Rural Startup Days: Miss This FREE Business Support Event in La Junta and Risk Losing Thousands!

Entrepreneurs and small business owners in Southeast Colorado have a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and connect with valuable resources during the inaugural Rural Startup Days, a regional startup week-style event scheduled for February 25–27 at the Otero College Student Center in La Junta. This three-day gathering is designed to provide hands-on training, funding connections, and networking opportunities essential for fostering local economic growth.

Organized by Startup Colorado in partnership with Otero College and SEBREA, participation in Rural Startup Days is free and open to a wide audience, including entrepreneurs, small business owners, students, ranchers, farmers, early-stage founders, and community members interested in economic development. While registration is recommended, attendees are welcome to come and go throughout the event, making it accessible for those with varying schedules.

The programming aims to unite a diverse group of participants: entrepreneurs eager to grow their businesses, funders looking to invest, business experts ready to share their wisdom, and community leaders focused on regional development. The emphasis will be on strengthening local businesses and promoting long-term economic resilience in Southeast Colorado. “Anyone starting, growing, or stabilizing a business in Southeast Colorado will find value here,” said Vanessa McCrann, managing director at Startup Colorado and the event’s lead organizer. “Attendees can expect practical tools, clearer pathways to funding, and year-round support, as well as meaningful connections and insights they can apply immediately.”

Rural Startup Days is supported by several sponsors, including the Colorado SecureSavings, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, SEBREA, and Connect for Health Colorado. These partnerships reflect a collective commitment to enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in rural Colorado, which has faced various challenges in accessing resources and support compared to urban areas.

This initiative comes at a time when rural entrepreneurship is gaining traction as a vital component of the overall economy. Rural areas often struggle with funding and networking opportunities that their urban counterparts take for granted. Events like Rural Startup Days aim to bridge this gap by offering not just training but also a community of support that can help local businesses thrive.

As the landscape of business evolves, especially post-pandemic, the necessity for practical and actionable strategies becomes clearer. Small businesses are often the backbone of local economies, and empowering them with the right tools and connections is essential for fostering sustainable growth. The networking opportunities presented at Rural Startup Days could be pivotal for many attendees, allowing them to forge relationships that may lead to mentorship, investment, or collaboration.

For those interested in attending, additional information and registration details can be found at RuralStartupDays.com or by reaching out to the event organizers via email. As the event approaches, it promises to be a significant step forward for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to make their mark in Southeast Colorado.