BLOG

If you don’t walk away from West Slope Startup Week with a list of new connections, pages of notes, and at least one actionable next step, you’re doing something wrong. Seriously, this event offers so much value to entrepreneurs, it’s pretty much a guarantee* that it...

Good news—your business works. You’ve found the right customers, established your concept, and learned a lot since those scrappy days when your business was little more than an idea. Now, you’re ready to ramp things up. West Slope Startup Week is for founders at every...

So, you want to be an entrepreneur? You’re in good company! West Slope Startup Week is designed for total beginners as well as experienced founders ready to scale. It’s a great opportunity for “noobs” to build their peer network and connect with potential mentors. If...

We’re redefining what it means to be a rural entrepreneur.  Yes, West Slope Startup Week is a conference, but it’s also a cultural turning point. It’s a moment in time in which our words, actions, and intentions change what’s possible for business owners in Rural...

The countdown to October is on. We are thrilled to announce that registration for West Slope Startup Week 2026 is officially open! This year, we are bringing the energy of the Colorado startup community back to the heart of Durango, Colorado, from October 5–9. WSSW is...

As we prepare to head to Durango this October 5-9, West Slope Startup Week is entering an exciting new phase. This year marks a milestone as we officially welcome Olivia Reed into her first year as Lead Event Organizer. Stepping into the shoes of the magnificent...

This October, West Slope Startup Week (WSSW) returned to Durango for the third year in a row, attracting a record-breaking 533 registrants, the highest participation in the event’s history. Powered by Startup Colorado, the free, five-day event featured 70+ educational...

Looking for your next favorite artisan-crafted necklace, ceramic creation, or herbal remedy—or maybe just a good excuse to hang out with creative geniuses from across the Western Slope? Meet us at the Night Market. For the first time ever, the Rural Creative...

Play isn’t just for kids. It’s crucial to the development and refinement of professional skills in adults as well. Engaging in play—whether through improvisation, collaborative games, creative exploration, or unstructured experimentation—fosters essential qualities...

Climate action is no longer optional. It's foundational.  The Climate Track at West Slope Startup Week invites business owners and founders to ask not just how to grow, but how to grow wisely and resiliently in our changing world. This track is where we connect the...

West Slope Startup Week is back, October 6-10 in Durango! And we are now accepting session submissions for the 2025 Makers Track. Built for entrepreneurs who create physical products—whether you're working out of your garage or managing a small-batch production...

We’re Looking for Bold, Human Powered Session Ideas Whether you’re a solopreneur or leading a team of 100, a strong team is the secret sauce behind a successful business. This year, the People Track is all about harnessing that human power. We’re looking for session...