Networking + Learning: West Slope Startup Week, July 12-16, 2021
Photos courtesy of West Slope Startup Week
West Slope Startup Week will soon take place for its third year of serving entrepreneurs, businesses of any size and anyone interested in learning and expanding their network at no cost. The event is July 12 through July 16, 2021, and this year post-pandemic will transition from being remote to a hybrid format. Monday through Wednesday will be virtual and Thursday through Friday will be in-person in Grand Junction.
With over 60 sessions of education-based programs such as workshops, presentations, pitch competitions and lectures, attendees have the unique experience of building their own schedule, being present at as many or as few events as they'd like. People can choose a “track” to follow — anything from capital to tech.
"All of these sessions are put together by the West Slope entrepreneurial community for the West Slope entrepreneurial community,” says Kayleen Cohen, founder of Mtn. Dog Media and lead organizer of West Slope Startup Week. “They're going to be education and skills-driven, but they are also going to be taught with that unique lens that is applicable to living and growing a business in the West Slope because things are just a little bit different here … you're going to meet hundreds of amazing people that are the movers and shakers of the West Slope startup scene, and so come with your business cards loaded in your pocket and be ready to mix and mingle. This is the networking event that I wait all year for."
One of the many businesses that will be attending this year's Startup Week is Town Hall Outdoor Co — a sustainable, kid's outdoor apparel brand based in Steamboat and founded in March 2020. The company plans to attend and expand its reach to a greater community of entrepreneurs.
"There's just this amazing entrepreneurial subculture that I've just started tapping into, and it's just been so neat to get involved with all these people that are so supportive and helpful and excited about starting something, giving back and building purpose-led businesses," Robin Hall, Town Hall co-founder and CEO, explains.
Two of the three Town Hall co-founders, including Hall, will also be presenting at West Slope Startup Week. They will be speaking on how to start a product-driven outdoor company.
"We just want to share our love and what we're doing and gain insights and expand our reach and have people hopefully learn from what we're doing,” Hall says. “Also, of course, it's a great way to get the word out about our brand; it's really new … it's a circular benefit. It helps us; it helps other people, etcetera. It's pretty great."
Like Town Hall, startup company Shipmate looks forward to networking with the entrepreneurial community beyond their own in Grand Junction where they’re based. Shipmate plans to go public with their smart IoT lockboxes next month and get traction within the six months following.
As for their involvement with West Slope Startup Week, co-founder Joshua Illenberger says, "We are looking to network with other entrepreneurs and startup companies within the valley on the Western Slope, talking to well-established companies that have gone through the ebbs and flows of a startup and West Slope Startup Week seemed like a great place to kind of get in there and talk to anybody and everybody that we could."
The Shipmate co-founders are particularly excited for the events that will make up the week. With a plethora of information and tips to take in, these events are especially attractive for startups like Shipmate. But even if someone does not identify as a business owner, there is still a place for them at West Slope Startup Week.
Hall emphasizes, "Even if you're not an entrepreneur, I would say if you want to be inspired and you want to keep your finger on the pulse of what's going on in the West Slope, there's everyone from breweries … to outdoor brands to amazing services and web designers. It's just a cool, inspiring bunch to be a part of."