Lessons from BEN Days: A Denver ScaleUp Network (DenSUN) Essential
For 8 years, the Denver ScaleUp Network (DenSUN) has played a powerful role in supporting Denver’s entrepreneurial community. Created by Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) in partnership with BEN Colorado and CiviCO, DenSUN supports a small, diverse group of emerging Denver entrepreneurs by providing guidance, connections, and resources needed to solve their key challenges to growth. The program has recently grown to serve two cohorts of entrepreneurs per year, and the first fall DenSUN cohort is quickly approaching graduation.
DenSUN specifically focuses on serving under-resourced entrepreneurs, including female, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ founders, who are navigating second-stage growth. By addressing critical growth challenges, the program fosters an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where diverse leaders can thrive. To date, DenSUN has supported 122 entrepreneurs across 13 industries, creating over 1,400 jobs and earning $802M in collective valuation, $57M in top-line revenue, and $458M in capital raised. Of the companies served, 63% have been female-led and 38% have been minority-led, demonstrating the DenSUN program’s commitment to supporting underserved entrepreneurs.
One of the cornerstone events of this program is BEN Days, a multi-day gathering designed to provide DenSUN entrepreneurs with exclusive access to the expertise and insights of BEN Colorado advisors. During these sessions, entrepreneurs share their successes, opportunities, and the critical challenges that “keep them up at night.” This safe space encourages vulnerability, allowing advisors to offer validation, clarity, and actionable solutions to help entrepreneurs move forward, both personally and professionally.
This season’s BEN Days experience provided significant takeaways for participants, helping them refine their strategies, vision, and leadership. Here are some of the insights and transformations entrepreneurs experienced:
For many, the experience brought a sense of relief that they weren’t alone on their entrepreneurial journey, gaining clarity on what really matters and “permission” to focus and “pick a lane” to drive their businesses forward.
Hearing validation from seasoned advisors helped many hone their confidence in their vision and realize that embracing discomfort is part of the growth process.
Some founders walked away realizing the importance of defining leadership qualities, building the right team, or finding an operational “integrator” to help execute their vision.
Another theme that emerged this year was dialing in on the customer journey and making it as frictionless as possible.
Some recognized the need to focus on connecting with more people in person and exploring new technologies to scale their businesses.
BEN Days has proven, once again, to be an invaluable experience for DenSUN entrepreneurs, equipping them with a renewed sense of purpose, actionable strategies, and the confidence to overcome the obstacles they are facing. And, perhaps most importantly, advisors who can support them on their journey.
As one entrepreneur, Meghan Oliver, shared, “Overall, this was undoubtedly the most impactful hour I’ve spent since I started on this journey with SIR.”
At its core, BEN Days is an important reminder of how much power there is in connection, mentorship, and taking time to reflect and refocus. The conversations and insights set the stage for these entrepreneurs and their businesses to grow in ways they couldn’t have imagined before.
Special thanks to the BEN Colorado Advisors for their commitment, time, and expertise, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) and CiviCO for their partnership in making this program possible, and Cooley, LLP for generously offering their offices and resources to create the perfect environment for impactful and engaging discussions.
2024/2025 Denver ScaleUp Network Cohort:
Charlyn Moss: Working Within Are dedicated community consultants advancing economic mobility and social impact. They specialize in helping economic mobility leaders access new revenue markets across a variety of crucial areas, including education & employment, wealth-building, social support, and racial equity.
Coryn and Eric Mann: Corvus is your partner in Information Technology (IT) Management Solutions by providing Information Assurance, Cybersecurity and Compliance services. They have over 30 years of experience working in both commercial and government industries.
Meghan Oliver: SIR is a tech-enabled platform designed specifically for men as they transition from their careers into the next stage of life. They are creating a unique platform that blends physical and digital experiences to support men in living healthy, happy, purpose-filled lives in all their years.
Anna Zesbaugh: Hooch Booch was born in March 2020 during Denver's brief prohibition, blending the spirit of the Roaring 20s with modern living through Hooch Booch. Just two years later, Corpse Reviver emerged, combining expertise in consumer behavior with a fresh take on the hydration and electrolyte space for health-conscious consumers seeking to stay part of the "buzz."
Shirley and Steve Crites: Sarben Health/Gut Bar based in Centennial, Colorado, is a licensed company specializing in the production of bars, powders, and juice shots that promote gut health. What sets them apart is their comprehensive approach—offering not only nutritious bars but also unique powders and juice shots, all specifically designed to support gut health across all age groups.
Winston Manley: The Local Drive is an elevated cocktail bar and golf simulator hospitality concept based in Denver, Colorado. Their brand ethos is focused on bringing golf into the 21st century by making it accessible to everyone and promising 70% or more locally sourced products, makers, artisans, and companies.
Bryn Carter-Brown: What She Said is the trusted community referral platform for women + non-binary, their businesses + their networks. We empower these businesses by leveraging community + saving women time by creating one centralized platform for their wants + referrals.
Our next DenSUN cohort will kick off in February! If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact the head of Innovation & Entrepreneurship for the City and County of Denver, Michael Bevis at michael.bevis@denvergov.org.