Diverse entrepreneurs share experiences, challenges

Speakers at the recent entrepreneurship workshop, from left, Amy Sweeting, Roberto Meza, CU Denver’s Anthony Graves, Marie Peters, Jessica Acosta and CU Denver’s Dan Griner.

As Colorado’s population becomes increasingly diverse, its entrepreneurial landscape is evolving in tandem. The number of Black, Latino, Asian and Native American residents is expected to grow from 1.8 million in 2017 to 4.0 million by 2050, according to the Bell Policy Institute.

Within this demographic shift, the new majority, historically underrepresented communities, are finally being recognized as influential economic drivers. Despite being among the fastest-growing groups in entrepreneurship, these communities still face significant barriers – especially in accessing capital and resources essential for starting and scaling businesses.

A recent workshop presented by the University of Colorado in partnership with the Latino Leadership Institute (LLI) was more than just a conversation about business – it was a look into the real-world experiences and hurdles faced by diverse founders. Last month’s event centered on helping entrepreneurs, particularly from underserved communities, navigate scaling challenges.

Panelists included CU and LLI alumni, among them Roberto Meza of Emerald Gardens, Marie Peters of B:Side Capital + B:Side Fund, and Amy Sweeting of VAMP Stucco. It was moderated by serial entrepreneur Jessica Acosta and CU Denver Smart Cities Future Lab Director Dan Griner, who shared powerful stories and tangible strategies, igniting discussions that felt both personal and universally relevant.

Empowering through ecosystems and mentorship

A central theme of the workshop was the need for robust support ecosystems. Founders underscored that mentorship, technical assistance and a strong network were not just helpful but necessary, especially for those scaling businesses in underserved communities.

“An ecosystem isn’t just about connections; it’s about people willing to guide you through rough patches,” Peters said.

Panelists encouraged leveraging resources like the Small Business Administration’s free courses and Small Business Development Centers’ counseling and mentorship programs.

Addressing funding challenges head-on

Securing capital remains one of the largest obstacles for diverse founders. Meza, an advocate for sustainable practices in agriculture, emphasized how traditional funding sources often overlook marginalized founders. He stressed the importance of innovative models, such as 0% loans, to break down barriers.

“We need to reimagine how funding can flow to communities that have historically been excluded,” Meza said.

From personal challenges to entrepreneurial inspiration

Panelists also shared how personal experiences often inspire entrepreneurial endeavors. For Sweeting, financial challenges became a powerful catalyst to launch her business.

“Entrepreneurship is a journey, often one born out of necessity,” Sweeting said. Many founders are driven to create businesses that align with their personal missions and aspirations to make a broader impact.

Laying the foundation for generational wealth

Beyond immediate business growth, the workshop also focused on the importance of long-term wealth creation for diverse communities. Panelists discussed financial literacy and strategic investments, such as property ownership, as key components of building generational wealth. Attendees were encouraged to adopt financial planning and investment strategies that can foster economic resilience over time.

Calling for action in supporting underserved communities

While support for diverse founders is often pledged, founders at the workshop highlighted a gap between promises and tangible action. They argued that underserved communities need more than just lip service.

“Don’t tell us what you think we want to hear – invest in resources that make a real difference,” Sweeting said.

Inspiration for aspiring founders: Resources and recommendations

Organizations:

Latino Leadership Institute (LLI), Watson Institute, Slow Money Organization, B:Side Fund, Mad Capital, DEDO, SBA, BNI, Denver Metro SBDC, Mi Casa Resource Center

Podcasts:

• Armchair Experts (people being vulnerable – great for sales)
• Financial Feminist
• A Slight Change of Plans
• How I Built This

Tools:

• Chat GPT, (IBM skills build free course on AI)
• Speechify (reads documents)
• Online learning modules
• Books: Radical Candor
• Radical Respect