Rural is Rad: Amplifying Small-Town Outdoor Innovation
In a bustling festival setting, the Outside Days event in Denver recently showcased a unique gathering of small-town Colorado outdoor brands. This initiative, known as Rural is Rad, aims to highlight the ingenuity of rural outdoor innovators beyond the state's mountain valleys. The collective, comprising over 50 brands, is dedicated to fostering sustainable industries in these communities, addressing the challenge of limited support and customer reach.
The festival's 'Camp Colorado' section featured a diverse array of brands, each with its own story. From Bold goggles and sunglasses to WrovenDen's portable kids tents, the event showcased the creativity and innovation of these rural businesses. Industrial engineers Trevor and Ana Stark displayed their quick-release mounts for rooftop tents, while Grand Junction's QuikrStuff showcased U.S.-made bike haulers.
One standout brand was Skeyo Outdoors, whose burly bags protect skis on rooftop racks. Founder Courtney Despos expressed her positive experience at the festival, noting the strong reception and sales of her products. Rural is Rad's mission is to provide a platform for these small brands to gain exposure and connect with investors, offering a much-needed boost to rural economies.
The collective's efforts are supported by the Colorado outdoor recreation office, which helped subsidize the brands at the festival. This level of exposure is significant, as it provides small brands with the opportunity to connect with capital investors who typically operate in urban areas. By diversifying the economies of rural Colorado, the office aims to strengthen the state as a whole.
Rural is Rad's co-founder, Kelly Mazanti, envisions a future where investors can better reach small-town business founders. The plan includes events and education to bridge the gap between businesses and investors. Mazanti believes that these brands, while not fitting the typical private equity model, can attract investors within their communities who are willing to support innovative ideas.
The challenge for growing brands in small communities is often a choice between staying in their rural origins or moving to urban areas with better infrastructure. Mazanti hopes that Rural is Rad can provide the necessary tools and support to keep these businesses rooted in their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and sustainability.
In conclusion, Rural is Rad is a powerful initiative that champions small-town outdoor brands, offering them a platform to thrive and contribute to the economic diversification of rural Colorado. By amplifying their stories and connecting them with investors, this collective is paving the way for a brighter future for these innovative businesses.
