Inside the Inclusive Impact Catalyst Program

Last month, BEN Colorado officially launched the Inclusive Impact Catalyst (IIC) program, a new initiative designed to help Denver’s early-stage, traditionally underserved tech founders become capital-ready. Backed by grant funding and supported by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO), the IIC connects ambitious, growth-driven entrepreneurs with the strategic tools, mentorship, financing networks, and community support needed to access funding, scale their businesses, and create lasting impact in their communities.

The Inclusive Impact Catalyst is a three-month, cohort-based program providing founders with direct access to experienced advisors, curated educational partners, and hands-on learning experiences. While BEN’s Signature Program supports scale-up companies and the Denver ScaleUp Network (DenSUN) helps underrepresented founders typically at the $200K–$2M range, the IIC focus is earlier in the entrepreneurial journey, helping participants move from promising startup with product market fit to an institutional investor-ready enterprise.

The IIC was created to close persistent gaps in access to capital and business education that have historically limited opportunity for diverse entrepreneurs in Denver’s tech ecosystem. Each founder enters the program with a unique story, but they share a common goal: building a sustainable, investable company that can make a difference. 

Inside the IIC

The inaugural cohort kicked off with an orientation and networking event, setting the tone for an experience grounded in collaboration and support. From there, participants meet bi-weekly for tailored workshops and self-schedule advisor check-ins, while completing assigned materials through partner platforms like MatrixOwl and Pitch Creator.

Month 1: Business Audit & Financial Readiness Scores

The first month of the IIC centers around self-assessment and clarity. Founders take an in-depth look at their business operations, finances, and strategy using the MatrixOwl Business Audit and Funding Readiness Score™. This phase is about understanding where each company stands in structure, systems, and financial health. Entrepreneurs examine their businesses to identify what’s working, where inefficiencies exist, and how to align their goals with measurable outcomes.

Month 2: Refining the Business Model & Prepping for the Pitch

The second month builds on the previous foundation by diving into the mechanics of business growth and investor readiness. Founders sharpen their communication and marketing strategies, learning how to articulate their value proposition to investors, partners, and customers alike.

By the end of Month 2, each founder has refined their business model, clarified their growth trajectory, and strengthened their ability to communicate their vision effectively in preparation for perfecting their pitch.

Month 3: Perfecting the Pitch

The final month of the Inclusive Impact Catalyst is about confidence, communication, and execution. Founders participate in multiple rounds of pitch practice, first with their coaches, then in front of their cohort members and BEN Advisors who provide real-time feedback and guidance.

The cohort concludes with a celebration to honor the progress made and the community built. Founders, mentors, and supporters come together to reflect on what it means to grow not just as business leaders, but as contributors to a more inclusive innovation economy.

The Inclusive Impact Catalyst wouldn’t exist without the collaboration of dedicated partners who bring their expertise, mentorship, and belief in inclusive entrepreneurship to the table.

• MatrixOwl provides the analytical backbone for readiness assessments, helping founders identify and track measurable growth indicators.

• Pitch Creator gives participants a proven framework for structuring and delivering their investor pitch.

• The Process guides founders in focused work and productivity techniques that help them execute efficiently.

• APEX Consulting Group shares invaluable insights to help founders avoid common pitfalls and overcome common entrepreneurial challenges.

• R&D B2B Marketing strengthens communication and brand alignment for market-facing strategies.

• Potential Arena helps founders grow their leadership with clarity, confidence and discuss power dynamics and what the leaders need to be aware of when building their team.

Together, these educational partners create a robust ecosystem of support that reflects BEN’s broader mission to connect high-potential entrepreneurs with the resources they need to thrive.

As the inaugural IIC cohort moves through the program, their progress is already shaping a new narrative for what opportunity can look like in Denver’s tech ecosystem - one where every founder has an equitable path to success. Looking ahead to 2026, the IIC will launch a new cohort each quarter and introduce Workshop Wednesdays, weekly gatherings open to all entrepreneurs featuring dynamic learning experiences and connection opportunities.

Thank you to our curriculum partners and Denver Economic Development & Opportunity, for helping make the Inclusive Impact Catalyst possible.

The next IIC cohort begins January 8, 2026. Click here to learn more & apply!