Blog post written by Kayleen Cohen, founder of Mtn. Dog Media and Communications Track Captain for West Slope Startup Week

West Slope Startup Week is pivoting in light of COVID-19 and moving forward with a new, virtual format this July. Starting July 7th, there will be one week’s worth of free, virtual programming and events every Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon throughout the month of July. 

The organizers originally postponed the gathering to the fall in hopes of an in-person event, but have decided that during this critical time, Startup Week could provide tremendous value by sharing important and relevant educational programming, and also highlighting and celebrating companies and entrepreneurs with stories of resilience, innovation and adaptation. 

“We believe in the entrepreneurial spirit and know that a crisis such as this can reveal new opportunities, creative partnerships, and alternative ways to launch and run businesses outside of the front range. Although we may be apart physically, West Slope Startup Week wants to bring our entire region together, virtually, to capitalize on these opportunities to innovate and pivot” says organizer Taylor Grande with Startup Colorado.

The goals of the event are the same – learn from each other, share expertise and experience, tell the stories of businesses, and build connections across the region. “We know so much of the magic of Startup Week comes from the in-person interactions and we are cooking up some fun ideas to create a meaningful, engaging experience,” said Brian Watson with Proximity Space.

Organizers will selected sessions from a list of more than 100 ideas submitted by Coloradans earlier this year to fill eight tracks. In addition, they opened the call for session submissions and ideas again to address the pandemic. 

Jamie Finney, a Partner at the Greater Colorado Venture Fund, said, “COVID-19 has impacted every industry and business, and West Slope Startup Week will play a critical role in establishing the community and resources for us all to move forward.”  Further, “In addition to sessions around small business recovery and survival, this will be a great opportunity to connect over new business possibilities.”

Translate »