These free, one-day seminars are designed to upskill and support BIPOC and underrepresented tech founders in the Denver metro area.
TechUp Seminars at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) are opportunities for local tech entrepreneurs to gain the latest skills and training needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving markets. Taught by Jake Jabs Center faculty and seasoned entrepreneurs, these free seminars cover how to better optimize and grow your tech-based venture. Learn both the foundational business knowledge and innovative skills needed to commercialize tech-based products and services in Denver and beyond.
You can choose to attend any of the eight available topics, and completing five seminars will earn you a certificate in entrepreneurship. Topics span the many stages of tech entrepreneurship, from ideation and market research to commercialization and growth. Each seminar topic will be offered five times on select Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year.
This seminar series is part of the larger TechUp program. It is meant to provide community space and resources for BIPOC and underserved tech entrepreneurs, addressing their unique barriers to commercializing and driving adoption of the technology that they create.
What You'll Get:
- A full day of experiential learning specifically tailored to tech-focused business ventures led by BIPOC founders
- A certificate in entrepreneurship after completing at least five (5) seminars
- Guidance from some of Denver’s best entrepreneurs, industry experts, and venture capitalists
- Connections to local mentors, instructors, and like-minded peers to grow your network
- Preparation to apply and compete in the TechUp track for THE CLIMB | Startup Pitch Competition
- The opportunity to apply to the Rutt Bridges Venture Fund for startup funding
Upcoming Seminar Topics & Dates
Saturday, June 1
Funding Sources and Entrepreneurial Finance | Register
Lean Digital Marketing | Register
Friday, June 7
Business Planning and Pitching | Register
New Venture Operations | Register
Saturday, June 15
Mission-Driven and Social Entrepreneurship | Register
New Venture Project Management | Register
Saturday, June 22
Market Research | Register
New Venture Leadership | Register
Friday, July 12
Business Planning and Pitching | Register
Friday, July 19
Lean Digital Marketing | Register
New Venture Project Management | Register
Friday, July 26
Market Research | Register
New Venture Operations | Register
Saturday, August 3
Mission-Driven and Social Entrepreneurship | Register
Friday, August 23
Funding Sources and Entrepreneurial Finance | Register
Saturday, August 24
New Venture Leadership | Register
Friday, September 6
Market Research | Register
New Venture Project Management | Register
Friday, September 13
Business Planning and Pitching | Register
New Venture Leadership | Register
Friday, September 20
Mission-Driven and Social Entrepreneurship | Register
Funding Sources and Entrepreneurial Finance | Register
Saturday, September 28
Lean Digital Marketing | Register
New Venture Operations | Register
Saturday, October 19
Funding Sources and Entrepreneurial Finance | Register
Market Research | Register
Friday, October 25
Mission-Driven and Social Entrepreneurship | Register
New Venture Operations | Register
Friday, November 1
Lead Digital Marketing | Register
New Venture Leadership | Register
Saturday, November 9
Business Planning and Pitching | Register
New Venture Project Management | Register
Requirements & Eligibility
These one-day seminars are scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on select Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year. All seminars are offered in person and do not currently have a virtual/online option. While there is no cost to attend, advanced registration is required.
You must be a BIPOC or underrepresented founder or an entrepreneurial professional with an active venture, startup, or small business that leverages technology. Specifically, these seminars are best suited for those who identify in one or more of the following groups:
- Black or African American
- Asian
- Hispanic or Latinx
- Indigenous/Alaskan Native
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
- LGBTQ+
- Women
- People with Disabilities
More About TechUp
The Jake Jabs Center’s TechUp Seminars are part of an EDA grant-funded program offered in partnership with the Denver Office of Economic Development (DEDO), Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network (BEN), and the Colorado Thought Leaders Forum (CTLF). It is a multitiered build-to-scale program focused on tech entrepreneurship, mentorship, education, ideation, business incubation, and other opportunities specifically for underrepresented, tech-focused founders across the Denver metro area.
To learn more about other phases of the program, please check out Access Mode and the Denver ScaleUp Network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These seminars are offered free to all participants.
These one-day seminars each run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on select Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year.
Yes. You will receive a non-transcripted credential after completing at least five (5) TechUp seminars.
You must register in advance for each TechUp Seminar you wish to attend via Startup Space.
For more information, please email us at jakejabs.center@ucdenver.edu.