Routt County, CO - RCEDP’s Yampa Valley Entrepreneurship Center is excited to introduce the High Country Accelerator, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from ideation to early-stage growth. This new initiative is a collaborative effort between RCEDP, Startup Colorado, NSF Innovation Corps, and the Summit County Economic Partnership (SEP), aimed at fostering innovation and business expansion in the region.
The High Country Accelerator consists of three distinct components tailored to meet the needs of entrepreneurs at different stages of their development:
- NSF Innovation Corps Starting Blocks Workshop: This workshop supports entrepreneurs who are in the initial stages of developing a new business idea. Participants learn how to transform their concepts into viable businesses using the lean canvas model and customer interviews to fine-tune their product offerings, ensuring they are well-positioned to thrive.
- Startup Colorado's Idea Factory: After the ideation phase, the Idea Factory helps entrepreneurs navigate the complex financing landscape, understand funding models, how to access funding, and craft compelling pitches to attract investors.
- Startup Colorado's Growth Challenge: Designed for operational companies, the Growth Challenge addresses the critical challenges faced by businesses aiming to scale. Participants will benefit from tailored programming, mentorship, and connections to financial resources and investors, helping them overcome obstacles and grow.
"Routt County Economic Development Partnership is excited to launch the High Country Accelerator, an all-new regional business accelerator to serve entrepreneurs across the Yampa Valley," said Aaron Walls, Managing Director of RCEDP’s Yampa Valley Entrepreneurship Center. "This is an innovative partnership between RCEDP, Startup Colorado, NSF I-Corps, and SEP to deliver -quality startup support to our valley. Our regional cohort model creates synergies between companies through virtual and in-person learning and mentoring – and it’s free.”
Programming for the High Country Accelerator's three components begins in September and continues through November, with each program lasting approximately four weeks.
Entrepreneurs interested in participating are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this unique and completely free opportunity to refine their business idea or existing businesses with the support of expert mentors and valuable resources.
For more information and to apply, please visit www.HighCountryAccelerator.com.
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