A collaborative effort to enhance entrepreneurial support in Wyoming has been launched under the banner of StartUp Wyoming, a program designed to help entrepreneurs across the state access resources, mentorship, and funding, Jackson Hole News&Guide reports.
The initiative is led by the Wyoming Business Council in partnership with Silicon Couloir, and its mission is to foster innovation and economic development in communities statewide.
The program’s roots trace back to Airloom Energy, a wind technology startup that exemplifies Wyoming’s business-friendly environment. Airloom Energy’s journey began with a modest grant and guidance from the University of Wyoming’s Wind Energy Research Center. The company eventually secured $1 million in funding from the National Science Foundation and over $18 million in additional venture capital.
Now, Airloom Energy’s co-founder has taken on the role of director for StartUp Wyoming, bringing hard-earned lessons to the forefront of this statewide initiative. Joining the director is Zack Huberty, a seasoned entrepreneur with experience in startups and small business development.
The program’s initial phase involves a comprehensive assessment of Wyoming’s entrepreneurial landscape through a listening tour across the state. Since September, the team has visited numerous communities, including Casper, Cheyenne, Jackson, and Riverton, to gather input from startups, investors, and support organizations.
Key objectives include:
- Data Collection and Needs Assessment:
- Engage with startups, funders, and support organizations to understand their needs.
- Identify gaps in resources, infrastructure, and educational support.
- Development of a Multi-Year Support Plan:
- Coordinate and enhance existing programs that effectively support startups.
- Implement new statewide initiatives to address unmet needs and ensure continuous support through all stages of the startup lifecycle.
StartUp Wyoming aims to create a pipeline of support, connecting startups with education, mentoring, peer networks, and funding. Stakeholders from diverse sectors, including venture capitalists, angel investors, and rural accelerators, have contributed insights to help shape the initiative’s strategic plan.
In the coming months, the team will analyze the collected data and prepare focus group sessions to refine their approach. They will also meet with ecosystem partners in additional areas, including Lander and the Wind River Reservation.
As StartUp Wyoming continues its statewide rollout, it seeks to build a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem capable of supporting high-growth startups. Entrepreneurs and stakeholders are encouraged to visit StartUpWY.com to learn more and engage with the initiative.
