UPDATE: Two passionate entrepreneurs from Durango are set to take the stage today at the highly anticipated West Slope Startup Week Pitch Competition. The event runs from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Durango Arts Center, where they will compete against four other finalists for critical funding, mentorship, and valuable connections.
Entrepreneurs Mike Milakovic and Matthew Glick are ready to showcase their innovative business ideas. Milakovic, who recently moved to Durango, will pitch his clean-ingredient veggie snack company, Mighty Mike’s Foods. Glick, a lifelong Durango resident, will present his venture, MTN FX, a Software as a Service platform designed for the skiing industry.
Both entrepreneurs have invested weeks preparing their pitches, receiving coaching from Startup Colorado. Milakovic expressed gratitude for the supportive community, stating, “Durango is just such a great community. The support here has been amazing.”
Glick emphasized the importance of connections over just financial gain, stating, “If I go up there and do a presentation, and all I do is meet someone else who’s super passionate about skiing, that’s enough.” His focus is on strategic partnerships that could lead to new opportunities.
The stakes are high this year. Last year, startups secured $380,000 in investments, and this year’s competition promises similar rewards, including interest-free loans and targeted mentorship. The event aims to validate and elevate local businesses, giving them visibility and potential access to institutional capital.
Nine judges, including Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young and Erica Hines, founder of InnerFrame, will evaluate the pitches. Hines shared her excitement about supporting local entrepreneurs, recalling her own journey and the importance of events like these for building connections.
As the clock ticks down, both Milakovic and Glick are feeling the pressure but remain optimistic. “I wish everybody luck,” said Milakovic. “These events are very nerve-wracking, but we’re all in the same boat.”
Don’t miss the action today as these entrepreneurs strive to secure funding that could change their business trajectories forever. Stay tuned for updates on the competition and the outcomes that could reshape the future of startups in Durango.
