The Denver Scaleup Network

For Denver-area emerging entrepreneurs.

Founded in 2017 with over 150 graduates, the Denver ScaleUp Network is a program founded by the Denver Office of Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO), and delivered by BEN Colorado, CiviCo from Omni, and TrueSpace.

We serve two cohorts per year, each supporting 10–15 emerging, diverse Denver- based entrepreneurs. The program provides founders the guidance, connections, and resources needed to overcome the strategic growth challenges in their businesses.

  • The Denver ScaleUp Network Program is a six-month cohort designed to support second-stage entrepreneurs in Denver. This program provides strategic guidance, mentorship, and resources to foster business growth and success.

    The program culminates in a strategic advisory session for each founder, with a group of BEN Advisors. These advisors bring deep expertise and an unbiased perspective — they’re here as mentors, not investors. This is not a pitch. It’s a candid conversation focused on helping the entrepreneur make better strategic decisions.

  • DenSUN participants gain access to a curated peer cohort for shared learning and accountability. Through monthly in-person meetings facilitated by DEDO, members build high-impact connections to local business leaders and resources. The program culminates in BEN Days, a 1-hour session with BEN Advisors.

  • DenSUN was designed for founders leading Denver-area businesses that are already in market with customers, generating between $200K and $2M in annual revenue. Candidates should be poised for growth and open to strategic guidance, with a focus on long-term scalability.

“Denver ScaleUp landed at a pivotal moment for Clusivi. The BEN community challenged our assumptions, made strategic introductions, and validated that there’s real demand for our non-FICO credit model. Their feedback helped shape the product we’re launching today.”

-Cedric Lipsey, Founder of Clusivi & BEN Alum

Current Denver ScaleUp Network Companies

11.png
12.png
13.png
14.png
15.png
16.png
17.png
18.png
20.png
See Previous Cohorts

Ready to Scale?

Reach out to Leressie Ashley, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program Manager for the City and County of Denver.

Contact Leressie Ashley

Other BEN Colorado Programs & Opportunities

  • BEN Signature Program

    BEN Signature Program

    For coachable leaders who’ve moved beyond the startup phase and are ready to scale.

    Since 2014, the BEN Signature Program has connected over 160 Colorado entrepreneurs leading high-growth companies to seasoned volunteer advisors. Over a one-year engagement, participants gain strategic clarity, expert guidance, and an expanded network through structured advisory sessions, ongoing mentorship, peer groups, and tailored events.

    Explore the Program

  • Inclusive Impact Catalyst

    For Denver-area leaders of small businesses who have historically had less access to capital and business resources.

    This new 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 targeted investor introductions.

    Explore the IIC Program
  • Rural Reach

    Rural Reach

    For early to growth-stage entrepreneurs throughout rural Colorado

    In its third year, in partnership with Startup Colorado, Rural Reach supports underserved entrepreneurs beyond the Front Range with remote and in-person advisory programs to ensure ambitious entrepreneurs have ecosystem access and support no matter where they live and operate their businesses.

    Explore the Program

  • BEN Dens

    Our Peer Advisor Program, creating a safe space for real-time challenges using the BEN methodology

    In its sixth year, BEN Dens give our entrepreneurs access to one another as leaders in an environment that promotes authentic sharing. Through a series of supportive and targeted questions, the conversation will provide the CEOs with additional perspective to move toward deliberate action.

    Contact Us
  • Think Tanks

    Think Tanks

    Singular advisory sessions that support entrepreneurs with timely, urgent business challenges.

    BEN Think Tanks are curated small groups of advisors who are expert at navigating strategic challenges: acquisition offers, financing choices, go-to-market pivots, C-Suite turnover, and corporate structure issues. These sessions are ideal to get a high-impact bite-size BEN experience.

    Contact Us