If you had to list the top places to launch a startup, your first thoughts might be Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, New York, or other metropolises with an already strong (if not excessive) population of entrepreneurs. Set apart from these noisy, crowded areas is the district of Old Town, Fort Collins, where aesthetically nestled among coffee shops and boutiques are startup companies of all kinds. In fact, Fort Collins ranked #2 on the national list of Top Metro Areas for High Tech Startup Density (1), and as the #1 Most Entrepreneurial City in America (4). Continue reading to see why three local entrepreneurs call Old Town home.
1. Friendly, laid-back atmosphere
When walking up and down the blocks of Old Town, you’ll never be fighting for sidewalk space or avoiding eye contact in a sea of straight-laced business-people. Store owners are happy to chat without pressuring you to buy. “The people are much more approachable and … willing to give you their time much more readily,” says Aari Lotfipour, CEO and founder of the rewards-based advertising platform Jalapeño Inventive. “Fort Collins has a growing community with plenty of hands willing to help, which has proven invaluable for the progress of my start-up.” Old Town proves that a bustling, crowded city isn’t a prerequisite for a startup hotspot!
2. Accessibility
Old Town is a short walk or bike/bus ride from many housing areas, and the district itself is easy to get around. One downside is parking, but once you arrive all of the businesses and shops are in close proximity. “It’s more vibrant and walkable than businesses in midtown or (the) south Harmony area. It’s easy to meet for a coffee, breakfast or lunch,” says Logan Hale, president and video producer at V3 Media Marketing. Aari is especially partial to the bike-friendly atmosphere: “I’ve only parked my car in Old Town twice in the six weeks that I’ve lived here. The focus on bike transportation was a huge selling point.” Not surprisingly, Fort Collins was ranked #1 for the most bike-friendly businesses in one city (2). With such easy access, startups in Old Town can expect more traffic without forking out additional advertising dollars.
3. Proximity to Colorado State University
Colorado State University fosters the education of many future entrepreneurs. The university’s Blue Ocean Enterprises Challenge is “one of the richest business pitch competitions in the nation” which “aims to bring into one inspirational week the best college entrepreneurs, innovative startups, and young, growing companies.(3)” If they aren’t already creating companies themselves, CSU students and graduates are great assets for existing startups. Sarnen Steinbarth, Founder and CEO of Turbo Tenant, loves being located in a college town. “We hope to also be able to get some good CSU talent and be able to offer internships soon,” he said. Logan also appreciates the closeness of the university: “CSU is one of the largest employers in town, and we find ourselves in work meetings at the university or nearby many times.”
4. Less competition, more community
The business world can be brutal when every company is trying to surpass one another. In Old Town there are fewer duplicate startups, meaning a lower need to compete. “I feel the lack of competition is a good thing in respect to interested investment parties not being overwhelmed with options,” Aari explained. Instead, businesses work together to form new ideas and bonds. “It forces us to relate more as industry colleagues,” says Logan. “We get the chance to share war stories and ideas and resources. It creates more of an industry community.”
5. Collaboration with and appeal of diverse industries
Old Town boasts art galleries, music venues, and over 84 restaurants (5) . The wide range of cultural experiences is quite appealing to startups. “The art, music and culinary cultures are really great to be around. It enhances the demographic quality of the area and draws in other creative thinkers to collaborate with,” says Aari. With so much to do, who wouldn’t mind having a job in the area? The area is filled with differently styles of people, stores, and architecture. “I think it will be easier for us to find employees who like to work in Old Town,” explains Sarnen. “Everyone loves taking a break and walking around Old Town or eating lunch at one of the many spots without having to drive anywhere. I think it makes the work day much more enjoyable!”
Special thanks to those interviewed!
Sources:
2. http://www.coloradoan.com/story/life/2015/06/29/fort-collins-bicycle-friendly-businesses/29469555/
3. http://blueoceanchallenge.com/
4. http://www.galvanize.com/campuses/fort-collins/#.VfjpwXuFYUs
