By Margaret Hedderman
Startup Colorado is back on the road! We’re launching our 2025 Roadtrip event series to bring the essential tools, resources, and networking connections that rural entrepreneurs need—right to their hometowns. This initiative is designed to connect early-stage founders to the business support systems—including funding education and technical training—that can be hard to access in rural areas. Whether you’re building your first venture or scaling a growing company, the Roadtrip is here to support your journey.
When Startup Colorado relaunched as a rural-focused organization in 2017, we logged thousands of miles crisscrossing the state—forging grassroots partnerships with local movers and shakers. That spirit of showing up and listening to rural communities shaped who we are as an organization. Now, as Colorado continues to emerge as a national leader in rural entrepreneurship, we’re returning to our road warrior roots, addressing the unique challenges facing founders outside city limits.
The Startup Colorado Roadtrip is more than just an event series. It’s about building a cohesive and resilient business ecosystem for all of Rural Colorado. Whether you need hands-on technical support, connections to funding, or opportunities to collaborate with peers, these events are designed to deliver real value in an accessible, practical way.
At each Roadtrip stop, we’re offering hands-on support and insights tailored to the needs of local founders. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
- Hands-On Technical Assistance and Funding Education
- Expert Speakers and Workshops
- Networking Opportunities
- Advocacy and Representation
Check out our calendar of events. We’ll continue adding Roadtrip stops as we collaborate with our local partners. In addition to in-person events, we’re also offering monthly networking and funding presentations online. These special edition Lean Coffee sessions are designed to address your biggest challenges and concerns in real time.
Let’s face it: being an entrepreneur in a rural community comes with unique hurdles. Access to capital remains a persistent challenge, with fewer local funding sources and limited connections to investment networks. On top of that, technical expertise, mentorship, and reliable business education is often hard to find in a consistent and trustworthy manner.
These gaps aren’t just theoretical—they’re real obstacles that hold promising businesses back. Through our Roadtrip events, we’re addressing these gaps head-on, bringing the right resources and people directly to you.
By participating in the Roadtrip, you’re not only gaining access to vital tools and knowledge—you’re also contributing to a broader movement to strengthen our state’s rural startup ecosystem.
We’re not doing this alone. In coordination with the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) and our numerous regional partners, the Roadtrip will feature a mix of in-person and online events to ensure accessibility for founders across all rural counties. Our goal is to meet you where you are—both geographically and in your entrepreneurial journey.
Interested in supporting the Roadtrip? Contact Vanessa McCrann, Startup Colorado’s Director of Engagement to learn more.
All Startup Colorado Roadtrip events are free to attend. All you need to do is show up and be ready to engage. Whether you’re looking for answers to specific challenges, hoping to connect with potential collaborators, or just curious about what resources are out there, these events are designed for you.
Find your closest Roadtrip stop and register today on our events page. If you can’t make it in person, sign up for a Lean Coffee, so you don’t miss the opportunity to gain the tools, insights, and connections that could take your business to the next level.
Join us in empowering rural entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders to achieve even more in 2025. Contributions of any amount directly power our mission to build a sustainable statewide network of resources supporting rural entrepreneurs, so that people and places can thrive and chart their own futures! Will you help us?
