We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: entrepreneurship can be an isolating journey—especially in rural areas where access to resources, professional networks, and visibility is limited. That’s where pitch competitions come in. While most folks associate them with glossy TV shows like Shark Tank, pitch competitions take on a different, more community-focused role in rural ecosystems.
These events offer founders a platform to refine their ideas, gain exposure, and connect with investors and peers. But their value extends beyond the entrepreneurs on stage. Rural pitch competitions also engage the broader community, helping build a shared sense of possibility and momentum around local startup ecosystem development.
“We’ve seen annual pitch competitions become an integral component of a rural community’s efforts to become a startup ecosystem,” said Mark Madic, Startup Colorado’s Director of Ecosystem Building & Partnerships.
But first, what are pitch competitions?
Here’s the gist: Entrepreneurs present their business ideas to a panel of judges—often investors, business leaders, or ecosystem builders—with the goal of receiving funding or other forms of support. Unlike demo days, which are typically the culmination of an accelerator program, pitch competitions are often standalone events open to a range of founders.
Awards also differ by competition. Winners might receive cash prizes, equity investments, in-kind support such as legal or marketing services, or access to mentorship. The Startup Colorado Pitch Competition in Sterling, for example, offered early-stage entrepreneurs the opportunity to launch a crowdfunded Kiva loan campaign.
Sarah Berkeley, the founder of Symbiosis Gear in Leadville—who won the event—will soon launch a Kiva loan campaign with up to $5,000 in support from Startup Colorado. She will use the funds to develop new product prototypes and build brand awareness.
On the flip side, our 2024 competition in Durango featured startups who were further along in their entrepreneurial journey. These founders pitched to a panel of venture capital investors and secured more than $380K cumulatively in equity investments.
How pitch competitions support founders
In 2023, Mike Blecha, founder of the agtech startup AnywhereCam, attended the Northeast Colorado Pitch Competition in Sterling. Retrospectively, he said he winged the presentation and “probably should have prepared better.” While he didn’t win the event, one of the jurors was so impressed with the business concept that he eventually joined as a co-founder.
Fast forward a year, Mike pitched at the 2024 Startup Colorado Pitch Competition in Durango. Again, he didn’t win, but… he connected with partners from the Greater Colorado Venture Fund who later invested $250K in his business.
Read more about AnywhereCam here.
Mike’s story is the perfect example of how pitch competitions offer more than a stage. They provide strategic opportunities for growth and connection. Here’s how pitch competitions can help founders:
Brand Exposure: Participating in a pitch competition increases visibility. Founders gain exposure not only to potential investors, but also to local stakeholders, media, and community members who may become customers, advocates, or collaborators.
The Sterling Pitch Competition received statewide coverage via KUNC/CPR and was later released on NPR’s Marketplace to a national audience. Sarah, the founder of Symbiosis Gear, said she received a bump in outreach from potential customers, vendors, and investors.
