Denver-based mountain bike fabricator Guerrilla Gravity took home the top JumpStart BizPlan Award from the Denver Office of Economic Development (OED). The company won $30,000 and consulting services aimed at helping the company grow
"Denver has become a mecca for innovation, where the next generation of startups are growing and reaching new heights here each and every day," says Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. "We're proud to celebrate the best and brightest business ideas emerging out of Denver, and to shine a spotlight on the importance of our small business community."
Guerrilla Gravity, which manufactures at its retail bike shop, offers customized mountain bikes in a direct to consumer business model. The OED says that a wide variety of companies applied to the JumpStart competition, Among them were companies involved in healthcare, manufacturing, technology and consumer electronics, apparel, as well as retailers and restaurants.
Guerrilla Gravity competed with finalists Arthroventions and Übergrippen Indoor Climbing Crag for the award and additional services as part of Denver Startup Week events. Each of the three businesses presented their business plans and answered questions before a panel of business experts. The event was presented by Deloitte and U.S. Bank. In addition to the cash prize Guerrilla Gravity will receive legal counsel from Polsinelli, strategic marketing services from dovetail solutions, and entrepreneurship mentoring from TiE Rockies and Rockies Venture Club.
In addition to the JumpStart awards, OED and its partners also hosted a junior entrepreneurs. Sport Cabanas, a startup created by Chris Cordova and Janeth Mancha, won the TeenBiz Plan Award. The company offers tent rentals and setups for youth sporting events. The co-owners won a $5,000 cash prize.
"Today's event is proof positive that there is no shortage of great entrepreneurial ideas sprouting from Denver's youth," asserts OED Executive Director Paul Washington. "The future of our small business market is sure to remain strong thanks to the healthy pipeline of ideas and innovations sparking across generations."
Contact Confluence Denver Innovation & Jobs News Editor Chris Meehan with tips and leads for future stories at chris@confluence-denver.com.
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