This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Imagine being connected with the mentors, peers, and tools required to start your own business. Every year, these offerings are available during Longmont Startup Week.
Longmont Startup Week was created by local entrepreneurs seeking to give startup companies a leg-up. As the website explains, the event “nurtures Longmont’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by leveraging Longmont’s unique human, social, and physical assets." In other words, it aims to foster rapport within the local community while supporting the development of small businesses.
Longmont Startup Week 2019 took place between July 22 and July 26 and was the biggest year yet, according to coordinator Morgan Smith. Over 1,400 attendees took part in hour-long seminars offered on Main Street. Some of the venues include the La Vita Bella Cafe, CoSolve, Christ Church International, Firehouse Art Center, and the Kitchen Company.
Photo credit: Mandy Froelich
Each day began with "caffeinated morning" sessions, followed by discussions such as, “Leadership and the Art of Growing Up,” “Small Business 101,” and “Smart Strategies to Grow Your Business."
“We’re still in the process of gathering feedback from all of our attendees, but we’ve heard anecdotally that lots of the content was useful and hit the right notes, and that people walked away from the week feeling like it was hit!,” Smith wrote in an email.
In addition to equipping residents and visitors with essential information related to starting a business, the event generated direct economic impact. Dozens of attendees purchased lunches at local restaurants (many offered some discounts). Smith estimates that over 650 tacos were served at the opening kick-off night from 4 Taquerias.
By hosting the seminars, local businesses benefited from extra foot traffic. It is estimated that between 20-50 people were present at the majority of sessions.
Photo credit: Mandy Froelich
Because Longmont Startup Week seeks to help entrepreneurs make their passion project a thriving business, the week-long event is free to attend. You can learn more by visiting the website.
