West Slope Startup Week, billed as rural Colorado's largest entrepreneur event, returns to Durango October 5-9, 2026, with more than 60 free educational and networking sessions expected to draw over 500 entrepreneurs, investors, and startup supporters.

The event is powered by Startup Colorado, a nonprofit serving entrepreneurs in 53 rural Colorado counties. Most sessions will be held in Downtown Durango.

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"West Slope Startup Week continues to serve as a cultural hub for entrepreneurship in rural Colorado," said Olivia Reed, West Slope Startup Week Lead Organizer. "In addition to the expert resources we bring to rural founders, the event also offers endless opportunities for founders to connect, build partnerships, and even find funding."

The program spans nine tracks including tech, money, communications, and climate. Entrepreneurs at all business stages — from idea to exit — are welcome. Sessions will cover AI, brand storytelling, funding and finance, climate, and entrepreneurship for creatives. A special program for Spanish-speaking founders is also planned.

Seth Levine, co-founder of venture capital firm Foundry and best-selling author, will deliver the opening keynote. He will address how venture capital is evolving, building startup ecosystems outside urban hubs, and the future of founder support in rural Colorado. Speakers also include expert business leaders, investors, and state representatives.

This year's event features the second Rural Creative Collective Night Market, showcasing 15 creative entrepreneurs with crafts including goods, writing, photography, and jewelry. The Night Market will be held at the Powerhouse Science Center on Wednesday, October 7, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

"The Night Market is a great opportunity for rural creatives to showcase their wares, plus a great chance to get a head start on your holiday shopping!" Reed said.

The event will also mark Startup Colorado's 15-year anniversary with the Outside City Limits fundraiser, featuring a locally-sourced dinner, cocktail networking, and entrepreneur trivia. Proceeds benefit Startup Colorado's direct-to-founder programming, storytelling initiatives, and capital access development.

Registration is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to build their schedules in advance and connect with other founders through the event app. For more information and registration, visit westslopestartupweek.com.