Founded in FoCo 2025: Full Schedule

Add sessions to your personal schedule to register your attendance (Check-In).

10:00am MDT

Creating stock for successful grant writing SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT

competing for grant funding is highly competitive. You can set your organization up for success by developing quality stock. In this case, stock is a supply of writing and documents accumulated for future use. When seeking support from family foundations, corporations, and government grantors, nonprofit organizations can greatly increase their capacity to respond to funding opportunities by building up their stock.

Easy-to-use stock is boilerplate language for frequently-posed questions, a cover letter, a program budget and additional required attachments. For nonprofit organizations that are new to grant writing, the Colorado Common Grant Application (CCGA) is the optimal starting point. Ashley Kasprzak will refer to the CCGA and share what funders expect when evaluating requests for support. She will help you and your organization become better prepared to respond to grant opportunities.

Speakers

Ashley Kasprzak

Partner for Purpose, Ashley Kasprzak Consulting, LLC

Ashley Kasprzak believes that creative people make our community more interesting and unified. Artists are as valuable to community as business leaders, professionals and service workers. They can benefit from residency programs and to often do not apply. Ashley wants to artists thrive... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

Subject NonProfit, Mindset, Marketing, Strategy
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11:15am MDT

Making Your Map: Navigating the Journey from Concept to Launch SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT

Lupine

Are you ready to launch a new product, expand your business, or bring your brilliant idea to life but unsure where to begin? While having a great idea is a fantastic start, it's just the beginning of the journey. If you're a creative person, you might find the next steps challenging to navigate.

Join product deployment expert Kristen B. Hubler for a transformative 45-minute session. Kristen will inspire and guide you in creating a roadmap to take your idea from concept to reality. She'll help you break down the necessary steps, provide tips for building successful habits, and equip you with the project management mindset needed to turn your dream into a tangible success. By the end of this session, you'll have the clarity and confidence to start making your vision a reality.

Speakers

Kristen B. Hubler

Author of The Impossible Box | Founder, Workshops by Kristen

Kristen holds an M.Ed, a mini-MBA in Lean Six Sigma, is a certified Change Management Specialist, and certified Scrum Master. As a change and adoption specialist she uses change management and learning best practices to help organizations achieve successful adoption of their software... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Solopreneur/Freelancer Track

Subject Mindset, Small & Medium Business, Strategy, Leadership, Creativity, Solopreneur/Freelancers, Growth
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1:00pm MDT

From Basics to Best Practices: Strengthening Nonprofit Boards Together SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT

Lupine

As an executive director, your leadership is key to fostering a high-performing board that supports your organization’s mission. This session is designed to empower executive directors with the knowledge and tools to build and sustain strong board relationships. We’ll explore topics such as clarifying roles and responsibilities, cultivating trust and collaboration, and enhancing board-CEO partnerships. Through interactive activities and peer discussions, you’ll gain actionable strategies to strengthen governance, build board alignment, and drive long-term success for your nonprofit—all in a supportive and engaging setting.

Speakers

Rebecca Toll

Co-Founder + Consultant, Periscope Theory, LLC

Rebecca has dedicated her life and career to spanning boundaries across issues, geography, and sectors. Her portfolio includes business development and revitalization projects, securing funding for capital improvements and programmatic needs, strengthening state and local government... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

Subject People, Strategy, Leadership, Networking, NonProfit, Creativity
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2:00pm MDT

Lost and Founded: Using Federal Resources to Start, Build, and Grow Your Business SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Lupine

Starting and building a business can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Join the SBA Colorado District Office as we walk through a practical roadmap that can be used by any business owner at any stage of business development. We will share information on accessing free business development resources, learn the ins and outs of capital access & business lending, and how to decide if government contracting is right for your business.

Speakers

Steve White

Lead Lender Relations Specialist, SBA, US Small Business Administration (SBA)

Steve began working for the SBA as a Lender Relations Specialist in the Colorado District Office in 2013. Steve was later promoted to Senior Area Manager for Western North Carolina prior to returning as the Lead Lender Relations Specialist for the Colorado District Office in 2017... Read More →

David Wentzel

Marketing and Outreach Specialist, SBA Colorado District Office

Dave Wentzel has had an unconventional career path, balancing a professional career as a strategic communicator, while serving 20 years as an enlisted soldier in the Field Artillery, retiring as a First Sergeant. Throughout his career, Dave has found himself thriving in public service... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Solopreneur/Freelancer Track

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3:15pm MDT

The Non Profit Accounting Difference SEATS AVAILABLE

Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Lupine

Dive into the distinctive challenges and opportunities in non-profit accounting with Becky Ezzell, a seasoned expert in mission-driven bookkeeping. As the owner of Keep Smart Books and the founder of Keep Smart Books Academy, Becky has dedicated her career to supporting non-profits and businesses with a purpose, through premier accounting services and education. This session offers non-profit professionals actionable insights into navigating the financial landscape unique to their sector, emphasizing the importance of principled bookkeeping in achieving their mission.

Becky’s approach is deeply rooted in her experience with non-profits, understanding their specific needs and the critical role of transparent accounting in fostering long-term relationships and community impact. Attendees will learn strategic financial management practices tailored to non-profits, alongside the benefits of developing a solid accounting foundation to support their organization's goals.

Join us to gain from Becky’s decade-long journey of empowering non-profits through effective financial stewardship, demonstrating her commitment to community service and the success of mission-driven entities. This session is a must-attend for anyone looking to enhance their non-profit's financial practices with expert guidance.

Speakers

Becky Ezzell

Founder & Owner, Keep Smart Books

Becky Ezzell, founder/owner of Keep Smart Books, began her career in the insurance and legal services industries where she gained a thorough understanding of the “bottom line.” Becky followed her dream in 2010 of owning an accounting firm that would truly help people put their... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

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9:00am MDT

Next Level Nonprofit: Build a Dream Team + Increase Lasting Impact SEATS AVAILABLE

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

Lupine

As nonprofit leaders, all of us are convinced the people we serve deserve the highest levels of excellence we can possibly give them. However, most of us are so focused on serving those outwardly, we don’t invest enough time, talent, and energy on our inward, internal systems that would actually ensure greater impact and greater reach. Next Level Nonprofit is a series of timeless principles that ensure all of us can build the dream teams we’re longing for, serve more people, and serve them far more effectively.

Speakers

Chris Lambert

Life Remodeled, CEO, https://liferemodeled.org/

Dr. Chris Lambert is the founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, award-winning author of Next Level Nonprofit, and founder of the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system. It’s not the career trajectory Chris envisioned when he studied marketing at Indiana University, planned... Read More →

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

NonProfit Track

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10:15am MDT

Intentional Fundraising: Know why you need money and where to get it SEATS AVAILABLE

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

Lupine

Are you feeling lost in the fundraising maze? We’ll demystify business finance and provide practical tools and real talk, all to support you in achieving your business’ financial goals. You’ll leave empowered to make educated decisions and attract the right capital for your business. Brought to you in a vocabulary you already use, you’ll expand your understanding of when, how, and why to think about business funding.

Speakers

Rachel Crawford

Business Resource Navigator + Capital Stack Specialist, Capital Access Manager @Prairie Rose Development

I started my small business in 2014, naively imagining it would be easy. By 2016, I couldn’t take the endless waves of needless stressors. For over 10 years, I have coached small businesses, helping them achieve sanity and their business goals at the same time. I support the work... Read More →

Allie Reitz

Entreprenerd, Founder, Meep

I'm Allie. I'm a founder, business coach, product consultant, and UX designer with 8 years of on-the-ground experience launching impact businesses. My Mission: to increase success rates for impact initiatives by replacing outdated startup culture and education with humble, iterative... Read More →

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

Builder Track

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1:00pm MDT

Stories that Sell SEATS AVAILABLE

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

Lupine

Most entrepreneurs and business owners understand how important their sales and pitching skills are. Some of them see the benefit of leveraging stories as part of the sales process. Few have a deep understanding of how to craft and deliver those stories so that they actually work to influence.

In this session, we'll dive into both the art and science of stories designed to affect how people think or act. We'll look at what a story is, why it works, and common mistakes storytellers make. You will walk away with simple frameworks that you can leverage to craft your next story for maximum impact.

Speakers

Stephanie Judd

Managing Partner, Wolf & Heron | Speaker, Author, Coach, Facilitator, Wolf & Heron

Stephanie is a Founder and Managing Partner of Wolf & Heron, a leadership development firm that specializes in the skills necessary to engage and inspire others. The cornerstone skill that Wolf & Heron teaches is storytelling. Stephanie holds a B.A from Cornell University, an MBA... Read More →

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

Builder Track

Subject Sales, Communication Skills, Small & Medium Business, B-Corp, Solopreneur/Freelancers, Leadership
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2:00pm MDT

Mastering Grant Finances: Best Practices for Today's Leaders SEATS AVAILABLE

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

Lupine

In today’s competitive funding landscape, nonprofit leaders and grant managers need more than just a great proposal. We need solid financial management practices to ensure our organizations are prepared for success from start to finish—before, during, and after the grant is awarded.

Join SheRen Consulting for the 45-minute session, Mastering Grant Finances: Best Practices for Today's Leaders, that will provide nonprofit leaders, grant managers, and program staff with the practical tools and strategies we need to manage grant finances effectively.

Participants will dive into the essentials of building strong financial foundations, from submitting proposals to ensuring compliance throughout the life of the grant.

What You'll Learn:

Financial Stewardship: Understand the key financial principles that guide successful grants—from budgeting to compliance and everything in between.

Best Practices for Grant Submissions: Learn how to prepare accurate, comprehensive financial documentation that aligns with funder expectations and sets you up for success.

Post-Award Management: Master how to track expenses, maintain internal controls, and stay audit-ready with strategies for managing funds after the grant is awarded.

Practical Tools & Resources: Take home useful templates, checklists, and financial planning tools that you can start using right away to streamline your processes and improve financial transparency.

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 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

NonProfit Track

Subject NonProfit, Small & Medium Business, Solopreneur/Freelancers, Finance/Accounting, Creativity
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3:15pm MDT

How to find, evaluate and secure a residency SEATS AVAILABLE

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

Lupine

Discover how to search for residency opportunities. Build your capacity to successfully apply for residencies without having to set all of your creative work aside. Develop high-quality descriptions to be able to convey a short bio, your personal philosophy, what inspires you, and why you are interested in the residency offered.

Speakers

Ashley Kasprzak

Partner for Purpose, Ashley Kasprzak Consulting, LLC

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

Creative Track

Subject Strategy, Growth, Small & Medium Business, Creativity
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10:00am MDT

Messages from our Childhood That Hold Us Back SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT

Lupine

Early in childhood, you were taught not to talk to strangers or take money from strangers, the two things you have to do in sales. In this session, we will review some of the common messages from childhood that hold you back in selling yourself, or product and your ideas.

Speakers

Wayne Dehn

Author and certified sales trainer, 3D TRAINING LLC

After 15 years in non-profit management and two Emmy Nominations for Telethon production, Wayne began his journey in sales as a representative for a non-profit trade association offering benefits and services to Small Business America. Soon promotion to national management positions... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Solopreneur/Freelancer Track

Subject People, Marketing, Sales, Small & Medium Business
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11:15am MDT

How to Make Sales and Balance Your Needs as a Neurodivergent Business Owner SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT

Lupine

What is a neurodivergent (autistic or ADHD in this context) business owner supposed to do when they struggle with social interaction, overwhelm, or disorganization but need to make sales to put food on the table?

How do you even START the sales conversation when you feel like you'll NEVER be at good at sales because of the inherent struggles of being autistic or ADHD?

Is it feasible, your neurodivergent needs while still creating a successful business? Is a successful business even possible outside of the "traditional" rules around sales and being an entrepreneur?

In short - yes!

There's a better way!

In this session, we'll discuss some strategies to help set you up for success with proven, actionable steps - both in sales and in your wellbeing!

Speakers

Daisy Montgomery

CEO, Autistics Anonymous

Daisy Montgomery is an autistic and ADHD multi-award-winning speaker, author, and business owner of Autistics Anonymous, a company dedicated to educating on what it’s like to be autistic everyday and working directly with the autistic community to provide opportunities for belonging... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Solopreneur/Freelancer Track

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1:00pm MDT

The Resilient Entrepreneur: Mastering Emotional Agility SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm MDT

Lupine

In the high-pressure world of entrepreneurship, success goes beyond business acumen. The "whole" entrepreneur is emotionally resilient.

Drawing from over 40 years of experience as a licensed therapist, relationship coach, and stress management expert, Kathy Rushing blends Susan David's emotional agility framework** with deep insights into the entrepreneurial journey. Learn how to navigate the complex emotional landscape of business ownership, from managing daily stressors to making high-stakes decisions, by mastering the four key components of emotional agility: Showing Up, Stepping Out, Walking Your Why, and Moving On.
Discover practical strategies that have helped other entrepreneurs build resilience, maintain healthy relationships, and thrive amidst uncertainty.
**"Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life" by Susan David, Ph.D.

Speakers

Kathy Rushing

Founder, Lodestar Relationship Coaching

Kathy Rushing, M.S. helps couples build strong, lasting marriages, with a special focus on entrepreneurial couples. She founded Lodestar Relationship Coaching in 2023 to guide couples through life's challenges. Kathy's secret sauce? She combines 30 years of experience as a Marriage... Read More →

Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Solopreneur/Freelancer Track

Subject Strategy, Small & Medium Business, Solopreneur/Freelancers, Mindset, Mental Health
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3:15pm MDT

Grant Writing for Solopreneurs and Freelancers SEATS AVAILABLE

Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT

Lupine

Calling all solopreneurs and freelancers! Are you ready to take your projects and business to the next level with grant funding? Join us for an interactive, hands-on session, "Grant Writing for Solopreneurs and Freelancers: Securing Funding for Projects and Businesses."

In just 45 minutes, you'll learn how to uncover funding opportunities, craft proposals that stand out, and navigate the challenges of grant writing with confidence. Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will guide you through the process with practical tips, real-world examples, and engaging activities.

Speakers