Founded in FoCo 2025: Full Schedule

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9:00am MDT

No Hashtags, No Problem: Marketing Beyond Social Media SEATS AVAILABLE

Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT

Marketing can be a great big dark hole. You know you need to do it for your business, but all the blogs say you should focus on social media.

The problem is, you hate social media. Staying on top of trends, fighting the algorithm, engaging with everyone who comments or messages you - it’s a never-ending cycle that doesn’t leave you enough time do the work you love.

Great news: You can build and grow a business without social media.

The best marketing channel for your business is something that you enjoy doing.

From word of mouth, referral programs, content marketing, presentations, email marketing, partner collabs, podcasts, paid ads, cold outreach, sponsorships, there are endless ways to get the word out about your business.

In this talk, we’ll cover different marketing strategies that don’t require you to fight an algorithm. You’ll walk away with a marketing strategy that plays to your strengths and helps you build the business you want.

Speakers

Stacey Nicholls

Founder + Designer, Space Cookie Designs

Stacey Nicholls brings over 17 years of creative experience to Space Cookie Designs, where she helps small business owners connect to their audience through intentional, accessible website design. With a background in photography and graphic design, Stacey began working in website... Read More →

Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Solopreneur/Freelancer Track

Subject Strategy, Marketing, Small & Medium Business, Solopreneur/Freelancers
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10:15am MDT

AI Revolution in Design: Transforming Ecological Landscape Architecture SEATS AVAILABLE

Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT

Foxtail 2

Join Patrick Padden, founder of Padden Permaculture and eco-social designer, for an immersive workshop, exploring how AI is reshaping the future of design—especially in the realm of ecological landscape architecture. This session will delve into the evolving role of artificial intelligence as a transformative tool, enabling designers to create sustainable, functional, and innovative landscapes faster than ever before.

Discover how AI-driven technologies, such as generative design, 3D scanning, and computer vision, are helping professionals integrate ecological principles more effectively into their projects. Whether you’re a landscape architect, urban planner, or small business owner in the design field, you’ll gain insights into how AI can enhance decision-making, streamline workflows, and revolutionize how we interact with the environment.

Learn to apply cutting-edge tools to real-world ecological challenges, and leave with actionable strategies that can be implemented in your next design project. This workshop is ideal for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve and harness the power of AI to shape a greener, more resilient future.

Perfect for designers, architects, planners, and innovators looking to future-proof their projects with the latest in AI technology!

Speakers

Patrick Padden

Founder, Padden Permaculture

Patrick Padden is an eco-social designer, permaculture expert, and founder of Padden Permaculture, based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 16 years of experience, Patrick specializes in regenerative land projects, ecological landscape design, and sustainable systems. He holds a... Read More →

Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

AI Track

Subject AI, Technology, Communication Skills, Growth, Strategy, People, Marketing, Sales, Leadership, Social
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10:15am MDT

Smart Strategies for Startups: Drive Innovation with No-Cost Marketing SEATS AVAILABLE

Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT

Foxtail 1

Looking to grow your startup without stretching your budget? Join us for "Smart Strategies for Startups: Drive Innovation with No-Cost Marketing", an interactive training session packed with actionable, zero-cost marketing tactics. You'll learn how to maximize your brand's visibility through creative social media strategies, content creation, and innovative partnerships. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with the tools to adapt, connect, and thrive in a competitive market—all without spending a dollar. Get ready to future-proof your startup with smart, budget-friendly strategies!

Speakers

Kay Emerson

Founder, SheRen Consulting

Kay Emerson, MS, brings over 15 years of expertise in public administration, focusing on improving health equity, education, and economic mobility, particularly for marginalized communities. With a strong background in program development, grant management, financial oversight, and... Read More →

Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

Subject Growth, Strategy, Technology, Marketing, NonProfit, Creativity, Solopreneur/Freelancers, Small & Medium Business, Networking
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1:00pm MDT

Traction: How to Get a Grip on Your Business SEATS AVAILABLE

Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT

Sand Lily

Is your business controlling you, or are you controlling your business?

Being an entrepreneur is exciting—until it's not. The chaos of keeping things together feels like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Blindfolded. Over a pit of fire.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Business owners everywhere face the same uphill battle: mounting fires, leadership tension, and a nagging suspicion that your business might actually be running you. It doesn’t have to be this way.

As an EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Implementer, I help frazzled founders, weary leaders, and overwhelmed teams regain control. This workshop unpacks the simple, powerful tools of the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS®) to help you:

+ Gain clarity on your vision (because guessing isn't a strategy).
Build a healthy, aligned leadership team (goodbye, endless bickering in meetings).
+ Establish consistent, accountable processes (yes, people will actually follow through!).
+ Solve issues at the root, not just slapping on duct tape (we're looking at you, 'quick fixes').

You’ll leave with the tools and confidence to run your business, rather than letting it run you into the ground. And hey, you might even start enjoying being the boss again.

So, if you’ve ever felt like the captain of a ship that’s constantly one storm away from sinking, join us for this workshop. Together, we’ll turn your team into a well-oiled machine that runs like clockwork, leaving you free to enjoy life, lead well, and maybe—just maybe—sleep through the night.

It’s time to get a grip. Because the only thing worse than being overwhelmed by your business is realizing it’s been controlling you all along.

This workshop isn’t just about survival. It’s about thriving. It’s about gaining the traction you need to move forward, not just spin in circles.

And let’s be honest—there are enough things in life that control us (hello, social media algorithms). Your business shouldn’t be one of them.

Speakers

Justin Boling

I help entrepreneurs & business owners take control of their business!, EOS Worldwide

I am a dedicated husband, father to 5, serial entrepreneur, Coach, and Small Business Owner committed to empowering fellow entrepreneurs. Previously, I grappled with the commonplace notion that success meant sacrificing personal well-being and relationships. In my pursuit of climbing... Read More →

Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Builder Track, Workshop

Subject People, Strategy, Growth, Leadership, Marketing, Sales, Communication Skills, Small & Medium Business, Venture-Backed, Mindset, Mental Health
Format Workshop
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2:00pm MDT

Elevate Your LinkedIn Game: Strategies to Increase Reach and Engagement SEATS AVAILABLE

Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT

Foxtail 2

Do you have a LinkedIn strategy? Is it working?

Most small businesses are using LinkedIn for marketing. But they’re missing key elements that can make a huge difference.

Join this session to reset your approach to LinkedIn. Candyce will share real-life strategies to build your personal and company brand, increase your reach, enhance your audience engagement, and get leads to reach out to you.

You’ll discover how to:

- Build your personal professional brand on LinkedIn
- Avoid mistakes that most businesses make every day
- Use 2 little-known LinkedIn features to attract leads
- Optimize content for engagement

Speakers

Candyce Edelen

LinkedIn Social Selling Expert, PropelGrowth

Candyce Edelen is a seasoned entrepreneur with plenty of road rash earned by co-founding two fin-tech companies, one of which made the Deloitte Fast 50 list in 2004. In 2018, she and her partner decided to pivot to a new target market where they didn’t have an existing network... Read More →

Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Solopreneur/Freelancer Track

Subject Strategy, Marketing, Sales, Small & Medium Business, Solopreneur/Freelancers
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3:15pm MDT

Master Your Message: How to be comfortable networking and speaking about your non profit SEATS AVAILABLE

Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Foxtail 2

Sue Sutton will start with a short history of her radio career and then move into an interactive mastermind-style session. Participants will discuss some fears about networking and speaking and how they solved or moved past those fears (or not).
Sue will then outline the material to be covered, including how to use radio copyrighting for networking, a couple of exercises that participants will engage in, and a fun and possibly a little scary audio assignment to practice what they've learned. Sue will provide tip sheets with a place for notes and will answer questions as the session progresses.
By the end of the session, participants will know how to write their message, and then be concise when speaking and networking in various settings. They will have mastered their message (or at least made a good start) and will feel more confident and comfortable in their networking efforts.
Sue will also offer a free 5-7 minute interview on her radio show to promote the participants' nonprofit and showcase what they have learned. She is also available to speak to groups and companies about this topic for no charge.

Speakers

Sue Sutton

Radio Personality and Media Coach, Pirate Radio 93.5 FM

I am a Radio Personality and Media Coach. I've been in radio for 38 years and am currently the morning show host on Pirate Radio 93.5 FM in Fort Collins. We are a non-profit community radio station that offers FREE 5-7 minute interviews for your business, non-profit, or event. As... Read More →

Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

Subject Marketing, People, Communication Skills, Networking, NonProfit, Small & Medium Business, Solopreneur/Freelancers, Mindset, Creativity
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5:00pm MDT

Trout Tank: NonProfit Pitch-a-Thon SEATS AVAILABLE

Wednesday March 12, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT

Prairie Sage 1

This event is inspired by “Shark Tank,” but way more kind! Trout Tank is a pitch-a-thon event where local nonprofits pitch in-person to corporate and individual sponsors (Trouts!) at Founded in FoCo. The nonprofit can pitch a program or event that needs additional funding. Sponsors then choose from the pitches presented to make a direct donation.

This is a great opportunity to see business sponsors connect and support local nonprofit organizations that are working hard to improve our community. Come watch pitches to learn about what it takes to get people onboard for your organization, and connect with other nonprofits in the area.

Who should apply to participate to share their pitch?
501(c)3 nonprofits involved in a wide range of causes are encouraged to apply to Trout Tank. We will be looking for organizations primarily located in, or impacting the northern Colorado community. Organizations with a primarily religious or political mission are not eligible for participation.

If you are a non-profit you can apply here.
Applications open February 1!
Deadline: Feb 21st
Final Decisions Announced: Feb 25th

Who serves on the feedback panel as a Trout and provides sponsorship to NonProfits?
Trouts are individuals who listen live at the event to provide feedback and commit to distribute individual or corporate grants of $1,000 or more during the event. Anyone who is interested in being a potential trout at the event, please reach out to Alex Koenigsberg at alex@arulainc.com

Speakers

Maya Ortega

Maya Ortega is a writer, community leader, creator of rituals, bathing expert, and inter-personal consultant. She specializes in leveling things up by creating events and experiences to hyper-connect communities through communication, art, and collaboration.

Alex Koenigsberg

Fundraising, Philanthropy, Biz Dev, Arula

Alex founded Arula Fundraising in 2019 and grew the company to eight staff before making it an employee-owned company. He co-founded 1+ to help people start and administer philanthropic foundations. Alex also serves as the Business Development Officer for Quorum Prosthetics, the country's... Read More →

Wednesday March 12, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Featured, Evening Ticketed Event

Subject NonProfit, Communication Skills, Strategy, Marketing
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Founded in FoCo 2025

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