In Colorado, the Food, Beverage, and Ag industry is a massive economic engine accounting for billions (yes, capital B) of the state’s annual GDP. With 33 million acres of farmland and a consumer-packaged goods (CPG) sector that is growing exponentially, the potential for innovation is limitless. Countless breweries and wineries dot the map alongside unique food concepts appearing everyday. The strength of this industry is a testament to its place in the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
To fuel this momentum, Startup Colorado, Naturally Colorado, and CSU Extension teamed up to host a 4-week Idea Factory accelerator tailored to the unique needs of this community.
“Through Idea Factory, we’re opening the door to Naturally Colorado earlier—giving founders the connections, mentorship, and community they need to turn ideas into something real, and into businesses that can truly thrive,” says Kristin Carey of Naturally Colorado.
The program was designed for early-stage founders ready to shape their big ideas into structured, attractive business models. As Libby Christensen of CSU Extension notes, these sectors often face a lack of access to capital and technical assistance in rural areas. “The Idea Factory addresses these gaps by creating structured opportunities for connection, mentorship, and peer-to-peer learning,” Christensen explains.
Congratulations to the 3 finalists:
RKYMTN / RAD — Adrian Glassenapp
RKYMTN Adult Drinks (RAD) is the ultimate hard refresher for post-adventure recovery. Adrian Glassenapp, a Glenwood Springs native, leverages 25 years of industry experience—including 16 years scaling iconic brands at New Belgium Brewing—to craft this premium, agave-wine-based beverage. Brewed with real fruit and botanicals like hibiscus and lemongrass, RAD offers a low-carbonation alternative to traditional seltzers. Beyond the can, the brand is a community-driven movement dedicated to protecting free-flowing rivers and supporting mental health awareness.
Pick’d Minis — Brooke Shelton
Pick’d Minis is on a mission to make healthy habits effortless with craveable, organic veggie packs designed for life on the move. These on-the-go snacks are washed, prepped, and ready to roll, allowing customers to “grab, crunch, and keep it moving” without the prep work. Beyond nutrition, Brooke is committed to a better planet. Pick’d Mini packaging is paper-based and 100% recyclable, utilizing significantly less plastic than traditional snacks. By focusing on one packed lunch and one better snack at a time, this brand is helping consumers achieve small wins for their health and the environment simultaneously.
Zebra Sips — Marena Strauss
Zebra Sips is built on the belief that hydration should be intentional, refreshing, and a seamless part of your social life. By crafting premium hydration spritzes that blend clean ingredients with functional benefits, Marena is helping people keep the party going without the physical toll of the day after. Unlike traditional non-alcoholic beverages that often rely on heavy sugars or artificial additives, Zebra Sips offers an all-around better alternative: hydration-first, clean-label, and flavor-forward. The brand exists to redefine social drinking, ensuring that choosing a healthier night out never feels boring or unachievable.
Meet the other incredible innovators:
Prep Fuel SLV — Angelica Quintana
Based in the San Luis Valley, PrepFuelSLV is a meal prep company dedicated to making healthy eating simple, convenient, and locally inspired. Founder Angelica Quintana is ensuring that busy lifestyles don’t have to compromise on nutrition by offering fresh, high-quality meals that support local farmers and ranchers. By prioritizing local sourcing and wellness, PrepFuelSLV is expanding access to nourishing, whole foods throughout the San Luis Valley community.
CAFE Food Rescue — Diane Calvin
CAFE Food Rescue recovers surplus food from licensed businesses to support community members in need. They are currently expanding their impact by upgrading their commissary kitchen rentals and providing business development assistance to create more economic opportunities within the community.
Global Green Collective — Ezequiel Villanueva
At the intersection of soil and silicon, Global Green Collective is reimagining AgTech for the next generation. They design AI-driven STEAM programs that transform K-12 classrooms into data-rich ecosystems using IoT sensors and robotics. Their mission is to equip future Agriculture 4.0 leaders to tackle food security and climate resilience head-on.
Project Weaselskin — Jennifer Thurston
Project Weaselskin is a multi-faceted regenerative farm and equestrian center dedicated to land conservation and personal growth. Operating on a protected easement, the project serves as a wellness retreat and education center for anyone seeking to learn new ways of being or improve their relationships. This space welcomes retreaters, practitioners, students, and philanthropists to gather, heal, and rediscover your true self in a deeply rooted natural setting.
Los Rios Farm — Larry Lempka
Operating on 165 acres of irrigated and dryland, Los Rios Farm is a diversified, direct-to-consumer operation raising grass-finished cattle, pastured pigs, and free-range poultry. Larry Lempka focuses on feedstock growth through cover cropping and heritage grains, alongside a productive high tunnel system for vegetable production. Central to the farm’s mission is soil health, utilizing biological applications to enhance the land while providing high-quality, sustainably raised food to the community.
Grab n’ Grow — Rocio Martinez
Grab n’ Grow delivers “Peas of Mind” straight to your fridge with fresh, organic, and delicious meals. By prioritizing superfoods and sustainable practices (including compostable packaging!), they ensure that convenience never has to compromise your health or the planet.
- Fertzz — Chaz Shelton
- Somphoth B Siratsamy
This cohort’s transformation was driven by a high level of mutual respect and constructive feedback. According to Christensen, “Participants consistently benefited from dedicated time and space to think critically about the next stage of their business development. One notable example was a founder who entered with a glimmer of a vision and, over four weeks, transformed it into a concrete, actionable plan.”
Boost Your Business in the Idea Factory
Ready to transform your vision into a launch-ready strategy? The Idea Factory is designed for early-stage rural entrepreneurs who are serious about building a structured, attractive business model. Participants identify their best-fit funding models through a tailored assessment and gain direct access to our statewide network of advisors. To spark immediate growth, you’ll produce a 90-second video presentation designed to engage partners and clear the strategic roadblocks standing in your way.
Join our next cohort: While the spring session has wrapped, our next round is just around the corner. Stay tuned for upcoming application dates and get ready to join a community of motivated founders by subscribing to our weekly newsletter:
About Naturally Colorado
Naturally Colorado fosters a community of innovators shaping the future of the natural products industry. Since 2005, they have championed conscious growth by providing a vital platform for education, mentorship, and the generous sharing of ideas.
Rooted in the belief that healthy communities drive dynamic business, Naturally Colorado advocates for regenerative practices that promote human and environmental health. Today, representing over 1,000 members, they serve as the foundational model for the nationwide Naturally Network, accelerating the growth of Colorado’s organic community with integrity and purpose.
About CSU Extension
CSU Extension connects Coloradans to actionable, research-based solutions and expertise across a wide range of topics. Serving all 64 counties, Extension fulfills Colorado State University’s land-grant mission by making educational resources accessible to everyone. With a robust catalog of local programming and statewide services, they are dedicated to helping individuals and communities learn, grow, and thrive.
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?
