West Slope Startup Week 2021 is officially in the rearview mirror and there are so many incredible things to look back on! More than 500 participants from Colorado’s western slope joined for 60+ virtual and in-person sessions. So far the feedback has been positive and we (the organizers) are thrilled to have facilitated a successful event. If you weren’t able to join, here’s a quick recap of what you missed.
40+ Virtual Educational Workshops
West Slope Startup Week broadcast 40+ educational workshops taught by west slope entrepreneurs. Sessions covered a variety of topics including HR, marketing, capital, and more. The most popular virtual sessions from West Slope Startup Week included the kickoff event with Seth Levine and Elizabeth MacBride and the virtual keynote with Kelly Watters of Western Rise.
Another popular virtual session was Inbound & Down (Your Funnel) with Renaya of Growl Agency. “This was a well organized presentation, Renaya did a great job! I thought the presentation was captivating and I walked away learning a lot and got some great ideas to take back to use for marketing in my organization.” -Sarah B.
Vail, Durango, Telluride & Steamboat Springs Hometown Events
More than 80 people gathered for West Slope Startup Week hometown events in Vail, Durango, Telluride, and Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Vail, Durango, and Telluride hosted coworking space tours and networking happy hours. Steamboat Springs hosted early morning coffee and networking and a local small business panel discussion. These events were supported by regional volunteers and by Startup Colorado.
West Slope Startup Week’s First Career Fair
Thanks to contributions from West Slope Works, West Slope Startup Week hosted its first career fair in 2021. This career fair consisted of two virtual sessions focused on skills building and connecting talent with local job opportunities. “Damn! That was the best session yet! Way to go team! I LOVED hearing from the recruiters and their perspectives. More of this please.” -Anonymous survey feedback
20+ In-Person Sessions in Grand Junction
More than 150 participants joined our in-person events in Grand Junction, Colorado on Thursday and Friday of West Slope Startup Week. These events included educational workshops and presentations, panel discussions, and the Greater Colorado Pitch Series. “I have decades of attending such events in Silicon Valley. Considering the limitations of virtual, wide geography, and limited resources this event was great!” -Anonymous survey feedback
#WSSW21 Closing Party
The 2021 Closing Party was everything we wanted and then some! Thanks to generous contributions from Talbott’s Cider and Palisade Brewing Company more than 100+ participants enjoyed free refreshments. Talent from Growl Agency and 32 Waves provided absolutely stunning live music in the shade of 750 Main thanks to Kaart. Downtown Grand Junction also contributed to the success of the event and shout out to Spieler Media Productions for capturing photography.
What To Do Now That It’s Over
If you’re still buzzing with the leftover energy of West Slope Startup Week, here are a few ideas about what to do next. Encourage members of your network to sign up for our newsletter list to be the first in the know about #wssw22. Follow up with all of your new contacts on LinkedIn and via email. Write a blog post about what you learned and share it with your community. Jot down session ideas for next year. Complete our participant feedback survey and send any additional comments to westslope@startupweek.co.
Thank You 2021 Sponsors:
West Slope Startup Week remains a free event thanks to the generous contributions of many regional sponsors. We would especially like to thank US Bank for acting as our title sponsor three years in a row, including 2021. Thank you also to Startup Colorado, West Slope Works, 32 Waves, Downtown Grand Junction, Growl, Greenline Ventures, Mtn. Dog Media, Lighthouse HR Support, Kaart, Colorado Office of Economic Development, Colorado SBDC Network, Corporate Matters, Colorado Lending Source, Steamboat Springs Chamber, 1st Southwest Bank, Grand Junction Economic Partnership, 305 Spin, MySalesButler, and Spieler Media Productions. Anyone interested in pre-committing sponsorship for 2022 should email westslope@startupweek.co.
Thank you 2021 Organizing Team:
Last, but certainly not least! Thank you to our 2021 Organizing team!! These fantastic individuals contribute their efforts for 6+ months leading up to West Slope Startup Week to make this event happen.
