Two Durango Entrepreneurs Compete Today for Startup Funding
UPDATE: Two innovative small business owners from Durango are set to compete in the highly anticipated West Slope Startup Week Pitch Competition today, October 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Durango Arts Center. Local entrepreneurs Mike Milakovic and Matthew Glick will present their business ventures, vying for crucial funding, strategic partnerships, and visibility in a competitive environment.
Milakovic, who has called Durango home for just over a year, will pitch his clean-ingredient veggie snack company, Mighty Mike’s Foods. Meanwhile, Glick, a lifelong Durango resident, will showcase MTN FX, a Software as a Service platform tailored for the skiing industry. Both entrepreneurs have undergone extensive preparation, supported by coaching from Startup Colorado, to refine their five-minute presentations.
Milakovic expressed his excitement about the community backing his entrepreneurial journey. “Durango is just such a great community,” he stated. “The support here has been amazing.” Glick echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of building connections over merely securing financial support. “It’s more about meeting people and creating those connections,” Glick said, highlighting the potential for strategic partnerships that could enhance his venture.
The stakes are high this year, with participants competing for a variety of funding opportunities, including interest-free loans, mentorship, and venture capital. Last year, startups connected with $380,000 in investments from the 14 Founders by Kickstart Fund and the Greater Colorado Venture Fund. According to Margaret Hedderman, Content Director for West Slope Startup Week, the competition serves as a critical entry point for founders seeking institutional capital or validation for growth.
Nine judges, including legal and business experts, venture fund representatives, and Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young, will assess the pitches. Judge Erica Hines, CEO of InnerFrame, expressed her enthusiasm for supporting local entrepreneurs. “There’s such great energy around Startup Colorado,” Hines said. “If I can be there as a cheerleader and offer any type of value, that is a win.”
As the clock ticks down to the event, both Milakovic and Glick admit to feeling some nervousness but remain eager to showcase their ideas. “I wish everybody luck,” Milakovic said, reflecting on the camaraderie among competitors. “Whoever wins will deserve it.”
With the competition just hours away, the community eagerly anticipates the pitches that could catalyze the next wave of innovation in the Durango area. Keep an eye on these budding entrepreneurs as they take the stage and aim for success in today’s showdown.
