Building Better Together: Partnership Lessons from the Trenches

As a longtime founder, operator, and now mentor within the BEN network, I’ve come to see strategic partnerships not just as “nice to have” — but as critical levers for growth. The best partnerships expand what’s possible: unlocking new markets, deepening credibility, and building resilience in ways a single company simply can’t do alone.

One of the reasons I joined BEN as a mentor is because of its unique focus on strengthening those connections. BEN’s not just supporting individual companies — it’s helping build an entire entrepreneurial ecosystem in Colorado. And that’s something I’m proud to contribute to.

In that spirit, here are three partnership principles I’ve learned (often the hard way), a few common pitfalls to watch out for, and examples of BEN companies walking the talk.

Three Keys to Strong Strategic Partnerships

1. Shared Mission = Stronger Foundation
Partnerships work best when both parties care about the same outcomes — not just revenue. When I was leading my own company, I found that the most sustainable collaborations were with those who shared our deeper “why.” Today, I see BEN companies like WithMe doing just that. Their commitment to giving back through corporate social responsibility programs isn’t just admirable — it attracts partners who care about purpose as much as profit.

2. Value Should Flow Both Ways
It’s tempting to view partnerships transactionally. But true collaboration comes from mutual benefit. QuikrStuff offers a great example: by working with the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, they expanded manufacturing capacity while also investing in their local economy. Both sides gained — and the region did too.

3. Leverage the Network (Don’t Go It Alone)
Founders are constantly making high-stakes decisions under pressure. Tapping into the wisdom and connections of a broader network isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. One standout example is BEN’s collaboration with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT).

BEN is currently in year three of a $750,000 2:1 matching grant, awarded to address gaps in the state’s growth-stage entrepreneurial ecosystem and to drive measurable economic impact. The State of Colorado, acting as a careful steward of pandemic-era resources, strategically invested in nonprofits that provide critical advisory and technical assistance to startups and scale-ups. For BEN, this investment has meant expanding the number of entrepreneurs served, increasing the number of advisors engaged across programs, and deepening relationships with stakeholders and government agencies statewide.

What Gets in the Way?

Even the most promising partnerships can stumble. I’ve seen (and experienced) some of these common traps:

• Unclear expectations: Assumptions can derail momentum. Alignment upfront around roles, responsibilities, and outcomes is non-negotiable.

• Unequal value exchange: If one side is gaining significantly more than the other, resentment builds — fast.

• Trying to force fit: Just because someone is well-connected or successful doesn’t mean they’re the right partner. Mission and values matter.

• Overcomplicating the deal: When I was running Partnerships for my biotech startup, Pure Cultures, we built partnerships with major brands like Purina. These big players had in-house legal teams — we didn’t. Without clearly articulated key terms from the start, we ended up spending a lot of time (and money) on legal back-and-forth. Lesson learned: the simpler you can keep the deal, the better. Clarity saves time, trust, and budget.

Real-World BEN Examples

Some recent examples of BEN companies leveraging partnerships effectively:

• QuikrStuff and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership — growing local manufacturing through public-private collaboration.

• WithMe is scaling its impact through innovative CSR programs and values-aligned community partners.

• Across the cohort, companies like AppIt Ventures, CloudCampaign, and Nova Automation are using partnerships to enter new markets, refine offerings, and build resilience.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

As a mentor, I see firsthand how isolating leadership can be. Strategic partnerships are one way to combat that — but they require care, intention, and a willingness to build something with others, not just for your business.

If you're a BEN founder exploring new partnerships, reach out. I’m always happy to share lessons, make connections, or just talk through a sticky situation. We’re all in this to build something bigger than ourselves — and we’re better when we do it together.