Studying for this test means that I will be toting stacks of flashcards around and, of course, tasting new wines as often as possible.

Joyce Liew, Community Assistant

Joyce Liew, Intern, headshot

How has working with Startup Colorado enhanced your academic journey?

SUCO has equipped me with so many skills that have propelled me academically and professionally! Some that stand out to me are communication skills, increased interdependence, real-world hands-on experience, and professional development. SUCO is a fully remote company, so these skills were essential, and being in a smaller team allowed me to wear different hats.

What are your favorite activities and past-times?

Playing video games, listening to music, reading, watching horror movies (I love anything horror/thriller).

Do you have any personal projects or fun facts to share?

I have been fascinated by the idea of creating a sustainable world since childhood, and I am trying to pursue a career in that industry.

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