Why Denver is a Great Place For Starting a Business

A lot of people think of Silicon Valley as the premier place for startup companies, and while it's true that the Valley has its share of success stories, it doesn't mean that you need to pick up and move to California to start your business. Denver, Colorado has actually recently been named the second best place to start a business, and the amount of new businesses that continue to build and succeed are a testament to the city's dedication to supporting entrepreneurs. 

Here are a few reasons why you should consider starting your business in Denver:

Cost of living versus quality of life

When it comes to living the good life, it's hard to beat Denver, particularly if you're into skiing, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, camping, or pretty much anything else outdoors. And for all the adventures you can have outdoors, the cost of living is relatively low compared with the rest of the country. This low cost of living translates to startup businesses being able to stretch their dollars just that much further to make investments and spur growth in those crucial first few years.

Government support

It takes more than just a low cost of living and great weather to create a haven for startup businesses. The government of Colorado fortunately includes great supporters of startup businesses. For instance, Governor Hickenlooper recently started the Colorado Innovation Network, which according to the website "is a catalyst for economic prosperity through innovation by partnering with government, business and civil society to foster collaboration around global ideas, talent, capital and the entrepreneurial spirit." That entrepreneurial spirit is exactly what any city needs to successfully support startup businesses and their owners.

Local support

Because there are already so many startups in Denver, it's easy to find support and mentorship when you build your business here. The startup community is more supportive than competitive, and that can be a big asset when you're just starting your business. Denver even has some startup campuses that are specifically designed to mentor new businesses and help them succeed and grow. It's hard to compete with this level of startup support.

Starting a business has its challenges, and one of them is choosing a location. If you haven't found the perfect spot yet, then it's time to check out Denver, Colorado to see if it's the right fit for your business. If you want to launch with fellow early stage Founders, apply to the Handshakin Pre-accelerator.