Colorado Companies to Watch Celebrates 16 Years of Building a Strong Community of 2nd Stage Companies

Step into the vibrant heart of Colorado’s business realm where dreams transform into reality.

This enchanted land, fueled by ambition, resilience and an unyielding drive is where the Colorado Companies to Watch shines its spotlight. Here, we don’t just acknowledge; we celebrate the daring warriors of the business world — the remarkable 2nd Stage Companies.

These are the trailblazers who have not merely survived the tumultuous early phases of growth but have emerged victorious, ready to redefine the future.

Their groundbreaking leadership, unparalleled innovation, and explosive growth are not just fueling their ambitions but are lighting up our communities with possibilities. Join us in this celebration of strength, vision and relentless pursuit of excellence that sets the Colorado business ecosystem ablaze with potential!

Colorado Companies to Watch is a unique statewide awards program recognizing growing companies that fuel the economic fire of the state. 

These winners are innovative, and impactful companies that come from a wide variety of industries, including construction, aerospace, e-commerce, food and beverage and many more. The winning companies selected each year make an astounding impact on Colorado’s economy by collectively providing thousands of jobs and contributing millions of dollars in revenue. In short, they tell a compelling story about the state’s diverse economic landscape. These companies have real stories to tell and bring a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive business environment.

Colorado Companies to Watch is not just an awards program. We are an exclusive group of 750+ winning companies totaling over $6 billion in revenue. We are a vibrant, self-sustaining community that drives recognition, partnerships and statewide influence. With their civic and corporate sponsors, we are building relationships with over 750 organizations and thousands of people. Their community is helping energize Colorado’s economy with passion and dedication. 

Are you a Colorado Company worth watching? Join the leaders who make it happen!

Each year we receive over 1,100 applications for our awards program, and we are only able to select 50 winners. We are still accepting applications for the 2024 Award Season. Their eligibility criteria is as follows:

• Be privately held (not publicly traded and not a subsidiary or division of another company).
• Be a commercial enterprise, not a nonprofit.
• Be past the startup stage.
• Be facing issues of growth, not survival.
• Employ 6 to 99 full-time equivalent W-2 employees, including the owner.
• Have between $750,000 and $50 million in annual revenue or working capital in place from investors or grants.
• Be headquartered in the state of Colorado.
• Have not won this award in the past.
• Demonstrate the intent and capacity to grow based on evidence such as:
• Employee or sales growth
• Exceptional entrepreneurial leadership
• Sustainable competitive advantage
• Other notable factors that showcase the company’s success

The deadline to apply is March 24, 2024 winners are announced in June.  

Make sure to apply today: https://coloradocompaniestowatch.org/2024-award-application/

Ann Albergotti is the Program Manager, Colorado Companies to Watch.