Startup Colorado is thrilled to welcome Olivia Reed to our growing team as Community Engagement & Program Coordinator. In this role, Olivia will help strengthen connections across Colorado’s rural entrepreneurial ecosystem; bringing together founders and ecosystem builders through programming and events statewide.
A Role Focused on Connection
The Community Engagement & Program Coordinator plays a critical role in bridging Startup Colorado’s operations with the people we serve. Olivia will support the planning, coordination, and execution of key programs such as the popular Lean Coffee and Rural Women in Entrepreneurship networking sessions, the forthcoming Pitch Practice and Demo Days virtual events, and monthly webinars. She’ll also lead the organization of West Slope Startup Week, a free, week-long gathering for rural founders and ecosystem builders.
Beyond event logistics, Olivia will manage and curate Startup Colorado’s statewide events calendar, ensuring founders have a central place to discover opportunities and connect with resources. She’ll also collaborate with our partners to highlight their events and special projects.
“Rural founders are resourceful and driven, and they help shape the Colorado economy in such an incredible way,” Olivia shared. “As a small business owner myself, I’m eager to be able to give back to my community and other communities throughout Colorado in such a meaningful way.”
From Photography to Ecosystem Building
Olivia brings a diverse background in creative entrepreneurship and community engagement. As the owner of Olivia Reed Photo, she built a thriving wedding photography business grounded in communication and trust. She has also served as Marketing and Community Manager with Rising Tide Society, where she honed her craft for uplifting small business owners and came to understand the importance and power of the small business community.
Her blend of small business ownership and marketing experience gives her a deep understanding of what it takes to build a business in Colorado’s rural communities.
“There’s a common language and a common understanding between all of us that this work is hard, but it’s worth doing.”
Building a Stronger Rural Ecosystem
In her new role, Olivia will be instrumental in making sure Startup Colorado’s community—from idea-stage founders to long-time partners—feels supported, informed, and inspired.
“Olivia brings an incredible mix of creativity, empathy, and organizational skill to the team,” said Vanessa McCrann, Managing Director at Startup Colorado. “Her entrepreneurial mindset and passion for connecting people are exactly what our community needs as we continue to expand programs and deepen engagement across the state.”
Startup Colorado’s mission is to build a thriving, statewide network of resources in support of rural entrepreneurs, and Olivia’s role ensures that mission comes to life through every event, conversation, and connection we facilitate.
Please join us in giving Olivia a warm welcome to the Startup Colorado team! You’ll likely see her at our next Lean Coffee virtual networking session, connecting with founders, and helping make the rural startup community stronger than ever.
Want to connect with Olivia? She’d love to hear from you! Schedule a time to chat about upcoming programs, partnerships, or community events via Calendly.
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?
