CMU provides lodging while campus innovation center will host kickoff lunch
Grand Mesa Hall at Colorado Mesa University will serve as lodging for a multitude of western Colorado startup founders and entrepreneurs. The participants are engaging in the first Techstars Startup Week on the western slope. The sessions kick off on June 5 with “hometown” events in communities across western Colorado. The main regional event starts June 6 in Grand Junction.
In addition to housing entrepreneurs, CMU is hosting the regional gathering’s kickoff lunch with keynote speaker Brad Feld, as well as a campus tour.
“Through programs like Rural Jumpstart, and as a result of numerous workforce and business development initiatives, CMU has an important role to play when it comes to innovation,” said CMU Vice President of Community Affairs Derek Wagner. “CMU’s facilities will be showcased to startup founders who live, work and hire throughout CMU’s service area.”
The event sessions will occur throughout the Grand Valley with an emphasis in downtown Grand Junction. Participants can easily travel between CMU and downtown through complementary public transportation known as The Dash.
“During the event, participants are invited to work from the Maverick Innovation Center, enjoy comfortable lodging in the Mesa Hall ‘Bunkhouse’ and can catch a free ride downtown for event sessions using The Dash,” said Tom Benton, director of the Maverick Innovation Center.
The Maverick Innovation Center is a facility offering students opportunities to develop entrepreneurial ideas and turn them into reality by working with students from other disciplines, community experts and CMU faculty. Located at 730 Mesa Avenue, the center includes space designed for different uses ranging from small meetings and brainstorming to design work and prototype production.
CMU President Tim Foster plans to join the kickoff event and believes that the university’s supportive role in the startup festivities is a reflection of the role CMU plays throughout the community.
“CMU is a hub for creativity, art, innovation and remarkable facilities that support these new business models and help foster innovation through levering partnerships and technology,” said Foster.
The Dash runs from Downtown, Colorado Mesa University, Horizon Drive Business District, and the Grand Junction Regional Airport. No matter where you live, where you’re staying, or where you’d like to explore – hop on ‘The Dash’ and get to your destination.
