UPDATE: Two passionate entrepreneurs from Durango are set to take the stage today at the highly anticipated West Slope Startup Week Pitch Competition, vying for funding and support for their innovative business ventures. The competition kicks off at the Durango Arts Center from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. local time, featuring six finalists aiming to make their mark in the startup community.
Mike Milakovic will pitch his clean-ingredient snack company, Mighty Mike’s Foods, while Matthew Glick will present his Software as a Service platform, MTN FX, tailored for the skiing industry. Both entrepreneurs are eager to connect with potential investors and partners who can help propel their businesses to new heights.
Milakovic, a newcomer to Durango, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to compete within such a supportive community. “Durango is just such a great community,” he stated. “The support here has been amazing.” Glick echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of networking and forming strategic partnerships during the pitch. “If I go up there and meet someone who’s passionate about skiing, that’s enough for me,” he said.
Finalists were chosen after a rigorous application process and have spent weeks preparing their pitches, guided by coaching from Startup Colorado. They will each have five minutes to outline their business ideas, showcasing the problems they address, their proposed solutions, and target markets.
The stakes are high this year, with participants competing for a combination of funding opportunities, including $380,000 in investments from previous years and valuable mentoring services. According to Margaret Hedderman, Content Director for West Slope Startup Week, last year’s event connected startups with significant funding and support, setting a high bar for this year’s competition.
Nine judges, including legal and business experts and representatives from howdy partners venture fund and the Kickstart Fund, will evaluate the pitches. Among them is Erica Hines, founder of InnerFrame, who aims to give back to the community that fostered her own startup journey. “There’s such great energy around Startup Colorado,” Hines noted, emphasizing the courage it takes to participate in pitch competitions.
With both Milakovic and Glick expressing some nervousness, they remain enthusiastic about the opportunity. “I wish everybody luck,” Milakovic remarked, highlighting the camaraderie among contestants. “We’re all kind of in the same boat. These events are very nerve-wracking,” he added.
As the competition unfolds this afternoon, the hopes of Durango’s entrepreneurial spirit will be on display. Whether seeking funding or valuable connections, these local innovators are ready to showcase their hard work and ambition. Stay tuned for updates on the results and the impact of this exciting event on the Durango business landscape.
