Summit Economic Partnership Awards $5,000 Grant to CodeBeetle, Local Leader in Educational Technology
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Summit County, Colorado - July 8, 2024 - The Summit Economic Partnership (SEP) is excited to announce CodeBeetle as the winner of the inaugural Summit Founder Coopetition. This collaborative competition, designed to foster local entrepreneurship and innovation, featured ten Summit County businesses competing with 90-second pitches for a $5,000 business grant.
“The Summit Founder Coopetition provided a vital platform for entrepreneurs to refine their pitches and compete for funding, akin to Summit County’s own ‘Shark Tank’,” said Thayer Hirsh, SEP’s Executive Director and a winner of the 2023 statewide Founder's Coopetition. “It underscores our vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and fosters invaluable local connections. We’re immensely proud of all participants and excited to champion CodeBeetle as they move forward.”
Aaron Landau, the CEO and co-founder of CodeBeetle, impressed the judges with his innovative approach and growth potential, securing the $5,000 grant to support CodeBeetle’s next development phase. CodeBeetle addresses the gap in computer science education in public schools with engaging, career-focused tech programs for K-12 students. CodeBeetle co-founders Aaron Landau and Peder Hansen plan to use the grant to develop new programs and enhance existing platforms, benefiting local and state school systems.
“The Summit Founder Coopetition was an incredible opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors,” said Landau, who also owns EVO3 workspace in Frisco. “We're honored to have been chosen among so many talented individuals.”
The 2024 Summit Founder Coopetition, launched on May 29, featured ten local businesses: Wildstack, Magic Marketing, SkyGOAT, TreadShare, Buttnski, Llama Corporation, Folcland, Stay Loci, CodeBeetle, and SeaRex Solutions. Participants presented 90-second video pitches, evaluated by a panel of local, state, and community leaders.
"The level of innovation and creativity I've seen is remarkable,” said Nina Waters, Summit County Commissioner and SEP board member, “Their innovative ideas and unique approaches to solving problems are truly inspiring. This initiative is more than just a competition; it is a catalyst for economic growth and diversification in Summit County.”
In collaboration with Startup Colorado, SEP covered all costs for participants, funded by grants from DOLA, Summit County, and generous contributions from sponsors including CHFA, Xcel Energy, Energize Colorado, and Freeport McMoRan.
SEP's upcoming programs include the 2024 Summit Ideas Factory, a free 4-week program for early-stage companies, and the 6-week Summit Accelerator for mid to late-stage companies. For more information, visit www.summitpartnership.org.
Media: https://bit.ly/SEPMediaRoom-CodeBeetle
Credit: Lauren Swanson/ Summit Economic Partnership
For media inquiries, interview requests, or more information, please contact:
Thayer Hirsh, Executive Director
thayer@summitpartnership.org
Lauren Swanson, Public Relations
lauren@sociallyqueued.com
Upcoming SEP Programs & Community Events
SEP Fireside Chat, July 18, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, EVO3 Workspace (Frisco)
The founders of Angry James Brewing and Peak Oxygen share their business challenges, accomplishments, and lessons learned in an engaging fireside chat.
Network in Nature Hike, July 23, 5:15 - 6:45 PM, B&B Mine Trailhead (Breckenridge)
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and business professionals while enjoying a refreshing 3-mile hike at the B&B Mine Trailhead in Breckenridge. Register online.
2024 Summit Idea Factory, October 2 (4 weeks), Applications Open Soon
In partnership with Startup Colorado, this free 4-week program helps early-stage companies transform their business ideas into actionable realities.
Summit Accelerator, September 25 (6 weeks), Applications Open Soon
Summit County’s first accelerator for mid to late-stage companies to gain essential legal, financial, and strategic knowledge for scaling and expanding beyond Summit County.
About Summit Economic Partnership (SEP)
The Summit Economic Partnership (SEP) is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to fostering economic diversification, workforce development, and entrepreneurial expansion in Summit County, Colorado. At SEP's helm is a dedicated board of directors, comprising top-level executives, elected officials, and industry leaders, who act as champions for local businesses and workers alike. Through mentorship, vocational training, innovative programming, and strategic partnerships, SEP bridges critical gaps to ensure the prosperity of Summit County's economic landscape.
With Summit County's economy heavily influenced by tourism and outdoor recreation, SEP's initiatives are instrumental in empowering the local workforce and businesses to thrive amidst economic adversities. SEP envisions a future where every entity in Summit County can flourish, and they remain steadfast in their efforts to sow the seeds for a thriving, inclusive economic future. For more information about the Summit Economic Partnership, visit www.summitpartnership.org.