SCAPE - SW Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs

Fun times serving as a judge with fellow Durango based startup supporters Psyche Digital's Kate and Kelsey, & Ashley Nager for Startup Colorado's Demo Days event - 4 minute pitches. We're fortunate to have such a robust ecosystem in rural Colorado!

Hey ladies! Join us for a virtual coffee hang with Startup Colorado Friday June 12th. We want to hear about what you're working on and share all the new things Heather is putting in the works too. Sign up >>

You’re invited to the next Rural Women in Entrepreneurship gathering 🙌

Our monthly RWE meetups foster authentic connections and peer-to-peer support for women entrepreneurs and business owners in rural CO. If you are an established founder or are just starting your creative journey, there is a place for you in this community.

In June, we're joined by Heather Otter, Executive Director of SCAPE, who will share her passion for supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening local companies, and helping communities thrive.

June 12 | 9-10am | virtual

Join the conversation: www.startupcolorado.org/event/rural-women-in-entrepreneurship-9/

And, visit our new RWE page to subscribe for updates, meet our monthly co-hosts, and RSVP for our next virtual session.

Exciting news! SCAPE company, KnowtifyED, has been awarded the Advanced Industries Grant from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade! This Pagosa Springs based company is one of twenty one companies awarded with majority located on the front range -- a win for rural!! ,

KnowtifyED is developing a secure SaaS platform that automates trauma-informed notifications from first responders to schools to support students affected by adverse childhood experiences. We worked with the company on their pitch application and are happy to selection committee wanted to support this incredible female rural founder!

Our Global Business Development Division announced that 21 Colorado companies and 15 researchers have been awarded Proof of Concept and Early-Stage Capital and Retention grants through OEDIT’s Advanced Industries Accelerator Program. Learn how these grants promote the growth and sustainability of advanced industries in Colorado 👇
https://oedit.colorado.gov/press-release/colorados-advanced-industries-accelerator-program-supports-36-recipients-developing?utm_campaign=OEDIT+Website&utm_content=1779480012&utm_medium=Colorado+Office+of+Economic+Development+and+International+Trade&utm_source=facebook

Business grants are tricky - they're hard to find and get...AND are totally possible. We've worked with a lot of companies to achieve this source of funding, like GeekPack.

They're a Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade Advanced Industry Grant Awardee, TORY BURCH Foundation Entrepreneur Fellow, and Cartier Women's Initiative North American Winner. Julia Taylor is proof that Durango founders can attain not only grant funding, but national recognization!

Hurrah to BOPA- Precision Agriculture for the ANT-26! Great to see new features (and jobs) coming from this awesome ag tech company

BOPA- Precision Ag The ANT 2026- April

Our newest guest blog from Kelsey Parks, Co-Founder of Psyche Digital, breaks down AI Marketing Dos & Don’ts...aka how to use AI without giving your audience full-on "machine breath".

Because yes, AI can save time AND you should still bring a human element to your brand. Your customers can smell the difference! Kelsey shares the lessons they learned and helpful tips you should know. Read >>

AI and Your Startup's Marketing: The Do's, Don'ts, and Hard Lessons We Learned First — SCAPE - Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs By Kelsey Parks, COO & Co-Founder, Psyche Digital

Still time to jump in on this conversation today!

Most growth-stage companies have one marketing constraint that's quietly slowing everything down.

It usually shows up in one of three places:

✨ Visibility — The right people aren't finding you. Your content, LinkedIn presence, and website aren't pulling them in yet.

✨ Credibility — They're finding you, but your messaging isn't building enough trust to make them move.

✨ Authority — They trust you, but you're not consistently showing up as the obvious leader in your space.

Each one is a different problem with a different fix.

Next week we're walking through how to find yours — and what to prioritize to close the gap.

Free session for Mountain West founders. One hour. Tactics you can apply the same week.

🗓 The Mountain West Advantage 📅 Wednesday, May 13 · 11:30 AM MST 🔗 Register here: https://psychedigital.com/webinar/the-mountain-west-advantage/

We've said it before and we'll say it again, mentors are the backbone of our organization. Like this dream team right here! Heather and fellow SCAPE mentors Sandy Lane and Garrett Brucker sharing their talents and learning at the Colorado SBDC serving Southwest Colorado Small Business Conference.

Sandy was the keynote speaker at lunch, highlighting her journey as an entrepreneur in a healthcare startup. We are so grateful for their support of SCAPE!

Our friends at the Colorado Circular Economy Development Center invite you to explore how circular economy strategies are driving innovation, strengthening local supply chains, and creating new pathways for business growth across Colorado. Join Business Incubator Center virtually May 8th!

Accelerating Opportunity Through Circularity – Grand Junction - Business Incubator Center Register now to explore new opportunities for business growth through circular strategy. Grand Junction Session Date: Friday, May 8 Time: 12:00-1:00pm Location: Business Incubator Center + Online 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction Cost: FREE The Business Incubator Center and the Colorado Circular Commu...

Heather will be sitting on the panel, "Finding the Optimal Funding for Your Business" for the morning breakout session! Colorado SBDC serving Southwest Colorado Annual Conference is a staple every year to connect and get involved with the local business community.

🎤 Keynote Speakers Announced: 14th Annual Small Business Conference

We’re excited to welcome two dynamic and inspiring keynote speakers to the 2026 Southwest Colorado Small Business Conference!

Zachary Ray, CEO of Desert Sun Coffee Roasters, brings decades of experience in fair-trade coffee, sustainability, and small business leadership. Based in Durango, his work focuses on building ethical supply chains and strengthening rural businesses through innovation and community impact.

Sandy A. Lane, founder of Sandy A Lane Consulting, is an acclaimed speaker, coach, and former C-suite executive who now empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential. Her work centers on leadership, personal value, and navigating successful transitions in business and life.

Together, they’ll bring powerful insights, real-world experience, and energizing perspectives to help you grow your business and leadership capacity.

Join us for a full day of learning, connection, and inspiration featuring 20 breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and consulting.

Event: Southwest Colorado Small Business Conference
Date: May 6, 2026
Location: Sky Ute Event Center
Hosted by: Colorado SBDC serving Southwest Colorado & Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation

Register here: https://socgov38.my.site.com/ColoradoSBDC/s/event-function?c__recordId=a0HHn00000TNdlJ