We are Energize Colorado
Shaping the evolution of Colorado’s small business ecosystem by advancing resiliency and promoting equity.

Catalyzing bold change for a more resilient and inclusive small business ecosystem across the state of Colorado.
Energize Colorado brings together innovators and small business owners to collaboratively tackle the systemic challenges facing our small businesses. Together, we build and test programs and solutions to empower small business innovation, resulting in a more resilient and inclusive economy.
OUR HISTORY

Leadership

Wendy Lea
CEO & Co-Founder

Brad Feld
Founder & Chairman

Kent Thiry
Gap Fund LLC Chair
Stabilize to Recover Team Leads

Jesus Salazer
Mentorship Team

Chris Erickson
Mental Health Team

Jason Bertolacci
Gap Fund LLC*
Innovate to Grow Team Leads

Rhonda Williams
Can Do Colorado Team

Alana Vaughn-Phillips
Digital Readiness & innovation Team

Andy Vo
Equity Team

SJ Maxted
Flexible Workforce & Ecosystem Strategy Teams

David Secunda
Child Care Team
Segment Team Leads

Kate Hyatt
Women-Owned Business Team

Carla Stephany
Veteran-Owned Business Team

Mark Madic
Rural-Owned Business Team

Erik Mitisek
Co-Founder &
Startups & Venture-Backed Business Team

Melinda Higgs
Nonprofit Organizations
Operations

Scott Romano
Chief of Staff & Director of Operations*

Sophia Elek
Marketing Coordinator*

Camber McKenzie
Volunteer Experience Lead*

Andrew Ngeow
Data Lead
* Indicates Energize Colorado Inc. or Energize Colorado Gap Fund LLC Staff
“I just burst into tears. I didn’t actually realize how much stress and anxiety I was carrying with me until I received this amazing GOOD news! Thank you so much to Energize Colorado, the State of Colorado, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, and Colorado Lending Source for this assistance. […] In fact, it is hope, and keeping me from despair, and a safety net all at once.”
Brad, Wendy, Erik, KT and the rest of the leadership team have created an organization that is poised to impact our state for generations to come. The work that we have launched in the last year has been nothing short of amazing.