Need some extra horsepower?
From funding to marketing to AI: discover the tools and insights you need over three, curated days
Celebrating Rural Colorado’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
Free 3-day conference at Otero College
Drop in for one session, or attend everything, the choice is yours. There is something for everyone who is working on their local business.
Rural Startup Days is for founders and business builders in La Junta and across Southeast Colorado
Whether you’re launching a new idea, growing a main street business, or building the next big thing.
Powered by Startup Colorado
We are a statewide independent 501(c)3 committed to supporting rural founders with access to mentorship, networking, and business education. With deep grassroots in all four corners of Colorado, we lead the way by showing what’s possible outside city limits.
2026 Schedule
| Day 1 – Wednesday, Feb. 25: Getting Started Venue: Plaza Building |
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|---|---|
| Early Afternoon | |
| 1:00pm – 1:45pm | Registration and Networking |
| 2:00pm – 2:45pm | Where do you go when you want to start a business? Mastering the Essentials of Small Business Success |
| 3:00pm – 3:45pm | Social Media + Marketing for Startups |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm | Community Connection Fireside Chat Economic History of Southeast Region with founders from each six Southeast Counties |
| Evening Activity | |
| 5:30pm – 7:30pm |
Discover Local Scavenger Hunt Locations: |
| Day 2 – Thursday, Feb. 26: Leveling Up (Launch/Growth Focus) Venue: Otero College Student Center |
|
| Morning | |
| 8:30am | Registration + Coffee & light breakfast at HQ |
| 9:30am – 10:30am | Opening Remarks + Welcome to Rural Startup Days |
| 10:30am – 11:00am | Break – Networking |
| 11:00am – 12:00pm | Startup Colorado Roadtrip: Access to Capital for Your Business |
| Afternoon | |
| 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Lunch Panel: Student + Adult Entrepreneur Lightning Intros |
| 1:30pm – 2:15pm | Keynote: Sarah Hinkley, Barn Owl Precision (BOPA) |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm | Afternoon Breakouts • Idea Track: Turning Curiosity Into Commitment: Deciding Whether Entrepreneurship Is the Right Path • Growth Track: Tech Tools for Small Business (AI, Websites, SEO) • Launch Track: Understanding your Financials |
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4:00pm – 5:00pm |
Closing Afternoon Panel: Lessons Learned in Entrepreneurship |
| Day 3 – Friday, Feb. 27: Celebration of Entrepreneurship Venue: Otero College Student Center |
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| Lunch Awards Celebration (11:00am – 1:00pm) | |
| 11:00am – 11:10am | Welcome & Community Acknowledgment Brief opening remarks and recognition of the regional collaboration behind Rural Startup Days. |
| 11:10am – 11:30am | Spotlight on Local Supporters Highlighting the organizations, businesses, and partners who champion entrepreneurs year-round in Southeast Colorado. |
| 11:30am – 12:00pm | Financial Awards Presentation Distribution of several business awards, with categories and amounts announced at the event. |
| 12:00pm – 12:30pm | Prizes for Participation Giveaways featuring in-kind support for local businesses and entrepreneurs who have attended sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. |
| 12:30pm – 1:00pm | Closing Remarks & Next Steps Appreciation for attendees and partners, plus a look at upcoming opportunities in the region. |
Ready to grow your business?
Register now for three days of hands-on learning, meaningful connections, and dedicated support built for Southeast Colorado business owners.
Build your week, your way
Help shape #WSSW25
LEND A HAND AND BE A PART OF THE MAGIC
#WSSW25 Program Tracks
Follow what fuels you— West Slope Startup Week is organized into themed tracks that each focus on a core topic important to rural entrepreneurs.
Climate
New this year! Explore where climate and commerce meet to help build resilient businesses for a changing world.
Money
The how-to’s and do’s and don’ts of funding, financing, and investment. It’s all about the money…or is it?
Communications
The who, what, why, where, and how of branding, marketing, advertising, engagement, and public relations.
People
The heart of it all – developing leaders, building teams, creating culture, fostering engagement, cultivating talent.
Tech
The programmers, coders, designers, roboticists, and product visionaries behind the computer – the builders of tech.
Toolbox
Interactive workshops that tackle fundamentals, how-to’s, and skills-building.
Makers
The manufacturers, builders, artists, scientists, product designers, and sewers of the west – all making something out of nothing.
Fun!
Connect, unwind, and celebrate! From outdoor adventures to laid-back socials, this track is all about building community and enjoying the journey… together.
Latine
This bilingual track centers Latine founders and their unique journeys. Sessions are offered in Spanish or English with translation available to create space for connection and empowerment.
Youth
The path towards your first startup begins early on; WSSW begins supporting youth entrepreneurship this year.
Meet the Track Captains
The human power behind a massive weeklong educational program; meet the team who stepped up to lead WSSW25!
Full Program
Submissions are currently closed. We will unveil the WSSW25 Agenda in early August. In the meantime, save your seat by registering now.