Colorado Companies To Watch opens 2026 awards, partners with TrueSpace

DENVER — Colorado Companies to Watch has opened applications for the 2026 Colorado Companies to Watch awards and announced the launch of Colorado Nonprofits to Know, a new awards program recognizing high-performing nonprofits across the state.

The organization also announced a new partnership with TrueSpace, a Colorado-based company that serves as the Scale-Ready Standard for second-stage businesses. TrueSpace helps CEOs measure and strengthen operating conditions for sustainable growth and certifies readiness. The company was founded by Charles Fred and Jamee Knoll, both past recipients of the Colorado Companies to Watch award.

Through the partnership, 2026 Colorado Companies to Watch applicants will receive complimentary access to TrueSpace’s scale-readiness assessment and benchmarking tools for the first month. The platform compares companies against more than 3,000 growth-stage businesses nationwide.

“Second-stage companies play a critical role in Colorado’s economy, yet many lack access to tools designed for this phase of growth,” said Erin Beckstein, chair of Colorado Companies to Watch. “This partnership allows us to pair recognition with practical support.”

TrueSpace works with companies that have moved beyond the startup stage but are not yet fully scaled. Its research-backed framework evaluates scale-readiness by measuring internal operating conditions required for growth. Companies use the platform to establish a baseline, identify improvement areas and earn Scale-Ready Certification, a credential recognized by investors and partners.

“Colorado Companies to Watch has long identified businesses at pivotal moments in their growth,” said Tanner Moylett, president of TrueSpace. “This collaboration helps those companies better understand where they stand and what’s required to scale.”

Colorado Companies to Watch recognizes second-stage companies demonstrating strong performance and leadership. Colorado Nonprofits to Know, offered by the organization, will recognize nonprofits showing measurable impact and operational excellence.

Nominations and applications for the 2026 awards are now open. Companies and nonprofits may apply directly and do not need to be nominated.

More information is available at ColoradoCompaniesToWatch.org.