Rural Reach

Supporting early-to-growth-stage entrepreneurs across Colorado

Supporting Entrepreneurs Statewide

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

  • Since the pandemic, more companies than ever were founded outside the Front Range. Since 2023, BEN has supported over 100 rural companies with curated advisors and stage- and vertical-specific feedback to ensure no Colorado entrepreneur is left behind because of geography.

  • BEN partners with Community Partner Startup Colorado, a nonprofit that supports rural startup entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders across Colorado's 53 rural counties by enhancing access to human, social, and financial capital. BEN lends its statewide advisory network to ensure that growth-minded entrepreneurs are supported with the advice they need when and how they need it.

  • BEN supports Startup Colorado by sponsoring West Slope Startup Week and leading expert panels aimed at bridging the urban-rural divide. The two organizations regularly collaborate on grants and programs that evidence our collective capacity to support early-to-growth-stage companies statewide.

“Through BEN Colorado, I was introduced to an incredible mentor who generously dedicated his time and expertise to help me refine my strategy, strengthen my pitch decks, and build financial models that could stand up to investor scrutiny.”

-Dara Erck, CEO of SAM + LEO & BEN Alum

Ready to Learn More?

If you're an early stage founder operating outside the Front Range, please reach out. If BEN can't help you, we can point you toward partner organizations that can.

All submissions will be kept confidential for program evaluation purposes only and will not shared with any third party.

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
  • Denver ScaleUp Network

    Denver ScaleUp Network

    For founders leading Denver-area businesses that are already in market with customers.

    The Denver ScaleUp Network is a 6-month cohort designed to support traditionally underrepresented entrepreneurs. Through targeted support, it helps founders navigate their most pressing growth challenges. Candidates should be poised for growth and open to strategic guidance, with a focus on long-term scalability.

    Explore the Network

  • 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

  • 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