Rural Startup Days Launches in Southeast Colorado to Support Local Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
La Junta, CO | February 25-27, 2026 Entrepreneurs and small business owners across Southeast Colorado will soon have a new opportunity to access practical support, funding connections, and networking opportunities […]
How TreadShare Is Changing Travel to Colorado’s Mountain Towns
Erwin Germain thought he was on the right track. After earning a master’s degree in business administration and management, he began his career in finance in Paris. But the work […]
How a Family Farm in Colorado Became a Global Ag-tech Innovator
This story was produced in partnership with the Logan County Economic Development Corporation in Sterling, Colorado. Agriculture is one of the world’s biggest industries. We’re all reliant on farming of […]
How Early-Stage Founders Can Build Stronger, More Resilient Businesses
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have. For rural startups, it’s a strategic advantage. In our first 2026 edition of The Rural Startup, we explore how early-stage founders can reduce risk, […]
Why We’re Launching in the Colorado River Valley
Startup Colorado is launching a new series of founder-centric programs across the Colorado River Valley—from Aspen to Parachute—in partnership with the Colorado River Valley Economic Development Partnership and the Colorado […]
Rural Entrepreneurship Resonates on the World Stage
Startup Colorado was recently recognized at the Startup Ecosystem Stars 2025 Awards in Paris. Our Director of Content & Brand Strategy, Margaret Hedderman, attended the event and came away inspired […]
The Sky’s the Limit for Buena Vista Tent Manufacturer
When we connected with Joe Bissonnette, founder of Sky View Tents and winner of the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition, he was calling from inside one of his own tents. He […]
Mighty Mike’s Second Act
Mike Milakovic hasn’t found success in spite of living in a rural community. Living in a rural community has been an essential driver of growth for his company, Mighty Mike’s […]
Small Town, Big Impact: How Rural Startups Can Leverage Experiential Marketing
Rural founders know better than anyone: connection is a powerful driver of business growth. But how do you create that connection in small towns or low-population markets? In this article, […]
West Slope Startup Week Extends Impact as Regional Event
This October, West Slope Startup Week (WSSW) returned to Durango for the third year in a row, attracting a record-breaking 533 registrants, the highest participation in the event’s history. Powered […]
Welcoming Olivia Reed: Startup Colorado’s New Community Engagement & Program Coordinator
Startup Colorado is thrilled to welcome Olivia Reed to our growing team as Community Engagement & Program Coordinator. In this role, Olivia will help strengthen connections across Colorado’s rural entrepreneurial […]
How Carver Brewing Achieved Carbon Neutrality (and You Can Too)
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to sustainability—and Carver Brewing in Durango is proof that progress starts with small, smart steps. In this issue of The Rural Startup, we sit down with […]
How This Family Made a Local Tradition Pop
What makes popcorn pop? Expansion. When a kernel warms up, the moisture inside builds pressure until it bursts open, transforming into something entirely new (and tasty). Apply that same principle […]
Funding Your Rural Startup: How to Choose the Right Mix for Growth
There’s no single path to funding a business—and no one tool that works for every founder. In this issue of The Rural Startup, we speak with Catherine Jones, founder, CEO, […]
Announcing the Pitch Competition Winners at West Slope Startup Week
The spirit of rural entrepreneurship was on full display last week at Startup Colorado’s Pitch Competition at West Slope Startup Week. More than 115 attendees—including founders, funders, ecosystem builders, and […]
Night Market at West Slope Startup Week
This blog was first published by West Slope Startup Week on September 17, 2025. Looking for your next favorite artisan-crafted necklace, ceramic creation, or herbal remedy—or maybe just a good […]
Announcing the Finalists of the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition at West Slope Startup Week
Rural founders are stepping into the spotlight once again. Startup Colorado has named the finalists for its upcoming Pitch Competition at West Slope Startup Week in Durango on October 8, […]
Is a Small Business Loan Right For You?
For many rural founders, the decision to take out a business loan can feel like a gamble. On one hand, access to capital can fuel growth, stability, and opportunity. On […]