By Margaret Hedderman
Startup Colorado recently joined forces with Naturally Colorado and Colorado State University (CSU) to deliver a specialized edition of its Founder Coopetition // Idea Factory—this time with a focus on food and agriculture entrepreneurs. Designed to support early-stage businesses, the four-week cohort helped 15 founders from around the state develop strategic financial and business development plans, expand their networks, and access Startup Colorado’s Advisor Network.
A Program Rooted in Strong Partnerships
This collaboration marks an exciting milestone for business support organizations looking to tap into Startup Colorado’s top-of-funnel entrepreneurial programming. Through tailored workshops, expert advice, and peer-to-peer collaboration, the cohort offered participants the tools and community needed to move from idea to action.
Here’s what our partners had to say:
“Partnering with Startup Colorado’s Idea Factory has been such a natural fit for Naturally Colorado. This collaboration gave an incredible cohort of food and agriculture innovators the support they needed to bring their ideas to life and take meaningful steps toward building their businesses.” – Kristine Carey, Executive Director at Naturally Colorado.
“This collaboration was a powerful example of what happens when regional expertise meets local innovation. Startup Colorado’s accelerator model, paired with our food systems knowledge and partnerships, created a platform where new and established entrepreneurs could connect, grow, and help build a more resilient and diverse food economy in Colorado.” – Libby Christensen, Statewide Agriculture and Food Systems Food Specialist at CSU.
“Partnering with Startup Colorado to offer Idea Factory programming helps advance Colorado Proud’s mission by empowering local producers and entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and connections they need to grow their businesses and strengthen Colorado’s food and agricultural economy. Together, we’re building a more resilient, innovative, and locally rooted future.” – Danielle Trotta, Colorado Proud Program Manager.
The program concluded with a final 90-second pitch video, where participants presented their business to Startup Colorado’s advisors. Based on their performance, three standouts were selected as cohort winners—recognized for their growth, business readiness, and overall traction.
The success of this first cohort paves the way for future place-based and industry-specific collaborations, reinforcing the potential of targeted partnerships to strengthen Colorado’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. For more information on partnership opportunities, contact Startup Colorado Executive Director Brittany Romano.
Meet the Winners
Sarah Bowlin — Bowl & Kettle — Colorado Springs
Sarah Bowlin is the founder of Bowl & Kettle, a Colorado Springs-based company crafting home-style, flavor-packed meals made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Bowl & Kettle makes small-batch, freeze-dried meals for people who love food and love being outside. They cook bold, flavor-packed dishes with real ingredients and pack them by hand, one batch at a time. Every meal is adventure inspired and meant to be savored wherever you pitch your tent.