About Central Mountain Entrepreneurs
Central Mountain Entrepreneurs is a purpose-built collaboration of founders, funders, mentors, and advisors aimed at supporting startup growth and innovation in Colorado’s Central Mountains.
Learn More About our Ascent Accelerator!
Each year since 2022, we’ve recruited the best businesses and ideas in the Central Mountains to participate in an innovative 12-week business growth program: Central Mountain Ascent, or “Ascent” for short.
Backed by some of the best business minds in Colorado and beyond, participants in our cohort experience a level of startup and scaleup support that has never existed in the Central Mountains business community. Until now.
Over 12 weeks, participating companies receive highly targeted free mentorship from elite business executives and trainers, covering current best practices ranging from business growth strategies and lean startup methodology to legal, funding, accounting and taxes, intellectual property, real estate, and human resources.
How it works.
Each winter, participating companies join a 12-week accelerator that meets every other week for engaging 3-hour group sessions led by industry experts and partners—building community, connection, and real-world insight. In addition to group training, founders dedicate 1–2 hours per week to personalized 1:1 mentorship, diving deep into the unique challenges and opportunities within their business.
Ready to grow with us?
Applications for our 2026 cohort are now open. Apply by December 5th.
ascent | as·cent | noun
1a: the act of rising or mounting upward: CLIMB
Central Mountain Entrepreneurs is a startup community committed to building equitable, sustainable economic development through collaboration and continuous learning. Our Ascent business accelerator supports innovation and entrepreneurship by creating an ecosystem of growth resources to propel makers and doers startup and scale, while elevating their communities and serving as a pillar for social good.
CME Mentors & Advisors
The power of any accelerator program is the quality of its mentor and advisor network. Ours is world class. From investors and serial entrepreneurs to seasoned ecosystem builders, our mentors come from a broad set of backgrounds and are committed to supporting your success. They understand that helping your business grow is central to creating sustainable, equitable economic opportunity in rural America. Get to know our incredible network of mentors here.
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