Startup Colorado is the proud organizer of West Slope Startup Week, a five-day celebration of Colorado’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. This event brings together innovators from every corner of the state for a week of high-impact workshops, meaningful connection. Join some of the state’s brightest minds—register for free today!
We’re redefining what it means to be a rural entrepreneur. Yes, West Slope Startup Week is a conference, but it’s also a cultural turning point. It’s a moment in time in which our words, actions, and intentions change what’s possible for business owners in Rural Colorado.
And we want you to be a part of the action.
Join the entrepreneurial revolution in Rural Colorado by sharing your expertise, wisdom, know-how, and good vibes. This year’s track captains are looking for the seasoned founders, storytellers, investors, business experts, and community builders who can make this year’s event the most impactful yet.
It’s More Than Just a Presentation
Hosting a session is an investment in your own growth as much as it is an investment in the community. Joining our lineup provides unmatched exposure, placing your mission and your brand in front of hundreds of engaged attendees from across the state. This visibility often extends far beyond the session itself, leading to the exact conversation and connection that you need to turn the next corner of your own growth.
Leading an event also allows you to practice the invaluable skill of sharing your expertise and teaching others. There is no better way to master your craft than by distilling it for a curious audience! This process forces you to refine your message and helps you communicate your value a bit more clearly in every room you walk into.
Find Your Track
Our program is organized into nine distinct tracks, each designed to tackle a different facet of the entrepreneurial journey. Lead a hands-on workshop, spark a new conversation, and see what happens when big minds come together. To spark your inspiration, check out last year’s schedule and browse the unique sessions built into each track.
- Communications Track: What do you say about your business? What does your business say to your customers?
- Money Track: The how-to’s and do’s and don’ts of funding, financing, and investment. It’s all about the money…or is it?
- Toolbox Track: Interactive workshops that tackle fundamentals, how-to’s, and skills-building.
- Tech Track: The programmers, coders, designers, roboticists, and product visionaries behind the computer – the builders of tech.
- People Track: The heart of it all – developing leaders, building teams, creating culture, fostering engagement, and cultivating talent. The human connection.
- Latine Track: This track invites our Spanish-speaking and bilingual founders and leaders to come together and share their knowledge and experiences.
- Creatives Track: The artists, makers, and creators of the west who turned their hobbies into something more!
- Fun! Track: This is where we come together to enjoy each other’s company and the beautiful natural world we choose to call home.
- Climate Track: Think green! Your chance to showcase the intersectionality between sustainability, climate conscientiousness and business.
How to apply:
You will submit your application through Sessionize. Before you apply, take time to consider your session goals and outline your idea. A well-structured application will surely catch the eye of the track captains!
- What kind of environment are you creating? Are you hosting an interactive workshop, leading a technical deep-dive, or an outdoor meetup?
- Who is your target audience? Business stage, industry, etc.
- What real-world challenge will you address for rural founders?
- What inspiration do you want your attendees to walk away with afterwards?
Don’t Wait Until the Deadline
While official submissions are due by June 20th, we highly recommend getting a head start now. Taking the time to shape your idea and define your takeaways ensures that your session hits the mark for our attendees.
By joining the lineup, you aren’t just giving a presentation—you are building a roadmap for the next generation of Colorado startups. We look forward to seeing your application!
This piece was originally published by West Slope Startup Week on May 7, 2026. You can find the original post here.
Join us in empowering rural entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders to achieve even more in 2026. 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?
