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Rural Startup Days Launches in Southeast Colorado, Bringing Free Business Support to Local Entrepreneurs
Description: Rural Startup Days debuts February 25–27, 2026, in La Junta, CO, offering free hands-on training, funding connections, and networking for entrepreneurs and small businesses across Southeast Colorado. Read the Full Press Release...
Rural Startup Days Launches in Southeast Colorado to Support Local Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
La Junta, CO | February 25-27, 2026
Entrepreneurs and small business owners across Southeast Colorado will soon have a new opportunity to access practical business support, funding connections, and networking opportunities when Rural Startup Days debuts as the region’s first business startup week–style event.
Rural Startup Days is coming to Otero College Student Center in La Junta, Wednesday – Friday, February 25-27, 2026, and will bring free, hands-on programming directly to Southeast Colorado. The event will bring together entrepreneurs, funders, business experts, and community leaders to strengthen local businesses and support long-term regional economic resilience.
“Rural Startup Days connects local entrepreneurs to statewide resources, funding partners, and peers who understand rural realities, helping them strengthen, sustain, and grow businesses that are critical to the region’s economic resilience,” said Vanessa McCrann, Managing Director at Startup Colorado and the event’s lead organizer.
Rural Startup Days is organized by Startup Colorado in partnership with Otero College and SEBREA, and is free and open to a broad audience, including entrepreneurs, small business owners, students, ranchers, farmers, aspiring founders with early-stage ideas, and community members interested in economic development. Participants can come-and-go as they like during the three days, but registration is suggested through the website.
The launch of Rural Startup Days comes at a pivotal moment for the region.
"Southeast Colorado is at a critical turning point, with real gaps in local business economies and services,” said Julie Worley, the event’s co-organizer in La Junta. “This moment calls for renewed investment in locally owned businesses that are rooted in our rural SE Colorado communities and are committed to staying.”
Rural Startup Days is sponsored by Startup Colorado, Colorado SecureSavings and Department of the Treasury, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, SEBREA, and Connect for Health Colorado.
“Anyone starting, growing, or stabilizing a business in Southeast Colorado will find value here,” said McCrann. “Attendees can expect practical tools, clearer pathways to funding and year-round support, meaningful connections, and insights they can apply immediately.”
For registration and further details, visit RuralStartupDays.com or email Vanessa@startupcolorado.org.
