Southwest Colorado has always had an abundance of individual grit, but keeping a business here long-term requires more than just hard work—it requires a community that leans in. This panel brings together local entrepreneurs and support leaders to discuss how we are moving beyond just "starting" companies to ensuring they can scale and grow right here at home.
By intentionally leveraging our regional assets—including angel and institutional investment, mentorship networks, and shared workspaces—we are building the infrastructure that allows founders to put down roots.
We will explore:
The Power of Connection: How a "connection-rich" network between entrepreneurs creates economic stability.
Resource Mapping: Identifying and utilizing the public wealth already in our backyard, including:
local angel investors, Howdy Partners vc, SCAPE, Southern Ute Indian Tribe Growth Fund, Fort Lewis College Center for Rural AI, Southwest CO SBDC, Region 9 Economic Development District + Enterprise Zones, Business Loan Fund, Good Food Collective, traditional lenders (CDFI banks, Startup CO Loan Fund), CHFA and our innovation partners throughout the state such as Startup Colorado, Colorado Rural Innovation (CORI)
Overcoming Regional Barriers: Strategies for tackling the common rural gaps in capital and specialized business support. Entrepreneurship not as a solo endeavor, but as a community asset that creates jobs and builds local resilience.
Building for Durability: Why creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs is good for our neighbors who want to find long-term economic success without moving away.
how local investment and mentorship act as a force multiplier for the region's existing public wealth
Building What Comes Next: Discussing modern trends like the "10x founder" and "AI-augmented" business models,address how Southwest Colorado can remain competitive and forward-thinking while maintaining its unique identity.
Speakers
Heather Otter, SCAPE, Executive Director
Tom Miaskiewicz, Fort Lewis College, Associate Professor of Marketing & Katz Endowed Professor
Ashley Nager, Startup Colorado, Platform Manager
Ray Karnes, auditRAMP, Founder
Nicholas Mashburn, Durango Village, Mentor and Investor