Suggestions will be accepted through April 15 for speakers and educational sessions at the upcoming West Slope Startup Week.

The free regional business conference is scheduled for July 11 to 15 with virtual events throughout rural Colorado as well as in-person events in Grand Junction. 

West Slope Startup Week follows the TechStars Startup Week format used in hundreds of communities around the world. Startup weeks offer participants professional business development and continued education as well as networking and opportunities to pitch for funding. 

The events offer information to everyone from serial entrepreneurs looking to launch their next projects to those considering starting businesses. Business owners and managers — including those in retailing and restaurants — learn about finance, human resources, marketing and other topics.

West Slope Startup Week will feature lectures and workshops related to seven tracks: capital, communications, makers, people and technology. What are billed as toolbox sessions will address fundamental topics and skills building. A fun track will offer social events and outdoor activities.

West Slope Startup Week also will include the Greater Colorado Pitch Series, which will offer entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch businesses to a group of investors and support organizations.

Ideas for speakers and sessions should be submitted online at the website at https://westslopestartupweek.com/session-submissions. A committee of entrepreneurs in the region will review suggestions for quality and educational value.

For more information about West Slope Startup Week, visit the website at  https://westslopestartupweek.com.