More than 500 entrepreneurs, investors, and startup champions are expected to descend upon Southwest Colorado this October. West Slope Startup Week returns for its fourth year in Durango, offering more than 60 free educational and networking sessions. The event aims to bring urgent business resources to founders outside the urban Front Range, sparking a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.
The event will take place between October 5-9, with most sessions located in Downtown Durango. West Slope Startup Week is powered by the nonprofit organization Startup Colorado.
“West Slope Startup Week continues to serve as a cultural hub for entrepreneurship in rural Colorado,” said Olivia Reed, West Slope Startup Week Lead Organizer. “In addition to the expert resources we bring to rural founders, the event also offers endless opportunities for founders to connect, build partnerships, and even find funding.”
The program comprises nine tracks including, tech, money, communications, and climate. Entrepreneurs of all business stages — from idea to exit — are welcome to attend. Attendees can expect sessions covering AI, brand storytelling, funding and finance, climate, and entrepreneurship for creatives. There will also be a special program for Spanish-speaking founders.
Speakers include expert business leaders, investors, and state representatives. Seth Levine, co-founder of the venture capital firm Foundry and best-selling author, will kick off the event with a special keynote. He will discuss how venture capital is evolving, how to build thriving startup ecosystems outside urban hubs, and what the future of founder support looks like in rural Colorado.
West Slope Startup Week aims to serve entrepreneurs of all industries, including creative endeavors such as craft goods, writing, photography, and jewelry. This year’s event will feature its second Rural Creative Collective Night Market, featuring 15 creative entrepreneurs. The event will take place at the Powerhouse Science Center on Wednesday, October 7 from 5:30-7:30pm, and is open to the public.
“The Night Market is a great opportunity for rural creatives to showcase their wares, plus a great chance to get a head start on your holiday shopping!” Reed said.
The event will also feature a celebration of Startup Colorado’s 15-year anniversary supporting rural entrepreneurs. The Outside City Limits fundraiser will feature a locally-sourced dinner, cocktail networking, and entrepreneur trivia. Proceeds benefit Startup Colorado’s direct-to-founder programming, storytelling initiatives, and capital access development.
Registration for West Slope Startup Week is free and now open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to build their schedules in advance and start connecting with other founders via the event app.
For more information and registration, visit https://westslopestartupweek.com/