An event aimed at local businesses is planned for August at Durango’s West Slope Startup Week.
Startup Colorado announced a partnership with 14 Founders and Greater Colorado Venture Fund on Thursday that will significantly increase investment opportunities for two or more local founders, and the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition will offer at least $280,000 in investment.
The application deadline has been extended to July 7 and the eligibility criteria have been broadened to accommodate a greater variety of businesses.
The Startup Colorado Pitch Competition is for local founders committed to solving challenges and fostering innovation in their local communities. Designed for startups with growth potential, the competition is open to all founders headquartered in rural Colorado. The pitch competition will take place during West Slope Startup Week in Durango (August 19-23).
14 Founders by the Kickstart Fund and Greater Colorado Venture Fund will each offer two investment packages of at least $140,000. The partnership marks a turning point in the rural finance space.
“Startup Colorado believes rural communities are home to noteworthy, scalable companies,” said Brittany Romano, executive director of Startup Colorado. “This investment will help generate more interest in businesses outside of the urban Front Range.”
The Startup Colorado Pitch Competition is open to all founders operating in rural counties, and finalists will receive private pitch coaching from the Ewing School in the lead-up to the finals to ensure they can effectively present their solutions to rural problems in front of a panel of judges and an audience at West Slope Startup Week.
About the funders:
14 Founders is a venture program that invests in Colorado startups. The program is run by local Colorado students and sponsored by Kickstart Fund.
“14 Founders is committed to supporting the backbone pillars of Colorado’s startup ecosystem,” said Harris Cunningham, partner at 14 Founders.
The Greater Colorado Venture Fund is a venture capital fund that invests in early-stage startups headquartered throughout Colorado outside the Front Range. The fund strives to spark innovation in areas traditionally overlooked by venture funds.
“This year, GCVF is looking to partner with early-stage growth companies in rural Colorado,” said Corey Finney, partner at Greater Colorado Venture Fund. “We’re looking for great teams that are developing unique products in large markets.”
About Startup Colorado:
Startup Colorado is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports rural entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders in Colorado’s 53 rural counties. We believe everyone should have the ability to start and grow a business in their hometown. We help both entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders access the human, social and financial capital they need to build thriving businesses. To learn more, visit StartupColorado.org.
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