Startup Colorado

One of the unique opportunities of the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition is that finalists will launch a Kiva crowdfunding campaign—but what does that actually mean for your business? Kiva is a zero-interest, zero-fee loan program designed to help small businesses access the capital they need to grow. Unlike traditional bank loans, Kiva loans are crowdfunded by individual lenders who believe in supporting entrepreneurs like you. How Kiva Works: 1. You apply for a Kiva loan as part of the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition. 2. Your network helps kickstart the campaign by lending small (or not-so-small!) amounts to show community support. 3. The Kiva platform opens your loan to a global network of lenders, who contribute in small amounts until your goal is met. 4. You receive the funds and repay the loan over time—with zero interest and flexible terms. We're partnering with Prairie Rose Development, the official Kiva Colorado Hub, to help rural entrepreneurs access and navigate the Kiva crowdfunding process. Prairie Rose acts as the facilitator and lender organizer for Kiva in Colorado, ensuring that business owners get the support they need to launch and manage successful crowdfunding campaigns. Why this matters for you: ??Up to $5,000 in cash from Startup Colorado to kickstart your Kiva campaign. ??Guidance and support from Prairie Rose Development, making the Kiva process smooth and accessible. ??A built-in community of supporters who believe in your business. ??A proven funding model that allows you to raise even more than our cash contribution—because the amount you raise is determined by Kiva’s platform, not by us. ??The best part? This is free money to borrow—and you retain full ownership of your company. We’re using our network to help you fundraise—so instead of just giving you cash, we’re giving you the tools to access even more capital, without diluting your equity or taking on high-interest debt. Are you ready? Apply today and take the first step toward launching your Kiva campaign: https://lnkd.in/erghTkcT

Creative entrepreneurs face unique challenges when it comes to funding their businesses. In the latest issue of The Rural Startup, we dive into how Dani Reyes-Acosta of Afuera Productions built a diversified funding model and how you can do the same. Plus, explore insights from Meghan Rauker of DreamSpring on 2025's funding landscape, dive into grant strategies and alternative funding sources, and get practical advice on building financial sustainability in creative industries. Get the full scoop: https://lnkd.in/ekVStySb The Rural Startup is a bi-monthly newsletter that delivers expert insights right into your inbox. Subscribe today! (Photo: Guy Fattal)

The winter Founder Coopetition // Idea Factory— hosted in partnership with Emergent Campus— just wrapped up, equipping a new cohort of founders with the strategies, connections, and resources to launch and grow their rural businesses. Over four weeks, early-stage entrepreneurs in Fremont County refined their ideas, tackled challenges, and developed action plans tailored to their region. Now, we’re thrilled to introduce the three finalists: ?? Barna Kasa – Antique Hardware Company (Florence) – Building the largest online retailer for antique and vintage hardware. ?? Brock Predovich – BiteZen (Ca?on City) – A smart oral wellness tracker helping users monitor nighttime jaw activity. ?? Zachary Stormant – Stormant Designs (Trinidad) – Providing engineering solutions for the steel industry and expanding into affordable housing. Read more about these founders: https://lnkd.in/e3YR9tyq This program is proof that rural innovation is thriving. Want to bring a Founder Coopetition to your community? Contact Tim Martinez to learn more ([email protected]).

Check out this INCREDIBLE news from Georgia Grace Edwards of Gnara ?? Congratulations on this epic partnership!

Rural entrepreneurs—this is your moment! The Startup Colorado Pitch Series kicks off in Sterling on April 23, and applications are open now! Pitch your business, gain visibility, and connect with investors who believe in rural innovation. Whether you're refining an idea or scaling your startup, this competition is your chance to take the stage and secure funding. Application deadline: March 19 Event date: April 23 | Sterling, CO Apply now: https://lnkd.in/erghTkcT (Pictured: Mike Blecha of AnywhereCam | Photo: Olivia Reed Photo)

Fremont County is proving that rural communities can be at the forefront of tech and innovation. In our latest case study, we explore how local entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders transformed the region into a thriving startup scene. One of those changemakers is Sarah Hinkley, co-founder and CEO of BOPA- Precision Agriculture Barn Owl Precision Agriculture, who is leading the charge in AgTech and shaping the next generation of innovators through AgSTART. Read how Fremont County is redefining what’s possible for rural entrepreneurship: https://lnkd.in/eVzCNnyZ

West Slope Startup Week 2025 is gearing up for another round of game-changing conversations, hands-on workshops, and inspiring panels— and we want YOU to be part of it! Do you have insights, skills, or experiences that could help rural entrepreneurs succeed? Now is your chance to lead a session! The 2025 Tracks Include: ?? People ?? Money ?? Communications ?? Toolbox ?? Tech ?? Makers ? Climate ?? Latine ?? Fun Head to our blog to learn more about these tracks and submit your session pitch: https://lnkd.in/etubFpxf

Join us for this month’s Lean Coffee with Rachel Crawford from Prairie Rose Development, where we’ll dive into capital strategy, capital stacking, and funding programs that can fuel your business growth. Rachel will break down funding options like the Colorado Credit Reserve, Cash Collateral Support, Community Development Block Grants, and Kiva loans. Whether you’re exploring your first funding round or refining your financial strategy, this interactive session is your chance to learn, ask questions, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs across Colorado. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/eWt2WMKX

Pitch Readiness Session with Jolene Collins ?? Date: March 7, 2025 Time: 12-1pm MT Location: Virtual (Zoom) Are you ready to pitch your business with confidence? Join us for a virtual Pitch Readiness Session with Jolene Collins, where you'll get expert guidance on crafting a compelling business pitch. This session will help you refine your message and prepare for upcoming opportunities—including the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition in Sterling on April 23rd! RSVP: https://lnkd.in/ekvuvttS

We had a great turnout on Friday for our Gunnison Roadtrip event! ?? Thank you to our friends from Western's Outdoor Industry MBA program, Gunnison Chamber, and ICELAb— your partnership was essential in making this event a success. Our next Startup Colorado Roadtrip event is this Wednesday's virtual Lean Coffee session cohosted by Rachel Crawford of Prairie Rose Development. See you there!