Celebrating the 2026 Stursberg Impact Award recipient and her lasting contributions to Colorado's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Behind every thriving entrepreneurial community are people who believe in what's possible, invest in others, and dedicate themselves to creating opportunities for the next generation of business leaders.
For Colorado's entrepreneurial ecosystem, Nancy Phillips has long been one of those people.
On October 22, BEN had the honor of recognizing Nancy, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Rallyday Partners, as the recipient of the 2026 Stursberg Impact Award during its 4th Annual Celebration of Entrepreneurship at Coors Field.
The recognition celebrates years of dedication to helping entrepreneurs, strengthening organizations, and building the relationships that allow businesses and communities to thrive.
Helping Build BEN From the Beginning
Nancy's connection to BEN stretches back to the organization's earliest days.
What began as an idea to bring experienced business leaders together in support of Colorado entrepreneurs has grown into a statewide network connecting founders and business leaders with the guidance, expertise, and relationships they need to navigate growth.
Nancy has been part of that journey from the beginning, supporting BEN through multiple chapters of its evolution and working alongside its executive directors and leadership teams as the organization expanded its reach.
Her contributions reflect a belief that entrepreneurial success is strengthened when experienced leaders are willing to share what they've learned, open doors for others, and invest in the broader community.
Through her involvement with BEN, Nancy has helped champion an environment where entrepreneurs can benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of those who have navigated similar challenges before them.
That spirit of collaboration remains central to BEN’s mission today.
A Commitment to Helping Others Succeed
Nancy's influence extends well beyond her involvement with BEN.
As Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Rallyday Partners, she brings her experience building businesses and supporting leadership teams to the work of helping companies grow and succeed.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to entrepreneurship that reaches beyond individual business outcomes. Her work reflects an understanding that strong companies, capable leaders, and connected communities all play a role in building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
It's a philosophy that closely aligns with the Give-First mindset championed throughout BEN’s community: the belief that sharing knowledge, offering support, and helping others succeed creates lasting value for everyone involved.
Nancy has shown that commitment through years of leadership, mentorship, and active involvement in the organizations and relationships that support Colorado entrepreneurs.
An Impact Recognized Across the Community
In the lead-up to this year's Celebration of Entrepreneurship, several leaders who have worked alongside Nancy shared personal reflections on her contributions and the influence she's had on the community.
Amy Stursberg reflected on Nancy's involvement from BEN's earliest days, recognizing the important role she played in helping the organization grow from an idea into a network serving entrepreneurs across Colorado.
Brad Feld highlighted Nancy's embodiment of the Give-First philosophy and her continued passion for supporting entrepreneurs, both through her work with Rallyday Partners and her commitment to BEN's mission.
David Perez spoke to the example Nancy has set through her leadership, her dedication to BEN, and the lasting influence she has had on those who have had the opportunity to work alongside her.
Together, these reflections illustrate something that can't always be measured through business milestones or organizational achievements: the lasting impact of a leader who consistently invests in people.
Nancy's contributions can be seen in the relationships she's helped foster, the organizations she's supported, and the entrepreneurial community she continues to help strengthen.
Celebrating a Legacy That Continues to Grow
Recognizing Nancy at the 2026 Celebration of Entrepreneurship was an opportunity to honor her contributions while reflecting on the kind of leadership that makes BEN's work possible.
Entrepreneurial ecosystems don't grow through the efforts of founders alone. They depend on people who are willing to share their experience, build connections, champion new ideas, and create opportunities for others to succeed.
Nancy has demonstrated that commitment throughout her career and her involvement with BEN.
As BEN looks toward the future and continues expanding its support for entrepreneurs across Colorado, the example set by leaders like Nancy remains an important part of the organization's foundation.
Congratulations to Nancy Phillips, the 2026 Stursberg Impact Award recipient.
From everyone at BEN, thank you for your leadership, your generosity, and the many ways you've helped shape our organization and Colorado's entrepreneurial community. Your impact continues to inspire the work ahead.