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2025 Colorado Food and Ag Collision Impact Report

The 2025 Colorado Food & Agriculture Collision brought together ten entrepreneurs from across the state for a structured pitch competition judged by industry experts. In addition to the competition, the event featured partner spotlights and networking opportunities with organizations like the Northwest & Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center, CSU Food Innovation Center, Startup Colorado, and Naturally Colorado. Entrepreneurs gained valuable feedback, visibility, and connections, as well as access to over $20,000 in cash and in-kind support. The event also highlighted Colorado-produced, sustainably sourced products, underscoring the importance of local food systems.

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Event Details

Applications & Nominations Open:
June 1 – July 1, 2025
We’re seeking businesses that source local/regional ingredients and sell to local and/or regional markets. Apply or nominate here

Prior to the event pitchers will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with our partner technical assistance providers to hone their pitch and prepare it for prime time.

Pitch Details: 

  • Each finalist will deliver a 5-minute pitch to a panel of judges with expertise in food retail, product design, logistics, and brand strategy. 
  • Pitchers will also have access to one-on-one coaching sessions with partner technical assistance providers to refine their pitch before the big night. 

     

Awards:

  • At least $10,000 in a cash prize pool (divided among winning businesses) 
  • Rising Star Award 
  • New this year: Climate Smart Innovator Award 
  • Travel stipends will be available for food and agriculture businesses traveling from outside the Front Range Metro area 

 

Also Join us for the Colorado Food Showcase

As part of CSU Spur’s Second Saturday 

Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 
Hosted by the CSU Food Innovation Center, this public event attracts 500–800 visitors. Vendors can demo and sell their products, with the first hour reserved exclusively for networking with buyers, distributors, and food industry experts. 

There’s no vendor fee. Vendors traveling from outside the Front Range Metro Area may qualify for a travel stipend through the NW & Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center. 

Sponsorship opportunities: 

If you’re interested in sponsoring the event, please check out the sponsorship opportunities we have available!

Contact Libby Christensen at libby.christensen@colostate.edu to learn more.

Now in its third year, the Colorado Food & Agriculture Collision brings together top entrepreneurs from across five regions — from the western mountains to the eastern plains — to pitch their ideas on one statewide stage. This premier event showcases the creativity, grit, and pioneering spirit that defines Colorado’s food and ag businesses.

  • When: Friday, September 12, 2025 | 4:30 – 7:30 PM
  • Where: CSU Spur, Denver, CO

What to Expect:

  • A fast-paced, live pitch competition featuring six standout businesses
  • Resource Rally: tabling from local/regional food brands and support organizations
  • Ample networking opportunities with industry peers, buyers, and technical experts
  • Appetizers + one drink ticket included with your $25 registration

The event is open to the public.

Get Your Tickets Here!

Who Should Apply: 
This competition is open to all Colorado food and agriculture businesses that are looking to share their product with a broader audience. Additional consideration will be given to businesses that participated in a regional pitch event, received technical assistance from one of the event partners or another local Small Business Development Center. While cottage food businesses with a demonstrated sales record are encouraged to apply, these businesses should be actively pursuing a food manufacturing license. We especially encourage applications from rural, remote, and isolated food and ag businesses looking to expand their reach, connect with new markets, and showcase the incredible innovation happening in every corner of Colorado. 

Criteria: 

  • Based and operating in Colorado
  • Under $1 million annual revenue at the time of submission (brands of all sizes encouraged to apply)
  • Founded within the last 5 years
  • Business must either:
    • Source local/regional ingredients, and/or
    • Feature a strong narrative about local/regional sourcing in their product story.
  • Sell products through local and/or regional markets
  • Not currently distributing through regional or national grocery chains (self-distribution at one or two retail locations is allowed)

Event partners include:

Past participating businesses: 

2024 

  • Denver Bone Broth – https://denverbonebroth.com/ 

2023 

Colorado Food and Ag Business Support Landscape

For a working list of pitch competitions around the state, including dates and criteria, click here. Please let us know if you are running a pitch and would like to be included in the LIST.