Techstars Startup Week West Slope: Full Schedule

8:30am MDT

WSSW Kickoff Event: Seth Levine & Elizabeth MacBride

The Next Generation of Business Owners Aren't Who You Think They Are
Entrepreneurship in the United States is changing rapidly as the people starting new businesses are significantly different from 25 years ago. Specifically, today's entrepreneurs are more likely to be black, brown, female, or older than most people realize. Despite optimism for the future, our current financial system is not adapting fast enough to support them. The result is that in today's America, entrepreneurship is slowly declining.
In their new book, The New Builders, venture capitalist, and Startup Colorado Board Member Seth Levine and business journalist Elizabeth MacBride describe these trends and tell the stories of the next generation of business owners in vivid and compelling detail. Join us for West Slope Startup Week’s Official Kickoff Event where Seth and Elizabeth discuss how the New Builders are the future of American entrepreneurship.
This year’s Kickoff Event is sponsored by Startup Colorado and the new online Rural Entrepreneur Network at StartupColorado.org.

Monday July 12, 2021 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Virtual

Headline Event

9:30am MDT

If You're Not Secure, You're Not Reliable: Why Cybersecurity Is Essential For All Businesses

A business/system isn't reliable if it's not fundamentally secure. Cybersecurity isn't restricted to large, tech enterprises but is a core competency of any modern business. Common cyberattacks impact businesses of all sizes across all sectors, and their impact is especially devastating to small-to-medium sized businesses. Can your business survive multiple weeks of inoperable technology, or pay tens of thousands of dollars in ransoms? Learn how to be brilliant ant in the basics and create a secure and reliable business.

Speakers

Diana Peiffer

Director of Client Security, The Stabers Group

Monday July 12, 2021 9:30am - 10:00am MDT
Virtual

Tech

10:00am MDT

Technical Storytelling: Even the Best Products Don't Sell Themselves

Developing an innovative new technology can be as rewarding as it is challenging. After creating a working prototype and securing a few early adopting customers, some founders may think the hard work is mostly done. That is not the case, however, because even the best new technologies do not sell themselves. Simply describing the innovative technology is typically not enough to convince the majority. Storytelling is a powerful tool to align the benefits of your new solution with an audience's needs and desires.

Speakers

Ellen Williams

Business Development Manager, Exum Instruments

I am an atypical engineer who combines a highly technical background with business acumen and strong communication skills. I call myself a "Technical Storyteller" because of my background and experience working with multi-disciplinary teams solving complex technical problems and effectively... Read More →

Monday July 12, 2021 10:00am - 10:30am MDT
Virtual

Communications

10:00am MDT

The Startup Roadmap & Blueprint: Build a Solid Foundation

Many founders rush into building a product or telling a story without laying out the right foundation for themselves or their startup. Failing to address critical formation steps, founder equity, and finance/talent/legal operations can result in smaller payouts, loss of control, or painful issues that sidetrack or sink many startups.

This session presents a methodical startup execution roadmap and dives into key blueprints for founders to make sure they build the right foundation for a vibrant, healthy, fundable startup. Attendees will receive copies of a startup roadmap as well as a detailed blueprint to guide their startup and fundraising journey.

Speakers

Sam Wong

CEO, Fundable Startups

Sam helps founders build a fundable startup as a CEO coach, interim CEO/CTO/CFO, and advisor. Sam is the author of 21 Secrets of Successful Startups, a book about world-class execution for startups. Sam also provides online training for entrepreneurs at FundableStartups.com. As a serial entrepreneur, he has been CEO, CTO, or VP Engineering / TechOps for five companies, driving three acquisitions. As a hands-on “roll up the sleeves” startup coach, Sam draws from his 30+ years of successes and failures to train and help entrepreneurs with execution, fu... Read More →

Monday July 12, 2021 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Virtual

Toolbox

10:30am MDT

Flexing the Leadership Muscle: An International Study of Entrepreneurial Resilience in Rural Communities

What does Leadership really mean...in a crisis or when running a business in a rural community. Do you have what it takes?

Speakers

Fergie R

Georgann Jouflas

Instructor, Colorado Mesa University

Georgann Jouflas received a Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs from the University of Colorado. This program included intensive study of culture and business practices in Asia, the Middle East, Europe. In 1983, she received a Masters of Business Administration from... Read More →

Emma Fleck

Karise Hutchinson

Zen Parry

Monday July 12, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Virtual

People

11:00am MDT

Getting Creative: Funding Rural Creative Economies

The format will be a panel. The target is creative entrepreneurs, business owners, communities that are looking to strengthen their creative economies. We will discuss FSWCF’s Creative Arts Loan Fund and why this has been a tool for growth for small businesses in Durango.

Speakers

Christy Costello

Deputy Director, Colorado Creative Industries

Cass Walker Harvey

Executive Director, First Southwest Community Fund

Hayley Kirkman

Durango Creative District

Sherry Waner

Chief Development Office, First Southwest Bank

Monday July 12, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Virtual

Capital

11:30am MDT

Healthcare Innovation and Entrepreneurship

For those interested in getting ideas to patients, your will learn:
1. What is healthcare entrepreneurship
2. What knowledge, skills abilities and competencies should be in your toolbox
3. Next steps

Speakers

Arlen Meyers

CEO, Society of Physician Entrepreneurs

Dr. Meyers is a retired professor of otolaryngology, dentistry, and engineering at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus and President and CEO of SoPE. He has founded several medical device companies and is also the cofounder of a medical tourism company. His primary... Read More →

Four W's pptx

Monday July 12, 2021 11:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Virtual

Toolbox

12:00pm MDT

Startup Financing: Path to Funding and Maximizing Value

Venture capital's performance at a national level has been outstanding over the last several years, with investors and Limited Partners being more eager than ever to invest. Even in the middle of a global pandemic, 2020 was a record year for venture fundraising and deployment, with nearly $80 billion in capital raised – and 2021 is on pace to top $100 billion.

However, while this is good news for the U.S., a deeper look at regional venture capital trends in 2020 reveal challenges for up-and-coming innovation hotspots like Colorado:

An increasing amount of capital is concentrated within large venture capital funds and fewer emerging funds have been capitalized in recent years, with 2020 being a low spot since the great recession. This declining number of small venture capital funds is problematic because they are essential in leading investment rounds and investing in early/seed stage companies.
An increasing amount of capital is concentrated in coastal regions, leaving companies in Mid-America with a scarce availability of local capital.
While Colorado topped $2.5B in VC capital invested in startup ventures, we estimate that 95% of this capital came from out-of-state investment. To sustain a long-term innovation ecosystem, states like Colorado must address this significant imbalance in capital concentration.

In this venture capital environment, what options do entrepreneurs have for finding investors that will lead financing rounds, support entrepreneurs building high-tech companies, and accelerate the path to a successful exit?

Speakers

Tim Jones

General Partner ICI Fund, Innosphere Ventures

Monday July 12, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Virtual

Capital

1:00pm MDT

How our company shifted to a 4-day workweek

Like many companies in 2020, Uncharted in Denver went to a fully remote team. But unlike most companies, they went a step further and implemented a 4-day work week.

This 45min session is for company leaders, freelancers, and solopreneurs, to learn insights from Uncharted's 4-day work week experiment and what this means for culture and productivity.

Speakers

Banks Benitez

CEO, Uncharted

Monday July 12, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Virtual

People

1:00pm MDT

Writing Proposals that Get Contracts

This session will provide attendees the tools to write clear, targeted, effective proposals to win contracts. Writing proposals is both a science and an art. Proposals are highly structured and must be 100% compliant (the science) but they are also an exercise in thinking like the issuer of the solicitation or procurement document (the art). By carefully assessing the solicitation documents, identifying all the requirements, and mapping those requirements in a requirements compliance table (RCT), you can accomplish three critical objectives:
1. Ensure you actually meet the issuer's requirements
2. Plan a logical, 100% compliant proposal
3. Write clearly, concisely, in plain language

Speakers

Janet Arrowood

The Write Source, Inc.

Janet Arrowood has been a writer, technical editor, and writing trainer for over 35 years. Ms. Arrowood is a mathematician by degree, an engineer by training, and a writer by profession. She specializes in training professionals, engineers, and contract specialists in “how to write... Read More →

Writing Proposals that Get Contracts pptx

Monday July 12, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Virtual

Toolbox

2:00pm MDT

You MADE that?! GJMakerspace Panel

Join this panel discussion to learn about the Maker efforts at Grand Junction Makerspace and find out how to connect with the Colorado Maker Hub! This session is for any creatives, businesses, artists, or independents that enjoy making and want to network with other like-minded makers!

Speakers

Heidi Ragsdale

Owner, STEM is My Future / National Geographic

Heidi Ragsdale is a STEM Educator’s Educator! After nearly 20 years in 8th grade science, Heidi now runs STEM is My Future, LLC, and provides professional development for teachers with GeoSpatial (GIS) Technologies, Problem Based Learning, National Geographic’s GeoInquiry Process... Read More →

Joe Elliott

Director, Business Incubator/MakerSpace

Wayne Wall

Educator & Volunteer, GJmakerspace

Over 40 years’ experience designing and implementing innovative software/hardware solutions to challenging computing problems for academia and industry. Skilled in the art of advanced software design and implementation techniques and with a track record of producing quality solutions... Read More →

Monday July 12, 2021 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Virtual

Makers

2:00pm MDT

Data Protection At Home

Do you work from home? Have you considered how this has put your data at risk? In recent times, many have made the shift to working remotely. It is time to consider what new risks have been introduced to our home work environment. Unlike the office that was built like a castle, we don’t know who is connected, what devices are allowed, or have the tools to keep the bad guys out. At home, it is more like a free for all. Kids have multiple devices, the appliances are connected, and Alexa is gathering who knows what. This presentation will demonstrate how to secure your own castle and its data.

Speakers

Brian Hileman

Consulting Engineer, Palo Alto Networks

Brian has spent most of his career working in the data protection field. He is currently a Consulting Engineer with Palo Alto Networks specializing in Data Loss Prevention and SaaS Security. Prior roles include Sales Engineer with Digital Guardian a DLP and EDR software vendor and... Read More →

Data Protection @ Home Startup Week pdf

Monday July 12, 2021 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Virtual

Tech

3:00pm MDT

The Entrepreneur's (Practical) Guide to Pitching Your Startup to Investors

Entrepreneurs live and breathe their company, which often makes it difficult for them to "translate" their vision into an effective investor pitch. In this interactive workshop, you can learn practical tips for pitching investors from Jonathan Greechan, an entrepreneur that has seen tens of thousands of pitches and helped countless entrepreneurs raise capital in his role as Co-Founder of the Founder Institute. The event will start with a presentation breaking down the optimal format and function of the (1) Elevator, (2) One Minute, and (3) Presentation Pitches, with practical examples and tips along the way. Then, attendees will have an opportunity to share their Elevator Pitches with the audience in a relaxed setting for feedback.

Speakers

Jonathan Greechan

Co-Founder, Founder Institute

Jonathan Greechan is the Co-Founder of the Founder Institute (http://fi.co), the world's largest pre-seed startup accelerator. Since 2009, he has grown and scaled the organization to chapters in over 200 cities and 90 countries, which have produced over 5000 portfolio companies with... Read More →

WSSW Entrpreneurs Guide to Pitching 2021 pdf

WSSW Pitch Worksheet v1 pdf

Monday July 12, 2021 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Virtual

Capital

3:00pm MDT

Intellectual Property is a Business Strategy: What Startups Need to Know

Developing your IP business strategy is essential, and includes evaluating your IP assets, knowing your competition, understanding the pace of innovation and opportunities for growth, and determining the best ways to protect your IP. It also increases leveraging power, and adds value to your company. Whether it's creating and using a brand that distinguishes an owner from other businesses, demonstratively protecting the company's trade secrets, or investing in a more competitive business decision by allowing an invention to be published while seeking a patent, ownership should always be the first thought when the work is being done. The presenters will dispel the myth that protection only helps some businesses, and help entrepreneurs understand how to identify their intellectual property, and develop their strategy to establish, monitor, and protect their IP rights.

Speakers

David Le

Regional Outreach Officer, United States Patent and Trademark Office

David graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 2005 from the University of Oklahoma and a Juris Doctor in 2008 from Oklahoma City University School of Law. He is also a member of the Oklahoma State Bar. He joined the USPTO in January 2009 and examines patents relating to... Read More →

Ryan Anderson

Intellectual Property Attorney - Member, Larson & Anderson LLC

Ryan received a B.S. in chemical engineering, cum laude, from the Honors College at Michigan State University, a M.S. in biochemistry from the University of Saint Joseph, and a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law. Ryan's practice focuses on patent and trademark application... Read More →

Monday July 12, 2021 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Virtual

Toolbox

4:00pm MDT

Astrology for Entrepreneurship

If you feel like you’re working against the tides or just want things to feel more joyful in business, join Krista Trofka for Elemental Astrology for Business Owners. We’ll explore how the stars can help you thrive as an entrepreneur, as well as a primer using astrology to identify your business strengths .. and blocks. It might be weird (or maybe just unexpected), but if you’re craving a new perspective, join us with an open mind as we dive into how the cosmos can help you thrive.

Speakers

Krista Trofka

Founder, Krista Trofka

Hi there, I’m Krista. I help speakers and entrepreneurs find their "on-stage" confidence with neuroscience and learning how to lean into their fears. As a former real estate executive and over achieving coffee addict, I now spend my time meditating every day, reading a lot about... Read More →

Monday July 12, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Virtual

FUN!

4:00pm MDT

Building the Team

Entrepreneurs have to tackle multiple challenges to build their business: defining the product/technology, developing the go-to-market strategy, attracting customers and raising capital. One of the most important and sometimes overlooked challenges is attracting and building the right team. Learn about building your team from a panel of successful business founders and owners. What do investors look for in startup teams – and what should you be looking for? How can you extend your team performance with partners and advisors? How do you maximize team skills and strengths? What are some of the current challenges of hiring and building teams in Western Colorado? Bring your questions to this interactive session.

Our panel includes:
Cory Finney, Greater Colorado Venture Fund
Rob Eggebrecht, Cloudrise
Aryn Schlichting, Mountain Careers
Scott Perrin, mFactor

Speakers

Aryn Schlichting

Founder, Mountain Careers

Aryn Schlichting, is the Deputy Director of HR at Eagle County Government and founder of Mountain Careers, the official mountain town job board. With 15 years in Human Resources in the Vail Valley she finds excitement in attracting others to the area and growing talent in mountain... Read More →

Cory Finney

Founding Partner, Greater Colorado Venture Fund

I'm a Partner with GCVF. Happy to talk on all things fundraising, company building, or entrepreneurial in general!

Rob Eggebrecht

Scott Perrin

Mentor/investor/entrepreneur, mFactor

In our 2021 WSSW session, an experienced panel of startup entrepreneurs will provide insights and address audience questions around building your team.1. What investors look for in evaluating startup teams 2. How to leverage partners to optimize team scope and scale3. Using team... Read More →

Monday July 12, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Virtual

People

5:30pm MDT

Vail Valley Hometown Event: Networking Happy Hour

Limited Capacity seats available

This will be a Vail Valley-wide networking event that's part of West Slope Startup Week and we're bringing in organizations like the Small Business Development Center, Vail Valley Young Professionals, several of the chambers of commerce, Mountain Careers, and others to support and promote the event. FYI this is one of four WSSW Hometown Events taking place this year (Telluride, Durango, Steamboat, and Vail) and there will plenty of press, marketing, and promotions happening to get the word out.

Speakers

Bentley Biggar

LGST 2000 Student

Monday July 12, 2021 5:30pm - 7:30pm MDT
Sunrise Minturn 132 Main St, Minturn, CO 81645

Headline Event

8:00am MDT

An Entrepreneur and Behavioral Economist Walk Into a Bar

Imagine sitting at a bar after a long day as an entrepreneur, you had another VC company let you know they wouldn't be funding your business idea, you're struggling with communicating the importance of your business and the impact it has on your target audience. Then out of nowhere, a behavioral economist just happens to sit down next to you... and you strike up a conversation, you learn about: change management (and how to communicate being a disruptor in your industry), you learn about retention and how behavioral economics can help you not only on-board your clients but keep them, and you learn about how behavioral economics can solve just about any business problem you have by using human centered design.

This presentation is for entrepreneurs who want to learn more about designing communication and products to fit within human psychology and economics. It will provide a background on BE and how it can be used in business practices everyday. Entrepreneurs will walk away with real tools and tactics to implement in their own businesses.

Speakers

Kirstie McPherson

Principal, Edeveco / The Behavioral Economics Company

Kirstie McPherson is a Behavioral Economist who’s research has focused on economic development throughout her career. Working with dozens of communities across the US, Kirstie has identified key practices to enhance economic development and answer the most common problems our communities... Read More →

BE and Entrepreneur walk into a bar (1) pdf

Tuesday July 13, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Virtual

Communications

8:00am MDT

Conversations about tech and the entrepreneurial ecosystem

Join Spencer, Brian and John for a conversational exploration of tech and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This session emerges from a curiosity about the changes we're seeing in entrepreneurship, work and careers—and the ongoing conversations that Brian, Spencer and John have been having in and around these topics.

Speakers

Brian Watson

Co-Founder, Proximity

Brian Watson is an entrepreneur, connector, and community developer. Brian has been starting and running businesses since he was 17 and believes that entrepreneurship is the greatest tool we have to positively impact our communities. His startup, Proximity, strives to help connect... Read More →

Spencer Ingram

Founder, West Slope Works

Hi, I'm Spencer, the People Track organizer. I'm the creator of West Slope Works to help you connect with the people, guidance, and skills to advance your career on the west slope. Previously, I started a college-to-career accelerator before working to provided funding and mentorship... Read More →

Tuesday July 13, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Virtual

Communications

9:00am MDT

WSSW Keynote: Kelly Watters of Western Rise

Join us for the West Slope Startup Week 2021 Keynote with Kelly Watters of Western Rise apparel company.

Kelly’s enthusiasm and passion for leadership continues to build Western Rise, and her operational expertise has been a catalyst for growth. We believe that Western Rise is extremely fortunate to have such a capable and driven leader to elevate the brand. We are excited to where Kelly can take the brand in the years to come.”
Kelly Watters brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new position at Western Rise. She received her masters from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia and came to Western Rise with over eight years experience in management and team building both domestically and internationally. As co-founder of Western Rise she has been leading the team as COO for four years. During that time she accomplished 86% Year over Year growth while being responsible for Sales, Fundraising, Finance, Customer Experience, Logistics, and more.

“This is an exciting time of growth for Western Rise and I am pleased to step into the CEO position,” Said Kelly Watters. “We have a highly talented and passionate team that is excited to take on new opportunities. Together will continue to provide the highest quality performance apparel while building our Colorado brand.

Western Rise is a direct to consumer e-commerce brand specializing in men’s and women’s technical apparel for outdoor travel and every day. Founded in 2014 by Will and Kelly Watters, Western Rise specializing in the highest performing custom technical fabrics with classic styles to allow you to do more with less. They have received high praise from the industry including HiConsumption, Gear Patrol, Carryology and being named “Favorite new Gear Company” by Outside Magazine. They are currently focusing on expanding their product line and expanding into new markets. You can see more of their core line at westernrise.com.

Tuesday July 13, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Virtual

Headline Event

10:00am MDT

OPEN SOURCE: Outdoor Industry Startups

Robin Hall and Joe Solomon of Town Hall Outdoor Co and Iconic Adventures in Steamboat Springs, Colorado are ready to pull back the curtain on what it takes to start an outdoor company from scratch. Robin offers more than a decade of experience from Smartwool and Joe is the founder of Iconic Adventures, a successful outdoor adventure travel company out of Steamboat. The two have joined forces to co-found a sustainable kids outdoor apparel company that is in the startup phase and preparing for the launch of its first line in Fall 2021. From foundational basics to the nitty gritty of supply chain and marketing strategy and everything in between, Robin and Joe will open source their businesses to share deep insights on how to go from inspiration to action. Curious and interested in starting your own or looking to grow a current business? Find out what it takes from these two industry experts and bring your questions to this valuable session.

Speakers

Robin Hall

Co-Founder and CEO, Town Hall Outdoor Co.

Tuesday July 13, 2021 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Virtual

Makers

10:00am MDT

Failure: Leaving or Learning

Startup and emerging businesses involves personal, financial and emotional risk. If you or your business fails, how do we deal with failure and move on? Jasper Welch shares from personal and professional experience. Q&A.

Speakers

Jasper Welch - Founder/Mentor/Advisor Four Corners Management Systems

Tuesday July 13, 2021 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Virtual

People

11:00am MDT

The Entrepreneurial Pursuit of Mental Health

Why is it important to take mental health into consideration when owning or starting a business? According to an article from Forbes, 72% of entrepreneurs are directly or indirectly affected by mental health issues compared to just 48% of non-entrepreneurs. During this panel discussion, Meridith Marshall, Founder & CEO of Uncharted Coaching/Co-Founder of Kin, and Chris Myers, Colorado Lending Source’s CEO, will elaborate on this topic and break down the stigmas around vulnerability. They will dive deep into the importance of balancing a healthy outlook on a whole human approach to leadership and the implications this can have on entrepreneurship.

Even as we’re emerging out of the pandemic, entrepreneurs are facing incredibly challenging times and it's important now more than ever, that not only can they keep their businesses alive, but also how to manage all the external factors outside of their control. No matter what phase a business is in, mental health for both business leaders and their employees alike is essential for survival and growth.

The panel will be moderated by Nicole Christianson, Colorado Lending Source’s West Slope Loan Officer, who’s incredibly passionate about helping small businesses access capital and is personally motivated through mindfulness practices as well.

Speakers

Nicole Christianson

Senior Loan Officer, Colorado Lending Source

I have worked with Colorado Lending Source for 13 years - we are a lender to small businesses. Most importantly, we are a resources to answer questions and help navigate the world of business finance. Start-ups, growing and expanding businesses, real estate purchases - we have a... Read More →

Tuesday July 13, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Virtual

People

12:00pm MDT

Inbound & Down (Your Funnel) - The Startup Guide to Using Inbound Marketing for GROWTH

The workshop is formatted for startup leaders or business owners. They'll learn how to leverage inbound marketing to scale. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask about their own growth strategies and how to scale. Plus, all attendees will receive a startup growth playbook that will help them a marketing plan unique to their successes.

Speakers

Renaya Demarest

Account Director, GROWL Agency

Hi! I'm the Account Director at GROWL Agency. We're a growth marketing agency and HubSpot Partner! My job is to drive strategy and ensure success for all our clients. From leading our Client Success and Marketing teams to partnering with our clients on business development, I've got... Read More →

Tuesday July 13, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Virtual

Communications

12:30pm MDT

Career Fair Day 1

Career Fair: Skill Up to Level Up
We're kicking off the Career Fair by sharing how to arm yourself with the highly marketable skills to find your spot in the fast growing digital economy.
Our guest speakers are the modern educators helping you advance your career and gain access to resilient remote work through expert-led skills training.

You will select the speakers you want to hear from in a format that invites you to share questions and learn about new career pathways within reach. Leave with guidance to set yourself on the path to future-proof your employability.

See the full list of speakers here.

Speakers

Spencer Ingram

Founder, West Slope Works

Tuesday July 13, 2021 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Virtual

People

2:00pm MDT

Employee Ownership: New Ways to Compensate Your Team

This session will equip audience members with ways to incentivize high caliber workers to add value to a startup venture. This online webinar will offer valuable insights for forming a new employee-owned venture, considering an exit to employee or community ownership, equity compensation programs, and why employee ownership can be a key to a stronger company overall. The target audience is all phases of a company from a startup, to a mature company with retiring owners.

Moderators

Jason Wiener

Principal | Attorney, Jason Wiener, PC

Jason is the Principal at Jason Wiener, P.C., a boutique law and business consulting practice providing expertise to social enterprises and mission-driven business models of all sizes and in all phases. Jason’s specialty is in sharing economy law, social and regenerative enterprise... Read More →

Speakers

Ali Clark

Associate Attorney, Sage Law Group

Allie’s practice focuses on both the representation of early stage and mature private companies in connection with general corporate matters, capital raises and complex national and international M&A transactions, as well as the representation of venture capital investors in connection... Read More →

Nathan Schneider

Assistant Professor, Media Studies, CU Media Enterprise Design Lab

Nathan Schneider is an assistant professor of media studies at the University of Colorado Boulder whose work revolves around economy, technology, and religion. His articles have appeared in publications including Harper's, The Nation, The New Republic, The Chronicle of Higher Education... Read More →

Chuong Le

Attorney, 3i Law

Chuong is an attorney with 3i Law. He represents clients in the areas of corporate law, cross-border transactions, and private client services. Chuong has represented domestic and international companies during startup and formation, corporate restructures, joint ventures, mergers... Read More →

Tuesday July 13, 2021 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Virtual

People

3:00pm MDT

Investing in Women: The Importance of Women Accessing Capital

The format will be a panel. The target is funders and women entrepreneurs. We will discuss experiences
and the obstacles that women entrepreneurs face when trying to access capital for their business.
Women are the foundation of economic growth.

Speakers

Kristy Esquibel

SVP/Lending Manager, First Southwest Bank

Kristy Esquibel is the Lending Manager for First Southwest Bank. Working for FSWB since 2013, Kristy is responsible for managing the banks credit administration by overseeing underwriting, loan operations, and special assets. Kristy was responsible for overseeing the PPP process and... Read More →

Sherrie Lawson

Site Activation Manager, Rocky Mountain Microfinance Institute

Sherrie has a tremendous passion for developing the next generation of leaders. For nearly 20 years, she has been teaching undergraduate- and graduate-level students on business principles and theory and its application to practice at Nyack College and University of the District of... Read More →

Dee Espinoza

Maria Gonzalez

Founder & CEO, Adelante Community Development

Maria Gonzalez, Founder & CEOAdelante Community Development With a devoted commitment to make a long-lasting impact in her fight for racial equity and inclusion, Maria has extensive experience in the business, government, and non-profit sectors.Maria owned and operated Gonzalez... Read More →

Tonya Maddox

Founder & CEO, Our Town Matters

Tonya Maddox, CEO of local marketing and event firm, Our Town Matters. Maddox possesses a strong background in change management, marketing, business development, media relations, journalism and public speaking. Maddox has been instrumental in effecting positive change and significant... Read More →

Azarel Madrigal-Chase

Program Director, First Southwest Community Fund

Azarel Madrigal-Chase is passionate about supporting the disenfranchised and underrepresented, and has worked across nonprofit, government and political sectors to promote equitable community and economic development. Azarel participated in Colorado State Department of Locals Affairs... Read More →

Tuesday July 13, 2021 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Virtual

Capital

3:00pm MDT

Leveraging RFPs and Proposals in Your Early Startup Environment

Many companies put off pursuing business through RFPs and proposals until they're out of the startup phase because these are complicated procurement mechanisms ... but the big money is found in proposals. I want to guide startup teams through the basics of pursuing work through RFPs, demystifying the process and showing them the tools that can help them win the big work, faster.

Speakers

Kathryn Bennett

Director of RFP Excellence, Loopio

I'm a proposal guru with more than 12 years in the RFP response and technical communications space. Now, I am a product evangelist for a software platform that improves efficiency, reduces risk, and raises win rates for formal procurement processes. I believe that every proposal... Read More →

Tuesday July 13, 2021 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Virtual

Toolbox

4:00pm MDT

Healed By Nature: Using The Outdoors To Heal In The Modern World

The format of this presentation is to dig into how during the toughest year to date in modern times, (2020) we as Coloradans have the power to heal ourselves through nature and to process the ripple effect of the pandemic (or a once busy life pre-pandemic) to reset our way of living and heal so that we can show up at work as a happier, healthier, person with a full life of authenticity and intention. This presentation is for anyone curious about healing in nature from hiking, those who struggle to disconnect from work and technology, and those that have realized that healing begins from within to live a more purposeful life while having various Colorado nature as the backdrop on a journey of hiking and processing feelings in the outdoors. Attendees will learn about nature deficit disorder, the impacts of mental health from COVID-19, the great spike in being outdoors during COVID-19 lockdowns, and why nature will make you look at life more different than before. You will learn about resiliency and gratitude. In the pandemic, our mental, physical, and emotional well-being has been impacted, and the good news is that we can process and release these feelings within the outdoors in a healthy manner.

Speakers

Monica Wilson

WELL Certification Reviewer, Green Building Certification Institute

Hey there! I am an environmental scientist and green building professional who’s passionate about the ways in which cities are developed, technology, and improved environments that can change one’s life’s trajectory. Two years ago, I became a digital nomad and traded in east... Read More →

Tuesday July 13, 2021 4:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Virtual

FUN!

4:30pm MDT

Coding 101 and where to get started

Anyone can become a coder. All you need is a computer and an idea. Because the technology spectrum is so broad, it can be quite overwhelming trying to understand where to start. This session will cover how to quickly get started and provide initial guidance on best practices. We will also cover the major online resources where you can start writing your first "Hello world" application.

Speakers

Tony Schaffert

Cloudrise

Cloudrise Coding 101 pdf

Tuesday July 13, 2021 4:30pm - 5:00pm MDT
Virtual

Tech

4:30pm MDT

Durango Hometown Event: Coworking Happy Hour & Tour at the Center for Innovation

Limited Capacity seats available

Durango, tucked away in the Southwest corner of Colorado, has a thriving entrepreneurial community and is an amazing place to work, live, and play. Join us for our hometown day at the Center for Innovation, located in the heart of downtown! During the day we will host all West Slope Startup Week sessions at the Center and then join us for a happy hour, light apps, and tour of the space!

Moderators

Kiki Hooton

Event Coordinator, The Greater Colorado Pitch Series

Kiki works for Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO, and is the Event Coordinator for the Greater Colorado Pitch Series, the kick-off event to West Slope Startup Week. Kiki started her interest in entrepreneurship and small business at a young age, as she watched her father run a family... Read More →

Tuesday July 13, 2021 4:30pm - 6:00pm MDT
Center For Innovation - Durango 835 Main Ave, suite 225 Durango, CO 81301

Headline Event

8:00am MDT

Book Club

Virtual book club meeting to discuss "The Third Wave" by Steve Case. Discussion led by Brian Watson.

Participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the book prior to the discussion.

Speakers

Brian Watson

Co-Founder, Proximity

Wednesday July 14, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Virtual

FUN!

8:00am MDT

Managing your Daily Performance

This session is designed to help anyone improve the performance of their business and or personal lives by implementing a simple tracking system that encourages personal accountability. We will go over the importance of knowing what you and your teams MLAP (Minimum Level of Productivity) is and how to improve it along with the basics of goal setting.

Speakers

Darrin Barney

Elite World Wide

Wednesday July 14, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Virtual

Toolbox

8:30am MDT

Steamboat Springs Hometown Event: Networking & Panel Discussion with Local Leaders

Steamboat Springs has become one of the most desirable resort towns in Colorado, making Routt County a wanted destination for innovators, risk takers and entrepreneurs looking to enjoy work and play. Join us for an hour of coffee and networking followed by a panel discussion about how Routt County provides unique opportunities and challenges as a place to launch and grow a small business. Several local entrepreneurs will share their unique experiences growing their businesses in Routt County. This event is happening as a part of West Slope Startup Week July 12-16th. Please register here to attend.

This event is sponsored by Startup Colorado, the Steamboat Springs Chamber, Mtn. Dog Media, 305 Spin, Windrose LLC, and Townhall Apparel.

Speakers

Lora Reichley

Kayleen Cohen

Founder, Mtn. Dog Media

Hi! My name is Kayleen and I'm the Lead Organizer of West Slope Startup Week, and a small business owner much like yourself! My digital marketing agency, Mtn. Dog Media, recently celebrated its 9-year anniversary. Over the past decade, I have worked with hundreds of small business... Read More →

Kirstie McPherson

Principal, Edeveco / The Behavioral Economics Company

Robin Hall

Co-Founder and CEO, Town Hall Outdoor Co.

Greer Van Dyck

Founder, Windrose Coaching & Speaking

I am passionate about supporting teams and organizations cultivate psychologically safe cultures. I believe that psychological safety is the competitive edge for companies, and is the gateway for creativity and innovation. I provide individual and team coaching as well as workshop... Read More →

Wednesday July 14, 2021 8:30am - 10:30am MDT
Howelsen Hill Pavilion Howelsen Parkway Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Headline Event

9:00am MDT

Future Of Work

We will have a panel discussion moderated by Delaney Keating about the Future of Work and the rural Economic Development.

Speakers

Katherine Keegan

Director, Office of Future of Work, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

Delaney Keating

Executive Director, Startup Colorado

Delaney is a Colorado native and seasoned creative, entrepreneur, and change agent. She successfully owned, operated, and exited her first company and has since been dedicated to fostering ingrained cultural values for art and innovation. As Executive Director of Startup Colorado... Read More →

Kim Woodworth

Operations Director, Economic Development Council of Colorado

Cleve Lewis

VP Empowerment Programs, Pax8

Cleve Lewis head up the Empowerment Programs Department at Pax8.Pax8's Empowerments Program mission is to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates representation, equity and belonging, and inspires positive change and achievement in people and our communities.Key... Read More →

Wednesday July 14, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Virtual

People

10:00am MDT

Business and Life Lessons from Mountaineering

For many people in Colorado, outdoor experiences are a lifeblood. We go to our mountains and rivers for personal challenge, camaraderie and growth. But what are the lasting benefits of these experiences that aid our professional journey? Come hear about how one entrepreneur’s quests into the mountains has defined his style and approach to business.

Speakers

Kishen Mangat

Cisco Systems

Wednesday July 14, 2021 10:00am - 10:30am MDT
Virtual

Toolbox

10:30am MDT

Career Fair Day 2

Career Fair: Connect with Coaches
We've assembled an expert crew of coaches who know best how to navigate career change and access the benefits of remote work.

Feeling stuck on what you want next? Are you submitting resumes and not landing interviews? Intimidated by networking? This session will invite you to talk directly with our guest coaches about the questions you are facing. You will join small breakout groups to get advice no matter where you are starting from.
After breakout sessions with coaches, you will hear expert tips from the founders of three job-placement resources.

Leave with advice that gets you unstuck and on your way to what's next.

See the full list of speakers here.

Speakers

Dave Mayer

CEO, Technical Integrity

We are excited to be a speaker at WSSW 2021! We're regulars now for 11 years at Boulder Startup Week, 9 years at Denver Startup Week and now three years at WSSW. Happy to be of service! Let us know how to help you.Technical Integrity's core mission is to build an inclusive and collaborative... Read More →

Spencer Ingram

Founder, West Slope Works

Wednesday July 14, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Virtual

People

11:30am MDT

How entrepreneurs and angels using private capital can leverage public investment for deep impact

In this session, we will facilitate a conversation on how to leverage investment dollars with public capital of a variety of forms to bring more money into a local based venture. We will start with case studies from New Mexico, including Meow Wolf, Electric Playhouse and Taos Bakes Energy Bars, among others, to share real world examples of where government played a positive role in business, bringing up to 10x more money into the picture. Session participants’ examples and questions are highly encouraged.

Speakers

Drew Tulchin

President, New Mexico Angels

Drew is very active with New Mexico start-ups, most notably with Meow Wolf, a New Mexico B Corp that creates immersive arts experiences to wow. His efforts there, among others, led to raising more than $125 million in investment. He is now the President of the New Mexico Angels and... Read More →

Johanna Nelson

State of NM Economic Development

Wednesday July 14, 2021 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Virtual

Capital

11:30am MDT

Cracking the Innovation Center Code: A Student's Perspective

Why do university innovation centers lack student engagement and how do we ignite it? Veda Gerasimek (Entrepreneurship student at CMU and Founder of the Maverick I.D.E.A. Society) thinks the issue is simpler than it seems, and lies in a basic disconnect between the design of these centers and the needs of the target audience. For example, why call them "innovation" centers when almost no students think they're “innovating?” With support of the Colorado Universities Innovation Council (CUIC), she hopes to engage everyone with an interest in supporting student entrepreneurship and strengthening campus-community relationships in an actionable way.

Speakers

Veda Gerasimek

(Unofficial) Chief "Inno-Veda" Officer, Colorado Mesa University

My dream is to legally change my name to "Inno-Veda," open a world class comedy club, and become a college entrepreneurship professor. Until then, I'm a Marketing/Entrepreneurship student at Colorado Mesa University and Marketing Associate at the Founder Institute startup accelerator... Read More →

Wednesday July 14, 2021 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Virtual

People

12:30pm MDT

Training Future Innovators!

Join STEM is My Future owner, Heidi Ragsdale, to learn about her ulitimate quest to Train Future Innovators. Learn about the Geo Maker Institute, hosted at Grand Junction Maker Space, and the effort to bring innovative STEM practices and geotechnology tools to rural Colorado classroom to increase and train future TECH/STEM industry workers on the Western Slope. This session is for those interested in learning about the local opportunities for future innovators, currenly sitting in classrooms across the region.

Speakers

Heidi Ragsdale

Owner, STEM is My Future / National Geographic

Wednesday July 14, 2021 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Virtual

Makers

2:00pm MDT

Overview of Legal Issues Regarding Startups

General overview of legal issues specific to starting a business. Choice of entity, formation, secretary of state, licensing, employees, etc. If you have multiple attorneys interested in this general area we can break it up into more specific subsections.

Speakers

Christi A. Sweeney

JD Legal Support Professional

Erin Johnson

Erin Johnson Attorney at Law LLC

Erin J. Johnson Attorney at Law LLC, Rico, Colorado. Erin Johnson is an attorney practicing in Southwest Colorado in areas of estate planning, land use, real estate and business. She has an extensive background in the areas of estate and succession planning, business, and real estate... Read More →

Outline & Resources Overview of Legal Issues Techstars pdf

Slides Overview of Legal Issues Techstars Startup Week pdf

Wednesday July 14, 2021 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Virtual

Toolbox

3:00pm MDT

Getting Capital from the Capitol

Learn how to tap into Colorado’s generous grant programs (up to $500K) for small businesses. Western Slope recipients of these grants will discuss the application process and provide guidance on what judges are looking for when reviewing applications. Open discussion format.

Speakers

Page Tucker

CEO, ProStar Geocorp

Page Tucker is a serial entrepreneur in every sense of the word and has an extensive background in technology start-ups, including development, marketing, recruiting, capital financing and executive management. Page first became known as a technology visionary in the automotive industry... Read More →

Bryan Wachs

CEO/Founder, QuikrStuff

I am the founder of two companies:CEO - QuikrStuff.com - manufacturer of modular, aluminum bike racks in Grand Junction, CO.Founder/Board Chair of MySalesButler.com - a freelancer coop of seasoned internet marketers that provide flat-fee deliverable results vs. hourly consulting.I... Read More →

Jennifer Vierling

Co-founder, Tailwind Nutrition

Jennifer Vierling is the co-founder, along with her husband Jeff, of Tailwind Nutrition, a sports nutrition company, based out of Durango, CO. Recipients of the 2017 Colorado Companies to Watch and the 2019 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting, Tailwind Nutrition manufactures... Read More →

Wednesday July 14, 2021 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Virtual

Capital

3:30pm MDT

How to become a tough conversations expert

The format will be 20 minutes of conversation facilitation, and 10 minutes of questions and answers at the end. The target audience is anyone who is averse to having difficult conversations, anyone whose job warrants a lot of difficult conversations, or someone who wants to sharpen their approach to make sure they are effective and solution focused.

In this session, I can briefly intro to why people avoid tough conversation, and the impact that doing so has. I will share the the 1-2 ways to warrant a productive outcome. This session is important because knowing how to handle tough conversations fosters trust and respect, helps maintain efficiency and accountability, and contribute to allowing for creativity and innovation in the workplace.

Speakers

Greer Van Dyck

Founder, Windrose Coaching & Speaking

Wednesday July 14, 2021 3:30pm - 4:00pm MDT
Virtual

People

4:00pm MDT

Fast and Easy Hacking

The session will present and demonstrate the steps taken by bad hackers and good hackers (pen testers). Anyone interested in learning how the hacking is done in real-world is the target audience. The attendees will learn that anyone can easily download free off-the-shelf tools and learn to be good or bad hacker.

Speakers

Ram Basnet

Wednesday July 14, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Virtual

Tech

5:30pm MDT

Telluride Hometown Event: Networking Happy Hour

Limited Capacity seats available

This event will be a casual networking/happy hour event at Alt Space in Telluride. Celebrating WSSW and the Launch of Alt Space. Event is open to all supports of WSSW and Alt Space including but not limited to TVN, Region 10, WEEDC, etc.

Speakers

Brian Watson

Co-Founder, Proximity

Bonnie Watson

Managing Director, Telluride Venture Network

Bonnie Watson joined the team in Telluride in December of 2018. At the time she served as the Capital and Transaction Advisor for the Southwest region of Colorado helping startup companies and small businesses in the regional secure capital. Today, Watson is the Managing Director... Read More →

Wednesday July 14, 2021 5:30pm - 7:30pm MDT
Alt Space 700 West Colorado Avenue Telluride, CO 81435

Headline Event

7:00am MDT

Art, Nature & Community For Better Business IN-PERSON ONLY

We'll begin by meeting for a hike at Holy Bucket trail head, off Little Park RD. There we talk about the benefits of engaging with nature through physical presence and creative thought, all in the efforts of achieving an overall refresher. Personally I like to go to nature when I need a new perspective, a moment of fresh air to clear my head, think on ideas, sketch through the process.

I'll provide a series of helpful activities both physical and creative to get the juices flowing. I encourage people to take away these creative practices to better their wellbeing, elevate their happiness and gain a deeper appreciation to the natural world. The natural world has a healing power that anyone can tap into, one just needs to visit often and apply that mindset to themselves and or business.

Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, sketchbook, notepad, journal, ect. In the idea of making something inspired by the outdoors (poem, sketch, photo, journal, ect.) or process though ideas.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

TJ Smith

Owner Operator, Stray Wild

TJ was born a smith between the trees of Pennsylvania. Inheriting a creative mind, he was destined for a future of aesthetics. Inspired by nature he is ever curious, seeking wild lands to refresh his palette. Those adventures motivate his quest to align art, design, knowledge and... Read More →

Thursday July 15, 2021 7:00am - 9:00am MDT

FUN!

8:00am MDT

Innovation: Reaching Outdoor Novices IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity seats available

Our panel will discuss how product design, branding, and a customer-centric mindset are leading to a more accessible future in the outdoor industry. New founders will continue to identify how product innovation and creative branding solutions can make the outdoors a more welcoming and sustainable place while paving the way for future growth. These entrepreneurs will discuss how the outdoor industry can broaden its focus beyond the "in-groups" and pave the way for greater inclusivity and sustainability for years to come. Our target audience is budding entrepreneurs and marketers.

Panelists and Facilitator: Georgia Grace Edwards: Co-Founder of SheFly. Hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Western Maryland, Georgia Grace is an ex-glacier guide, Middlebury College alum, former Fulbrighter, economic consultant, and storyteller. Tyler Scott is a co-founder of Hustle Bike Labs. He Grew up in Southern California with a passion for bicycles. Leaving behind his insurance career, he pursued his dreams to become a professional athlete. Tyler is now one of Hustle Bike Labs co-founders while continuing to race mountain bikes around the country. Jake Thomas is a co-founder of PACT Outdoors, developers of the first all-in-one bathroom kit for outdoor adventures. His background is in advertising and marketing where he worked on the creative agency side. He is passionate about outdoor stewardship and sustainable innovation. Madelyn Tormasi is the Camp Manager at Campfire Ranch in Gunnison-Crested Butte, CO. She leads operations and customer service for the brand, welcoming novice campers in the outdoors every day. Her passion for outdoor education & inclusive approach enables her to craft brand experiences that cut through industry ‘noise’ and deliver high customer engagement. Tanner Whiteford is the manager of the ICELab @ Western Colorado University and assists entrepreneurs with marketing projects on a daily basis. He has experience in sales and marketing in the outdoor industry with Red Bull North America, MSP Films and Vail Resorts. Tanner has dedicated his life to the outdoors and is an avid backcountry skier, climber biker, rafter and trail runner.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

David Assad

Director, ICELab @ Western

Thursday July 15, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
750 Main Coworking

Makers

9:00am MDT

You Don't Know What You Don't Know - HR Basics IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity seats available

Teaching business and/or HR professionals what a full functioning HR structure incorporates. Teach how to perform a GAP analysis approach to six (6) functional HR areas to include:

• HR Management Processes
• Employee Classification, Compensation, and Benefits
• Employee Relations
• Recruitment and Selection
• Safety, Health, and Security
• Training and Development

With enhancing these key areas, businesses reduce risk for litigation, create a stronger employee culture, and ultimately, positively affect the bottom line. After all, human capital is typically the most expensive asset a company has.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

Kelly Murphy

HR Business Director, Lighthouse HR Support

I bring a wealth of knowledge with 30 years of human resource experience. My expertise includes various human resource categories including employee relations, performance management, HR form creation/review (employee handbooks, job descriptions, etc.), employee/management training... Read More →

Karen Zimmerman

HR Generalist, Lighthouse HR Support

Edward C Krey

Consultant, Lighthouse HR Support

All things HR related. From employees requesting leave for covid related issues or vaccinations, unemployment or unemployment fraud, background screening for prospective job applicants (including criminal, motor vehicle, sex offender, credit reports, education and employment verifications... Read More →

Thursday July 15, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
750 Main Coworking

Toolbox

10:00am MDT

Navigating an Acquisition IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity seats available

A panel with several founders, lawyers, etc. on best practices for selling your company. The goal is to provide more insight into a very daunting process.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

Jon Labrum

Owner, ProVelocity

Ask me about growing a technology company, helping young entrepreneurs start a business, making sandwiches, selling a business or acquiring 4 companies in one year. I love flying and can’t wait for my next trip to the Bahamas and Virgin Islands to find hidden adventures among the... Read More →

Lexi Van Roekel

Hi, I am Lexi! If I were a mixed drink I’d be 1 part marketing, 2 parts community builder, and a splash of strategy. Over the course of my career, I have worked with organizations and entrepreneurs to build communities, launch ideas, lead projects, plan events, initiate growth efforts... Read More →

Cory Finney

Founding Partner, Greater Colorado Venture Fund

I'm a Partner with GCVF. Happy to talk on all things fundraising, company building, or entrepreneurial in general!

Matt Hyde

Partner and Co-Founder of Catalyst Law Group, Catalyst Law Group LLP

I'm a partner and co-founder of Catalyst Law Group, a law firm that specializes in serving high growth, venture backed (or backable) technology companies and the investors that invest in them. I'm passionate about startups and helping entrepreneurs start, scale and ultimately exit... Read More →

Thursday July 15, 2021 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
750 Main Coworking

Capital

11:00am MDT

The Wright Listening Tour - Live from WSSW - IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity seats available

The Wright Listening Tour – Live from West Slope Startup Week

“Across the country, in towns outside the media spotlight, a new America is being built - one that is innovative, compromise-minded, optimistic, and working toward practical solutions to the problems of this age.” – Our Towns, James & Deborah Fallows

Real people and forward-thinking communities are at the heart of this essential exploration of Western Colorado’s evolving economic and cultural landscape. The Wright Listening Tour sits down with place-makers of the west slope for a wide-ranging look at how together we can shape the conditions for collaboration, growth and opportunity across Colorado’s diverse rural communities.

West Slope Startup Week marks the first live and in-person edition of The Wright Listening Tour, which kicked-off in spring 2021 with a virtual conversation with U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (CO) and a panel of rising entrepreneurs representing rural communities across Colorado.

We invite you to join us for this special live-edition of The Wright Listening Tour @ West Slope Startup Week. Our panel includes:

Natalie Binder, Co-Founder / CampV & WE arts
Jason Blevins, Journalist / Colorado Sun
Tina Ooley, Founder / EveryPedal MTB
Sarah Shrader, Owner & Co-Founder / Bonsai Design + Program Director / Colorado Mesa University’s Outdoor Industry Studies Program
Chuck Sullivan, Executive Director, The Wright -- Moderator

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

Chuck Sullivan

Executive Director, The Wright

Chuck is founder of and serves as executive director of The Wright, a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Wright brings together place-makers and community-builders across the Mountain West in helping to shape the region’s evolving cultural and economic landscape... Read More →

Jason Blevins

The Colorado Sun

Jason Blevins has traversed Colorado's Western Slope for 25 years, writing about mountain businesses, characters and culture for The Denver Post and now The Colorado Sun. He lives in Eagle with his wife and two teenage daughters.

Natalie Binder

Co-Founder, CampV

My family has deep roots in SW Colorado, so it was only natural that I landed in the area over 20 years ago after moving from another small extraction based community in Wyoming. I pursued a degree in Hospitality and a Master’s in Real Estate and Construction Management from DU... Read More →

Sarah Shrader

Owner + co-founder, Bonsai Design

Sarah Shrader is the Owner and Co-Founder of Bonsai Design, a world-class aerial adventure course design/build firm based in Grand Junction, Colorado. Shrader's attention to detail and profitability has facilitated Bonsai's exponential growth over the last fifteen years, helping to... Read More →

Tina Ooley

Founder, EveryPedal MTB

Thursday July 15, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
750 Main Coworking

People

12:00pm MDT

Owning Your Story: Impactful Storytelling in a Noisy Age IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Sharing your narrative can be a powerful way to connect with the people who could become your best customers.

But how do you do it without being self-indulgent? And how do you turn it into a marketing strategy?

In this session, we'll look at the importance of stories, fables, and myths. We'll touch on examples in movies, podcasts, and journalism. And we'll review successful examples in advertising and marketing.

Attendees will go through a guided process to discover their unique stories. Then we'll discuss ways to leverage them into a cohesive content marketing plan.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

Mark Duggan

Owner/Creative, Open Range News

The Storytelling Muse arrived early for me. I was the kid telling spooky stories around the campfire. I even made elaborate mouth noises to animate the most terrifying parts, like an aspiring Boy Scout Orson Welles. Those widened eyes fixed on me from across the flames told me something... Read More →

Thursday July 15, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
750 Main Coworking

Communications

1:00pm MDT

Building Chatbots with Amazon Lex IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity seats available

Live demonstration of how someone with limited experience can easily build and deploy a chatbot utilizing the Amazon Web Service, Lex. Amazon Lex is a service for building conversational interfaces into any application using voice and text. No coding experience is required in order to get started.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

Spencer Herms

Sr. Manager of Cloud Development, Aspen Technologies LLC

Spencer is the Senior Manager of Cloud Development at Aspen Technologies located in Grand Junction, CO. He has been managing teams for 10 years and has been leading software development teams for 5 years. Spencer is also a board member of the Colorado Mesa University Computer Science... Read More →

lex guide docx

lex guide pdf

Thursday July 15, 2021 1:00pm - 1:30pm MDT
750 Main Coworking

Tech

1:30pm MDT

How to Create a Winning Content Strategy with $0 IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity filling up

Not sure what to make a video about, or if writing an article matters? Does anyone even care what you have to say? How can you position yourself as an expert in your industry? In this workshop style session you'll learn how to create your own content strategy relevant to your audience with $0 invested! You'll get to follow along on the creation process by watching one of your fellow attendees go through their own strategy creation. A worksheet and follow up information will be provided!

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

Megan Alfaro

Founder and CEO, Colorado Baby

Megan founded Colorado Baby in 2008 when her oldest son had just turned two, and her 2nd son was a few months old. Thirteen years in now, she has 7 children and has grown the store in a sustainable way all while taking on zero debt.Megan has always been an entrepreneur at heart: She... Read More →

Thursday July 15, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
750 Main Coworking

Communications

2:30pm MDT

Crank out a killer pitch deck . . . and start raking in the money! IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity filling up

Hoping to wow investors with a pitch deck that makes them throw money at you? Participants will join in an interactive discussion as we walk through a workbook centered on creating an impactful pitch deck that will resonate with your audience and help you start raking in the cash!

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

Betsey DiSanza

Founder + Chief Creative Officer, Next Cube Over Inc.

Betsey DiSanza, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Next Cube Over Inc., a full-service creative agency, based in the beautiful Grand Valley. A 12-year veteran of communications and graphic design, Betsey has achieved a strong, balanced relationship between words and visuals that... Read More →

Thursday July 15, 2021 2:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
750 Main Coworking

Toolbox

3:00pm MDT

Culture & the Customer Experience IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Designed for team leaders and culture builders - this session will discuss how the employee experience cultivates a positive customer experience. Attendees will learn how to drive positive culture to improve the overall employee and customer experience.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

Libby Olson

GROWL Agency

Libby Olson is the Principal & Strategist for GROWL Agency, where she leads a team of marketers, designers, developers, storytellers, and strategists to elevate the quality of their clients brands. GROWL is an inbound marketing agency, partnering with our clients to align people... Read More →

Thursday July 15, 2021 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
750 Main Coworking

People

3:30pm MDT

Brand on Purpose IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity filling up

Live Creative's Studio starts with an immersive "idea-storm" to clarify or discover your brand's purpose and why purpose matters. This session is for CEO's, marketing teams, and entrepreneurs. Together, we'll explore these questions to help you understand your brand's identity:

What is the Sustainable Business Model? How does it apply to your brand and marketing?
Why does your company exist?
What your company's belief's?
Why do you do what you do?
What do your ideal customers believe? Is your brand identity and your customer's belief's in alignment?
Our work is inspired by the Simon Sinek axiom that "people don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it." We'll let the why you do what you do (i.e. your purpose) drive your creative and business decisions.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

Claire Attkisson

Live Creative Studio

Copy of LC Purpose Brand Identity Guide Ebook Format (2) pdf

Thursday July 15, 2021 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT
750 Main Coworking

Communications

4:30pm MDT

Sustainability Within Your Business Model - How We Built "The Most Sustainable Distillery on the Planet" IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity filling up

Why to consider sustainability when planning your business from a value add standpoint. Startups and businesses "reinventing" themselves. Data on cost savings and marketing opportunities associated with sustainable business practices.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Moderators

Jason Blevins

The Colorado Sun

Speakers

Connie Baker

CEO | Head Distiller, Marble Distilling Inc

Sustainability as a business model | Sustainable Distilling

Thursday July 15, 2021 4:30pm - 5:00pm MDT
750 Main Coworking

Makers

8:00am MDT

A battle-hardened structured approach to performance reviews IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity seats available

One of the biggest reason people leave organizations is they feel they are not learning or growing the way they want. Another big reason is they feel undervalued or underappreciated. Performance reviews done right can stay ahead of these two issues, fostering team retention and development. Here I'll share a structured 360-degree performance review process that has been battle-hardened by four successful growth-stage startups.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

Aaron Silverman

Head of Engineering, Benefix.us

Aaron Silverman is the Head of Engineering for Benefix.us, a growth-stage startup in the health insurance workflow space. Prior to joining Benefix, he was Head of Engineering at subscription-based stock media startup Storyblocks (acquired by Great Hill Partners). Before that, he worked... Read More →

Friday July 16, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
750 Main Coworking

People

9:00am MDT

When Hard Work Doesn't Cut it, How to Promote Yourself Authentically IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity seats available

The target audience is anyone who wants to improve their ability to market themselves, attendees will learn some strategies and tips to use, attendees should participate because it will be a dynamic session with lots of opportunities for role-playing.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

Robin Schepper

President, Wayfinder Strategies

Friday July 16, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
750 Main Coworking

Communications

10:00am MDT

Planning to Grow: Tools and actions to move your business from start-up to established IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity filling up

As Benjamin Franklin said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” Don’t plan to fail, instead plan to grow. In this session, you will be equipped with tools to evaluate your business in six key areas and then develop an actionable plan for growth. Gain a better understanding of the current state of your business, how to plan for the future, and practical ways to execute your strategy.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

Bob Bever

President & CEO, RLB Partners, LLC

RLB Partners, LLC is a strategic business coaching practice established in 2013. Our mission is to be a change agent for entrepreneurs and business leaders, unleashing professional and personal development that accelerates performance. We act as a catalyst, increasing the rate of... Read More →

Luke Clayton

Area Manager, BBSI

Luke is passionate about partnering with business owners who strive to reach their potential and beyond. He has extensive business experience from leadership roles in HR and Operations in retail, manufacturing, and his time with working with BBSI. His education and experience center... Read More →

Friday July 16, 2021 10:00am - 10:30am MDT
750 Main Coworking

Toolbox

10:30am MDT

If You Work From Home, How Do You Keep Work From Ruining Your Relationship? IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity seats available

How do you establish boundaries so you can get work done and not let your sweetheart drive you crazy? We all love the flexibility of working from home until you get interrupted for the forty-seventh time. Relationships need a break to feel fresh, but how do you get that break when your desks are either side of the dining room table? We’ll talk about basic agreements to keep your relationship fresh and your work life productive.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

Rebecca Mullen

Altared Spaces

I am passionate about relationships: improving communication, fostering habits that connect you, and upping the joy you feel. I teach a 12-week class to couples across the country: Habits for Your Happily Ever After. I believe that every person wants transformational love. It’s great to have a fun time, but at our core, you want to be loved not just for what you do well, but loved and understood at the end of a hard day when you lose your temper.These days the lines between work and life are th... Read More →

Friday July 16, 2021 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
750 Main Coworking

People

11:30am MDT

Rural Entrepreneurial Policy Coalition IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity seats available

Learn more about the early development of the Rural Entrepreneurial Policy Coalition and the upcoming 2021 Policy Academy. Then hear from the 2020 Rural Entrepreneurial Policy Academy Cohort on their policy challenges and the path forward for policy advocacy as startups and small businesses in Colorado dedicated to the foundational success for entrepreneurs. The 2020 cohort is comprised on Emily Hisel (Rifle), Jonathan Ballesteros (Montrose), Dianna Reams (Naturita), Bryan Wachs (Grand Junction), Greg Olson (Grand Junction), Andrew Beckler (Steamboat), and Taryn Mead (Gunnison).

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Moderators

Delaney Keating

Executive Director, Startup Colorado

Speakers

Grand Junction Greg Olson

Principal, Growl Agency

Greg has over 20 years of experience as a leader in helping companies implement marketing and sales enablement strategies. He has worked with companies from young start-ups to mature Fortune 100s to launch and re-launch their businesses, products and services.

Bryan Wachs

CEO/Founder, QuikrStuff

Emily Hisel

Andrew Beckler

Grass Sticks

Friday July 16, 2021 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
750 Main Coworking

Toolbox

12:00pm MDT

Greater Colorado Pitch Series

Limited Capacity seats available

Watch Rural Colorado Growth Companies pitch for over $1M in funding, meet the founders and funders, celebrate our entrepreneurs.

Join us in Grand Junction to watch 8 rural Colorado companies pitch 4 investors for a combined $1.3M in funding.

This headline event for West Slope Startup Week will be a celebration of top rural Colorado startups.
Agenda:
- 12 - 1230: Arrive
- 1230 - 115: Pitches
- 115 - 2: Fireside chats with winners and funders, livestreamed from West Slope Startup Week in Grand Junction.
- 2 - 3: Appetizers and cash bar. Let's get back to clebrating our burgeoning startup ecosystem in person!

Are you a rural Colorado founder? Apply by June 18th: GCPS.co

With 4 Capital Tracks from 4 different Capital Partners, this year’s event has funding opportunities for all types of Rural Colorado companies...

Venture: Pre-seed: $50,000 – The Fund Rockies
Venture: Seed: $250,000 – Greater Colorado Venture Fund
Debt: Pre-seed: $50,000 – First Southwest Community Fund
Debt: Growth-Stage: $1,000,000 – Greenline Ventures

Speakers

Lexi Van Roekel

Friday July 16, 2021 12:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Avalon Theatre A645 Main St. Room 213 Grand Junction, CO 81501

Headline Event

2:30pm MDT

The Future of Internet Security Post-Pandemic: How to Improve Your Cybersecurity IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity seats available

Though the covid-19 pandemic was hard on all of us, one of the few bright spots was our ability to stay connected to our family and friends, work, and broader society because of the Internet. Through the digitization of our supply chains, workforce, and how we deliver and receive services, much of American society has been able to work, socialize across generations, and receive schooling, medical treatment, among other services, all remotely. With this accelerated digital transformation, however, cyberattacks and threats have also increased exponentially. As the pandemic winds down, these threats have become the primary menace to our society. What can we as individuals, business leaders, and citizens do to more effectively secure yours and others’ data and livelihoods? What is the cybersecurity industry’s role in protecting the Internet, supply chains, and your business? Paul Doherty will present to any of those interested in or who use the Internet (read: almost everybody) on cybersecurity’s role in preserving the most important technology invention in centuries, the Internet, and those who use it.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Speakers

Paul Doherty

Paul is a co-founder and head of sales at cybersecurity company Cloudrise, where he oversees sales for the Americas and contributes to corporate strategy, business development, and partnerships globally. A 7+ year cybersecurity professional, Paul has led sales organizations and consulted... Read More →

Friday July 16, 2021 2:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
750 Main Coworking

Tech

3:00pm MDT

Women Leaders in Tech IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity filling up

A live panel discussion with several regional women leaders in tech.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Friday July 16, 2021 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
750 Main Coworking

Tech

4:00pm MDT

WSSW Closing Party IN-PERSON ONLY

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Join us for a prolific #WSSW21 closing celebration with local craft beverages and music at 750 Main in Grand Junction. RSVP is required to obtain drink tickets. Enjoy beverages from Talbott's Cider and Palisade Brewing Company.

Please note this event is occurring IN-PERSON ONLY and will not be broadcast virtually. Thank you!

Friday July 16, 2021 4:00pm - 6:00pm MDT
750 Main Coworking

Headline Event