Reflections from WSSW
By SCAPE’s Executive Director, Heather Ottter.
What a week. Being fully immersed in WSSW reminded me why SCAPE shows up year after year. The curiosity of the entrepreneurs stood out most—they asked the best questions that send people like me back to work with clarity about how to better support founders when it matters most.
Startup Colorado once again delivered a high-quality event that brought together hundreds of people from across the Four Corners and the state. The impact of this gathering will be revealed both immediately and into the future.
A few moments in particular stayed with me. A sixth grader from Farmington convinced her dad and brother to drive to Durango so she could attend SCAPE’s session—where we toasted twelve years of impact and I was introduced as the new director. She has already launched her own line of soaps and is developing her next product. She is the embodiment of what’s possible when young people can “see what they can be.”
An evening at EsoTerra’s Arboretum offered space for meaningful conversations and a memorable keynote from Attorney General Phil Weiser. He spoke about stumbling upon Eso Terra on a detour through Dolores, his role in founding Startup Colorado, and why thinking like a scientist can help guide major decisions—including launching a company.
Serving as a judge in the Pitch Competition was another highlight. Getting a front-row seat to what’s emerging in our startup community—and having a lively exchange with my fellow judges over how to allocate the awards—was energizing. I felt smarter just being in that room.
I also watched SCAPE mentors and investors light up the week, whether through Startup Weekend with the AI Institute at Fort Lewis College, presenting sessions, or simply showing up to support their peers. One investor shared that when his family moved here not knowing anyone, SCAPE and WSSW became an entry point into the entrepreneurial and tech community. “Three years later, he said, “I am reminded of how much has grown from those early connections, and how grateful I am for what my family and I have become a part of.”
A shout out to Howdy Partners for the lunch meet up at the Lion’s Den and happy hour on their downtown office patio. Both events gave me the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and make new connections.
My thanks to outgoing Wessy Organizer, Vanessa McCrann, and the entire Startup Colorado team for another home run. See you next year!
Photos:
[Top Right] Heather Otter speaking at “Meet SCAPE’s New Director & a Toast to Local Entrepreneurship” Session, inspiring the next generation.
[Top Middle] Heather Otter and InnerFrame Founder, Eric Hines, celebrate her company launch.
[Top Left] Marc Nagger, Howdy Partners, Heather Otter, and Cory Finney, Howdy Partners attending the State Leaders Lunch.
[Bottom Right] Jasper Welch, SCAPE Mentor and Durango Space, Heather Otter, and Jeff Dupont, Durango Chamber at their “So You Want to Start a Business?” Session
[Bottom Middle] Heather Otter and Vanessa McCrann, WSSW Organizer at AG Phil Weiser’s Keynote
[Bottom Left] Kami Collins, OEDIT Rural Opportunity Representative West, Wendy Stewart Martinez, OEDIT Rural opportunity Representative Southwest/ Eastern plains, Heather Otter, and Helen West, Community and Economic Development Specialist, City of Cortez at the EsoTerra Arboretum.
