Fostering an Inclusive Culture of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Downtown Denver earns its reputation as a top destination in the country for starting and growing a business with its innovative integrated network of entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) that offer immediate and coordinated access to technical assistance, capital, and opportunity.
The Downtown Denver Partnership has been a vital voice and partner for entrepreneurs at all stages of business development since its founding more than 60 years ago. Since that time, its role as an ESO has included partnering to found Denver Startup Week and the Commons on Champa entrepreneurship center, as well as numerous programs and initiatives with Denver Economic Development Opportunity and regional economic development partners. See below for currently available resources and programs.
Startup Stats
Entrepreneurship Programs and Initiatives
The Downtown Denver Partnership has co-founded and leads several programs and initiatives to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in our center city, including:
Denver Startup Week
The Downtown Denver Partnership co-founded Denver Startup Week (DSW) in 2012, and it’s now the largest free entrepreneurial event of its kind in North America. Built by the community for the community, Denver Startup Week is a celebration of everything entrepreneurial in Denver. Learn more about how to get involved as a speaker, sponsor, volunteer, or attendee!
Learn MoreCO.STARTERS
CO.STARTERS Core is a ten-week, cohort-based accelerator program designed to empower small businesses and entrepreneurs. Participants are equipped with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn an idea or passion into a sustainable and thriving business. Standard tuition is $350, which includes mentorship, feedback from guest speakers, and program materials. Financial assistance is available upon request.
Our next Cohort will launch in early 2024, with sessions held on Tuesday evenings at our Downtown Denver Partnership offices. If you are interested in joining a future Cohort, you may still apply and defer to participate later in the year. Contact Sloan Holland if you would like more information before applying or would like to serve as a guest speaker or facilitator.
Apply NowPopup Denver
The Downtown Denver Partnership and Denver Economic Development and Opportunity teamed up in 2021 to develop a storefront activation program that would also offer a lowered risk opportunity to local retail entrepreneurs to enter the downtown market.
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