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.
“The Founder Coopetition // Idea Factory gave us the space to slow down and think more intentionally about what we’re building — and why. It helped us meet other entrepreneurs who have helped us find the right kitchen space to move to, connect with local farmers, and rethink how we grow, fund, and talk about the business. I walked away with more clarity, confidence, and a deeper sense of direction.”
Jasmine Iganian — Kultur’d — Boulder
Kultur’d is an innovative food company based in Boulder, poised to disrupt the salad dressing, condiment, and spice markets by creating a new category. Kultur’d products reflect the founders’ blended identities and diverse communities through unique flavor profiles. Their innovative formulations create new interactions and experiences between consumers and international ingredients. Kultur’d products serve as a bridge that transcends borders and boundaries, uniting us through our vibrant diversities, while elevating our plates and invigorating our palates.
“Participating in the Founder Coopetition // Idea Factory was incredibly valuable for my business. The course provided a methodical, step-by-step approach within a supportive cohort, guided by a knowledgeable moderator. This allowed me to focus on polishing and clearly articulating my brand story. By the end of the program, I had a tangible, functional product, a pitch video that I continue to improve. I now have a solid foundation and the knowledge to build on.”
Andrew Nowak —The Farm Stop — Longmont
Andrew Nowak is the founder of Full Place CSA, LLC, working to launch the Longmont Farm Stop, to provide farmers additional markets to sell their products and a larger return on the retail food dollar. The Farm Stop operates as a typical grocery store selling only Colorado-produced products and will serve as a hub for the community to purchase local, nutritional-dense local foods. Their goal is to make “Shop Colorado First” a priority for families, restaurants and institutions along the Front Range.
“My participation in the Idea Factory helped me to critically examine the purpose of my proposed business and to define its mission in terms appropriate for my targeted audience. I am now confident that I can speak to potential funders and mentors on why a Farm Stop is important for our community.”
“We were incredibly impressed by the level of dedication, creativity, and progress shown by this cohort,” said Tim Martinez, Startup Colorado’s Director of Program Development & Innovation. “The three winning businesses stood out during the final pitch, but every participant brought something unique to the table. It’s inspiring to see how much ground these founders covered in just four weeks—and it’s a strong reminder of the entrepreneurial talent thriving in Colorado.”
Meet the Naturally Colorado/CSU Idea Factory Cohort
- Brandi Blaisdell — Burlwood Acre, LLC — Bayfield: Brandi Blaisdell is the founder of Burlwood Acre, LLC in Bayfield, offering organic gardening classes that empower individuals to grow food sustainably and advocate for environmentally friendly gardening practices. Focused on serving those passionate about organic food, herbal medicine, and biodiversity, Brandi’s programs provide higher-quality education than what’s typically found online. She is exploring both cohort-based classes and a membership model to build a strong, values-driven gardening community.
- Perdita Butler — Quarter Acre and a Mule Farm — Pueblo: Perdita Butler is the founder of Quarter Acre and a Mule Farm in Pueblo, a regenerative micro-farm producing specialty crops on just a quarter acre in Colorado’s high desert. A seasoned farmer and beekeeper, Perdita sells her produce through farmers markets, local food programs, and partnerships with businesses and nonprofits. She is now expanding her operation by integrating Black Soldier Fly farming to enhance soil health, sustainability, and future poultry production.
- Melissa Christensen — MMC Ventures — Leadville: Melissa Christensen is the founder of Tenderfoot Market in Leadville, a specialty grocery store offering local meats, fresh produce, artisan goods, and sustainably sourced products. Focused on supporting local farms, ranchers, and food makers, Tenderfoot Market brings unique, high-quality options to both locals and visitors. Melissa also builds community connections through pop-ups and collaborations that showcase the region’s vibrant cottage food scene.
- Hannah Cranor-Kersting — Cranor Charolais — Gunnison: Hannah Cranor-Kersting is the owner of Cranor Charolais in Gunnison, a ranch specializing in high-quality, locally raised beef and, more recently, yak meat. Originally focused on selling registered heifers and bulls, Hannah expanded direct-to-consumer sales during the pandemic and now offers USDA-processed cuts with custom packaging and local delivery. Her vision blends sustainable ranching practices with a commitment to connecting her community to premium, Colorado-raised meats.
- Lanea Donahoo — Hands on Health LLC — Cortez: Lanea Donahoo is the founder of Hands on Health LLC, operating Podunk’s Ranch, a direct-to-consumer beef business based in Cortez. Specializing in sustainably raised, nutrient-dense beef, Lanea serves local and nationwide customers through online sales, partnerships with food pantries, and SNAP accessibility. Her work also extends to agritourism, offering ranch stays and educational tours that promote sustainable agriculture and food access for all.
- Larry Lempka — Homestead At Los Rios, LLC — Berthoud: Larry Lempka is the founder of Homestead at Los Rios, LLC in Berthoud, specializing in freeze-dried offal products like liver, heart, and tongue for dog owners. Focused on providing nutrient-dense treats, Larry’s products cater to pet owners seeking natural, healthy options for their pets. His work supports sustainable farming practices while meeting the growing demand for premium pet nutrition.
- Yulia Lushnikova — MarsRoom LLC — Westminster: Yulia Lushnikova is the founder of MarsRoom LLC, a majority women-owned, year-round urban farm based in Westminster specializing in gourmet mushrooms. MarsRoom grows varieties like lion’s mane, blue oysters, and maitake, supplying fresh mushrooms to local stores, restaurants, and meal delivery services across Denver and Boulder. With plans to expand into ready-to-eat products like mushroom chips, soups, and seasonings, Yulia is building a sustainable brand rooted in quality and innovation.
- Jafar Makrani — Agami Zero, Inc — Boulder: Jafar Makrani is the founder of Agami Zero, Inc, a Boulder-based company developing modular, hydrogen-powered systems for EV fast charging and off-grid energy needs. Designed for remote locations like national parks, ski resorts, and commercial sites, Agami Zero offers a clean, sustainable alternative to diesel generators through direct sales, energy-as-a-service subscriptions, and carbon credit monetization. Jafar’s mission is to make off-grid energy more sustainable, cost-effective, and accessible for a greener future.
- Horton Nash — M&H Ag LLC — Paonia: Horton Nash is the founder of M&H Ag LLC, a Paonia-based farm specializing in wholesale organic seed production. Horton and his team grow, clean, and deliver high-quality seeds to a variety of national and regional seed companies. Their work supports sustainable agriculture by providing reliable, organic seed crops for farmers and gardeners across the country.
- Jenny Nguyen — Foodie Sattva, LLC — Del Norte: Jenny Nguyen is the founder of Foodie Sattva, LLC, a vegetarian food trailer in Del Norte serving fresh meals like spring rolls, sushi, musubi, and organic drinks. After navigating early challenges, Jenny is expanding her brand by offering cold grab-and-go items through wholesale partnerships to create a year-round revenue stream. With future plans to develop packaged products like freeze-dried meals and electrolyte ice pops, Jenny is building a healthier, more accessible food option for her community and beyond.
- Yasmeen Shaikh — SukNuh Catering LLC — Denver: Yasmeen Shaikh is the founder of SukNuh Catering LLC, based in Denver, offering fresh, homemade-style meals through her Dabba Services subscription. Designed for busy professionals, students, and families, Yasmeen’s service delivers health-conscious, flavorful meals straight to your door—bringing the comfort of home-cooked food to everyday life. With a focus on quality, customization, and sustainability, Dabba Services makes nutritious eating simple, accessible, and satisfying.
Due to the nature of the partnership, the participants were selected from both rural and urban counties.
“While our focus remains on supporting Rural Colorado, we recognize the value in expanding our reach to more entrepreneurs via strategic partnerships with organizations like Naturally Colorado and Colorado State University,” said Brittany Romano, Startup Colorado Executive Director.
To learn more about Founder Coopetition programming and future cohorts, click here. If you’re interested in collaborating with Startup Colorado on future programming, email Brittany Romano.
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