When I helped found the Chaffee County EDC Ascent Accelerator, the goal was clear: give local entrepreneurs the tools and connections they need to succeed in an environment that often feels stacked against them. As an owner of THE LOBBY Coworking Space in Salida, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful it is to a create space where community and work can add meaning. Whether it’s through a workspace or a mentorship session, I’ve learned that the right environment can be a game-changer for small-town .
Programs like the Startup Colorado Founder Coopetition Idea Factory and Growth Challenge cohorts take this mission even further. By connecting rural entrepreneurs with the support they need—advisors, technical resources, and peer networks—we’re seeing businesses scale and communities bond. What’s been most inspiring is how these entrepreneurs take what they learn and pay it forward, creating a culture of collaboration that extends far beyond their own ventures. A new Startup Colorado Advisor Program is in the works to bring thought leaders from throughout the US virtually into the basements, living rooms and shared offices throughout rural Colorado.
One key lesson has been the importance of partnerships. Collaborations with organizations like BEN Colorado, Rockies Venture Club, Skill Distillery, and local economic development organizations have amplified our impact in ways I never imagined, adding credibility and resources to our efforts. I’ve also realized that scaling isn’t just about access to capital or resources—it’s about mindset. The shift from survival to growth starts with the belief that big things are possible, even in the smallest towns.
If there’s one takeaway from my journey so far, it’s this: community drives innovation. When people feel supported and connected, amazing things happen. For anyone looking to make a difference, I’d say start by listening, build relationships that matter, and never underestimate the power of a good idea shared in the right room.