A startup state of mind: from Fort Collins to Durango, support for new business abounds.

• Author: Sukin, Gigi
• Position: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

WITH THE RIGHT DOSE of technology, experience and ambition, entrepreneurs can set up shop just about anywhere nowadays. Still, one thing hasn't changed.

"Creating companies from nothing is hard--period," said Brad Feld, co-founder and managing director of Boulder-based Foundry Group LLC, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage information technology.

But from corner to corner of Colorado, the collective startup swagger is evident. Businesses are materializing with support from meet-ups, pitch competitions, incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces and other startup forums.

"Data shows that startups are major contributors of new jobs in the economy," said Jason Schrock, chief economist, Colorado Governor's Office of State Planning. "Though a lot of new businesses fail, those that survive grow more rapidly than older businesses. Colorado's relatively higher proportion of new and young firms among states is likely one factor why Colorado has had one of the fastest rates of overall job growth among states in recent years. It is also important to note that (startups) are important for innovation and productivity gains, and thus improved living standards over time."

In...