BEN Colorado and City & County of Denver Launch Inclusive Impact Catalyst Program to Help Denver Technology Founders Become Capital Ready
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DENVER, CO, June 4, 2025: BEN Colorado, in partnership with Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO), is proud to announce the launch of the Inclusive Impact Catalyst Program. This new $1.1 million initiative will help traditionally underserved early stage technology businesses become capital-ready through free, expert advisory services and programming, including a comprehensive business assessment, business plan improvements, pitch deck preparation and practice, and targeted investor introductions.
“BEN Colorado is excited to package and deliver the Inclusive Impact Catalyst Program, supporting growth-driven entrepreneurs with high impact, no cost expert programming,” said Mick Freeman, CEO & Executive Director, Bridge Entrepreneurs Network (BEN) Colorado. “This innovative program will help level the playing field for Denver-based tech founders with extensive business planning and capital readiness support.”
The Inclusive Impact Catalyst Program (IIC) is funded by the Economic Development Administration to the City & County of Denver and is specifically built to address the systemic barriers faced by early-stage technology businesses led by founders who have traditionally had limited access to capital and business resources. BEN Colorado was selected to lead the Inclusive Impact Catalyst Program based on its decade plus as a leading nonprofit supporting early to growth stage entrepreneurs.
“We're excited to partner with BEN Colorado to launch this dynamic program to directly address challenges faced by historically marginalized tech startups, said Michael Bevis, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the City of Denver. “Through strategic mentorship and resources, we're equipping these businesses with the tools and insights they need to attract investment and scale successfully. In doing so, we're not just supporting businesses—we're investing in a more inclusive and innovative economic future for our cit.,”
Through the Inclusive Impact Catalyst Program, selected businesses will receive comprehensive advisory services and technical assistance tailored to their growth stage.
The program includes:
Executive coaching & mentorship from industry leaders
Targeted workshops on marketing, financial planning, legal strategy, and hiring
Introductions to a robust professional network of investors, founders, and business leaders
One-on-one and small group advisory support, including business assessments, pitch deck improvement, and business plan refinement
Connection to capital readiness pathways to help secure investment
Applications are now open. Entrepreneurs interested in applying can learn more about the program, assess their eligibility, and access the application here. Additionally, virtual information sessions will be held on Wednesday, June 18th, and Monday, June 23rd.
ABOUT BEN COLORADO INC.:
Bridge Entrepreneurs Network (BEN) Colorado is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting growth-stage companies and their entrepreneurial leaders. Through a network of expert volunteer advisors, BEN Colorado helps businesses navigate growth challenges and changes to get to the next level, supporting more than 400 companies with over 500 advisors, contributing to date $10B+ in revenue, 23,000+ new jobs, and over $1B in exits.
BEN signature programs are designed for rapidly-growing companies generating more than $5M in annual revenue and facing complex challenges in areas like leadership, talent, finance, operations, and governance across key sectors including technology, aerospace, bioscience, healthcare, energy, consumer packaged goods, and manufacturing. Beyond scale-up stage support, BEN also invests in the next generation of high-potential businesses through early-stage programs that focus on underserved founders, especially female, underserved, and rural entrepreneurs, across nearly every vertical. Please visit www.bencolorado.org or email info@bencolorado.org for additional information.