Startup Colorado is proud to announce a new partnership with the Colorado Office of Just Transition (OJT), within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), to launch a series of curated business accelerator programming. This initiative is designed to support coal transition workers and strengthen the economic future of Colorado’s coal communities through entrepreneurship.
Across Colorado’s coal transition regions, many workers have expressed interest in starting their own businesses as they plan their next chapter. Through this partnership, Startup Colorado will deliver two of its proven accelerator programs — the Idea Factory and the Growth Challenge — to help participants turn ideas into viable businesses and grow existing ventures.
“Colorado has a rich history of entrepreneurship driven by necessity and passion,” said Brittany Romano, Executive Director of Startup Colorado. “Our goal is to support coal transition workers who are driven to build a new future for themselves and their communities through entrepreneurship.”
Office of Just Transition Director Wade Buchanan emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for workers exploring business ownership. “Many coal industry workers told us they are interested in starting a business. We want to honor that entrepreneurial spirit and provide resources to help them succeed.”
Two-Stage Accelerator Support
Through this program, participants will gain access to Startup Colorado’s structured, cohort-based entrepreneurial framework:
The Idea Factory
A collaborative, hands-on accelerator designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs validate business concepts, refine their models and build a strong foundation for launch. The April hybrid cohort begins in mid-April, and the deadline to apply is March 25.
The Growth Challenge
A six-week follow-on program built for entrepreneurs who are ready to scale — increasing revenue, strengthening operations and expanding market reach.
Since 2023, Startup Colorado has delivered accelerator programs built specifically for rural founders. Alumni have launched and scaled businesses statewide, leveraged a diverse range of capital including angel and venture investment, and created meaningful jobs in their communities.
“We are proud to bring this proven model to transition workers and contribute to a stronger, more resilient Colorado economy,” Romano said.
Priority will be given to coal transition workers, including those who have been laid off or are at risk of layoff, though residents of designated coal transition communities and workers in other transitioning industries such as oil and gas may participate as space allows.
Serving Tier One Coal Transition Communities
The program will serve transition entrepreneurs in:
- Morgan County
- Pueblo County
- The West End of Montrose County (including the Town of Norwood)
- The Yampa Valley (Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt counties)
Additional Funding Opportunity
In addition to training and mentorship, some eligible coal transition workers who successfully complete the program may access up to $11,250 in startup or expansion funding through OJT’s enhanced worker resources. This funding is available to coal workers who have been laid off or are at risk of layoff and who meet applicable eligibility requirements and program guidelines.
Applications for the April Idea Factory cohort are open now and close on March 25.
Coal transition workers and eligible community members interested in exploring entrepreneurship are encouraged to apply and take the next step toward building a resilient local economy.
Join us in empowering rural entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders to achieve even more in 2025. 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?
