By Margaret Hedderman
We’re pleased to introduce the November 2024 cohort of the Founder Coopetition // Idea Factory. This group has a heavy focus on building businesses that prioritize health, wellness, and community engagement. From fostering young entrepreneurs to creating spaces for holistic health, these founders are working to address important needs in their communities.
“I’m very proud of this cohort already,” says Program Coordinator Josef Scarantino. “The group’s interaction and collaboration have been outstanding from the start. It’s shaping up to be a truly impactful cohort, and I’m excited to see where they take their ideas.”
The Founder Coopetition’s Idea Factory program provides peer support, a network of rural entrepreneurs, and access to experienced advisors. Participants will refine their strategies and develop clear plans for launching their businesses, while building connections that strengthen their communities.
Nicole Burns, Vaca Valet—Breckenridge
Nicole Burns, founder of Vaca Valet in Breckenridge, has created a marketing app designed to empower local small businesses while supporting community nonprofits. The app allows businesses to allocate a portion of their proceeds to local causes, blending affordable advertising with meaningful community impact. By incorporating charitable giving into their marketing efforts, small businesses can build credibility while addressing issues like food insecurity.
Erica Cicero, The Double Helix Doula Program—Carbondale
After hiking the Colorado Trail, Erica Cicero moved to Carbondale, CO, and founded The Double Helix Doula Program. The organization provides doulas to any woman entering Valley View Hospital and ensuring these professionals are fairly compensated. The Double Helix Doula Program also trains women to become doulas within their own communities—particularly women in recovery supporting those with substance issues or Latinas assisting fellow immigrants. This approach not only empowers the doulas but also creates meaningful support for pregnant and laboring women.
Candice Freeman of Waymaker Collective—Grand Junction
Candice Freeman, an adventurous, lifelong learner with deep roots in Dolores and now based in Grand Junction, Colorado, is the driving force behind Waymaker Collective. After a successful 22-year career in mortgage lending, she founded Waymaker Collective to empower young adults with the skills they need for a confident transition into adulthood. Focused on real-world strategies not typically covered in school, her program equips youth with the tools, insights, and optimism to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Erica Hines, Founder and CEO of MindReels, is leveraging her 20+ years in B2B health and wellness to revolutionize how we use screen time for personal growth. Based in Durango, Colorado, MindReels delivers personalized, immersive videos aligned with your unique goals and aspirations, leveraging the science of neuroplasticity to craft content tailored specifically to you. By blending neuroscience and AI-driven assessments, MindReels creates personalized video experiences that empower users to harness the power of their minds, uncover their true potential, and make meaningful changes – all within a few intentional moments each day.
Founded by Aly Lewis, Summit Sol Yoga + Wellness is an inclusive sanctuary in the heart of Summit County, blending yoga, mindful movement, and holistic wellness. Tailored to support each individual’s journey—whether it’s building strength, finding balance, or reconnecting with oneself—Summit Sol Yoga + Wellness offers a supportive community for all levels. More than just a studio, it integrates modern wellness with nature-inspired healing. Recently voted the 2024 Best of Summit Yoga Studio, Summit Sol Yoga + Wellness ensures wellness should feel accessible, enriching, and uplifting, no matter where you’re starting from.