Our mission is to enable a diverse community of entrepreneurs to succeed in building new ventures in Denver that help to create a more inclusive, vibrant local economy.
Sharing experience, passion and vision together makes us strong. The Commons on Champa was established in 2015 as part of a shared vision to build a vibrant, inclusive economy for Denver. An anchor for Denver’s thriving ecosystem, The Commons is powered by the Downtown Denver Partnership with public-private support from the City and County of Denver, Colorado Technology Association, and many others. Since 2015, Denver has quickly emerged as the place where entrepreneurs want to be. Our city is rising to become the best place anywhere to make an idea reality and to launch and grow startups and The Commons has emerged as a nationally recognized model for economic development that embraces the power of entrepreneurship.
annual snapshot
WHAT IS THE COMMONS?
The Commons stands at the crossroads of entrepreneurship and Innovation in Denver. Whether you’re discovering your entrepreneurial spirit, starting up, or seeking scale and growth, the next step in the journey happens here. Our Community & Workspace, Startup & Small Business Support, Programs & Events are open to the entrepreneurial public. We are an integrated resource for entrepreneurs and a proud catalyst for economic growth in Denver.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
We are people from different backgrounds and experiences who come together to Give and to Gain. Those who Give come here to share best practices and ideas. Those who Gain become empowered and inspired to help others. You can be a part of it.
Donate
Our mission is to enable a diverse community of entrepreneurs to succeed in building new ventures in Denver that help to create a more inclusive, vibrant local economy where entrepreneurship and economic opportunity can thrive. We are a 501c3 nonprofit and your tax-deductible gift helps us provide free resources, space, programs, and community to fuel entrepreneurial ideas.
Meet Our Lead Partners
Ryan Heckman
Erik Mitisek
Brad Feld
Team
Kalen Acquisto
Manager, The Commons on Champa, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Downtown Denver Partnership
Kalen manages The Commons as an asset of our diverse entrepreneurship community. She creates strategies to advance the mission to inspire and accelerate entrepreneurship. She manages The Commons’ primary assets, including physical space, community, and entrepreneurial programs. Her previous experience includes running a business within Garage Project, a brewery that was named the fastest growing business in New Zealand where she helped turn brewery byproducts into marketable products. Kalen was also a Program Director for El Pomar Foundation, runs a photography business, and is a Spanish-speaker.
Lacey Hyde
Assistant, Innovation Programs
Lacey is responsible for coordinating the entrepreneurial journey programs at The Commons on Champa, which aims to provide resources and guidance to Denver’s ecosystem of entrepreneurs. In this role, she recruits and convenes mentors and startups to ensure that anybody who wants to start a business has the resources and opportunity to do so. Prior to The Commons, Lacey served as the Denver Startup Week Apprentice where she coordinated the venue selection process, created an accessibility plan for an event with over 20,000 people, and assisted in coordinating the Ambassador Program. Before working on DSW, she was an intern at the National Renewable Energy Lab where she worked in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center to connect cleantech startups to the investment community. Lacey is a recent MSU Denver graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Strategic Partnerships and is passionate about connecting and growing Denver’s entrepreneurial community.
Programs
CO.Starters
Women on the Rise
Get the resources, expertise and community to build your businesses.
Power Hours
Champions
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Resources
WorkSpace
Co-Working in the Innovation Lounge
Dedicated Desks
Longer-term commitment. Good deal.
Private Events & Meetings
Upcoming Events at The Commons
We host over 300 events annually at The Commons on Champa! Join the list.
Want to host an Event at The Commons?
Conference and community rooms available for your workshop, training or entrepreneurial event.
Welcome to The Commons on Champa
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