Building “Rural” Into Your Brand Identity
This week on The Rural Startup, brand strategist Natalie Horner joins us to unpack when and how to build your rural identity into your brand story. From the nuances of […]
Meet the Finalists of the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition in Sterling
By Margaret Hedderman STERLING – After reviewing a strong pool of applicants from across Rural Colorado, Startup Colorado is excited to announce the finalists for the first event in our […]
These Colorado Farmers Want to Change the Food Industry
This story was produced in partnership with the Logan County Economic Development Corporation in Sterling, Colorado. For most entrepreneurs, reverse goal-setting is second nature: start with a bold, long-term vision […]
Pitch Prep: Quick Tips for Presenting Your Business
Pitching your business—whether to investors, mentors, or a room full of strangers—can be intimidating. That’s why we teamed up with Jolene Collins, founder of Jojo’s Sriracha and experienced pitch coach, […]
Funding Your Creative Business
Creative businesses face unique funding challenges—especially in rural communities. In this week’s edition of The Rural Startup, we explore what it takes to build a diversified funding strategy that supports […]
Meet the Winners: Fremont County Idea Factory
By Margaret Hedderman The Founder Coopetition // Idea Factory hosted in partnership with Emergent Campus in Fremont County has officially wrapped, marking a successful collaboration between Startup Colorado and local […]
WSSW25: Pitch Your Session
This article is republished from West Slope Startup Week, an event sponsored and organized by Startup Colorado. See the original post from West Slope Startup Week. And we’re back!—West Slope […]
Startup Colorado and Homegrown Pathways Partner to Empower Colorado’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs with the Idea Factory™: Spark Lab
By Margaret Hedderman RIDGWAY – Startup Colorado and Homegrown Pathways are excited to announce a “homegrown” partnership that seeks to transform youth entrepreneurship in Colorado. Through this collaboration, Homegrown Pathways […]
Fremont County: The Emergence and Development of a Rural Tech Hub
By Margaret Hedderman, Mark Madic, & Brook Sutton The center of Fremont County sits about 45 miles southwest of Colorado Springs. It’s a stunningly beautiful area, with red rock cliffs, […]
How to Organize an Event the “Startup Colorado Way”
By Vanessa McCrann & Margaret Hedderman Events are a big part of Startup Colorado’s work, from our monthly Lean Coffee networking series to in-person extravaganzas like West Slope Startup Week. […]
Starting Up: How Ram Mikulas Launched a Niche Outdoor Apparel Brand
By Margaret Hedderman Ram Mikulas wasn’t trying to start a business. He just wanted a functional, outdoor jacket that ticked all the boxes—a garment for the mountain tops and the […]
Announcing the Startup Colorado Pitch Series: First Stop – Sterling
By Margaret Hedderman At Startup Colorado, we know that the next big idea can come from anywhere— even the smallest of towns. That’s why we’re launching the Startup Colorado Pitch […]
Announcing the Fremont County Idea Factory in Partnership with Emergent Campus
By Margaret Hedderman We’re excited to announce the next Founder Coopetition // Idea Factory cohort, hosted in partnership with Emergent Campus in Fremont County. This collaboration represents a meaningful opportunity […]
We’re Hitting the Road, Bringing Resources and Connections to Rural Founders
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 […]
Announcing December’s Idea Factory Winners
By Margaret Hedderman We’re excited to share the results of our final Founder Coopetition // Idea Factory cohort of 2024! The Idea Factory is a business accelerator program designed for […]
Startup Colorado Partners with Colorado State University to Define and Activate Rural Tech Hubs
By Margaret Hedderman Grand Junction, CO – January 14, 2025 – Startup Colorado announces an important new partnership with Colorado State University Extension to catalyze widespread tech innovation in rural […]
Startup Colorado’s 2024 Impact Report is Here!
By Margaret Hedderman We’re excited to share Startup Colorado’s 2024 Impact Report, showcasing the transformation and growth our organization achieved over the past year, and the tangible impact of our […]
2024 End of Year Reflections
By Margaret Hedderman 2024: A Year of Growth and Transformation As we reflect on another year of empowering rural entrepreneurs, I am struck by the incredible journey that we have […]