READY, SET... PITCH!
The Startup Colorado Pitch Series celebrates rural innovation by inviting visionary founders from across the state to share their stories, sharpen their pitch, and unlock real opportunities for growth.
This isn’t just a competition—it’s a launchpad. Finalists gain visibility, connections, and strategic support to help them take the next step. Are you ready to make your mark?
SPOTLIGHTING RURAL INNOVATION
We believe the next big idea can come from anywhere—even the smallest towns. That’s why the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition is dedicated to elevating rural founders and proving that bold ideas and scalable businesses are being built in every corner of Colorado.
Open to in-revenue businesses with growth potential, this competition invites founders headquartered in rural Colorado to step into the spotlight and share what they’re building. Read about our past events to discover what is possible at rural pitch events.
This event is for YOU, if:
- You’re a rural founder with traction and a clear vision for growth.
- You’re coachable and open to feedback that will strengthen your pitch—because this competition will be the first of many!
- You’re ready to articulate your next business milestones—and how funding will help get you there.
- You’re looking for more than just capital, seeing the value in visibility, mentorship, and meaningful connections.
- You’re scaling with intention, whether it’s expanding locally or growing across regions.
- You want to be part of a supportive, founder-focused event that celebrates rural innovation.
- You are ready to share your ideas with other founders and funding partners; knowing that a strong network is worth more than a prize.
PITCH AT WEST SLOPE STARTUP WEEK
October 8, 2025 at West Slope Startup Week
The Pitch Competition returns to Durango this fall! Last year, finalists took home more than $380K in investments and support.
Awards: Finalists will gain access to a valuable mix of support designed to take their business to the next level. Prizes include potential venture capital partnerships, a Kiva campaign supported by Startup Colorado, and expert-led sessions in legal, marketing, and business mentorship.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Founders must be a Colorado resident and operating a business in a rural county. (Ineligible counties: El Paso, Denver, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Adams, Douglas, Larimer)
- Business must be registered with the State of Colorado.
- Business must be in good standing with the State of Colorado.
- If selected by Startup Colorado, finalists must be prepared to launch a Kiva crowdfunding loan campaign.
- If selected for Venture Capital investment, finalists must be prepared to convert to a C-Corporation.
- Finalists must be able to pitch in-person in Durango on October 8th.
Competition Timeline:
- Get a head start! Participate in our virtual Pitch Workshop with pitch coach Jolene Collins on August 13th at 12 p.m.
- Apply by August 20th. Plan to upload a business pitch presentation, state EIN number, and intellectual property information (domain name, trademark, physical products, etc…) While the competition is industry agnostic, your business model must include plans to scale beyond your immediate region. Companies playing an active role in their local communities will be prioritized.
- Applicants can expect outreach from our selection committee to further discuss their application if questions arise.
- September 1st – Finalists will be selected and notified.
- Leading up to the event, finalists will have the opportunity to work with a pitch coach to hone their public speaking and persuasion skills. All participants will produce a video pitch presentation to be shared with judges in advance of the competition.
- October 8th— the big day! All finalists will join us onstage in Durango to compete for investments and other prizes.
Meet the Finalists
Here are the incredible founders competing in the Sterling Pitch Competition:
- Sarah Berkeley, Symbiosis Gear in Leadville
- Paul Bierman, Power Tool Safe in Montrose
- Erwin Germain, TreadShare in Frisco
- James Mataczynski, Craft Crate LLC in Bailey
Read more about the finalists on our blog. Ready to come and cheer them on? RSVP to the Pitch Competition— then, stick around for our Sterling Roadtrip event the next morning.
SPONSOR THE PITCH COMPETITION
Support the next wave of rural entrepreneurs. Your contribution helps bring pitch competitions to communities across Colorado, giving founders the chance to share their ideas, gain critical resources, and grow their businesses. Join us in making a stronger future!
Partner Sponsor: $500
Pitch Competition in Sterling
Program Sponsor: $1,000
Pitch Competition in Sterling
Presenting Sponsor: $2,500
Pitch Competition in Sterling
ATTEND A PITCH COMPETITION
Our pitch competitions are free to attend and open to the public. Experience the excitement as rural entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to a panel of investors and startup experts, competing for funding opportunities and brand visibility. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, business leader, or investor, this is a great opportunity to discover the innovation coming out of Rural Colorado.
If you’ve applied to a Startup Colorado program before—or are thinking about it—we encourage you to attend. You’ll see how the Pitch Competition works, learn what to expect as a future applicant, and discover other programs that might be the perfect next step. It’s a great way to start mapping your path forward and get involved with our founder community.
