Colorado Companies to Watch
Energizing Colorado’s entrepreneurial community since 2009
At the heart of Colorado Companies to Watch is an awards program to honor 2nd Stage companies for the critical role they play in our state and community economies.
Who We Are
Colorado’s second-stage companies are high-performing, innovative trailblazers, driving economic growth across every industry sector and region of the state. These companies not only provide thousands of high-quality jobs but also contribute billions of dollars back to our local economies, propelling Colorado’s economic landscape to take flight.
Colorado Companies to Watch (CCTW) certifies and celebrates these transformative contributions. Since its inception, CCTW has honored nearly 800 companies, generating billions of dollars in economic impact and helping businesses soar to new heights of success.
Launched in 2009 by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) in partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation, community partners, and dedicated volunteers, CCTW continues to elevate its alumni network. By fostering collaboration, strategic partnerships, and leveraging vital resources, CCTW ensures these exceptional companies continue to grow, thrive, and take flight in shaping Colorado’s vibrant economic future.
We are a unique
business community of
thriving companies taking
flight and fueling the
economic fire of the state
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Commercial business headquartered in Colorado
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Privately held companies
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Surpassed start-up stage and in high growth phase
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6 to 150 full-time employees
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Has between $750K and $100M in annual revenue
Since 2009, Colorado Companies to Watch has honored the critical, yet often overlooked, second-stage companies from across the state for their undeniable impact on our communities.
Winning companies represent a broad range of industries and are recognized for:
The 50 companies selected each year make an astounding impact on Colorado’s economy by collectively providing thousands of jobs and contributing millions of dollars in revenue.
Second stage companies
are critical job creators, innovators, and drivers of our economy. Too often their incredible contributions to our state
are overlooked.
CCTW is unique in that it offers Winners year-long benefits – not just one single night of celebration.
Each Winner receives a year’s worth of benefits including media attention and exposure, facilitated local celebrations with influential community leaders, as well as exclusive access to a professional leadership retreat. Honorees also join an elite group of Alumni who meet and network throughout the year in addition to several other valuable opportunities.
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade launched the program in 2009 in conjunction with the Edward Lowe Foundation and valuable sponsors, key drivers, community and supporting partners, and volunteers from throughout the state of Colorado. The Edward Lowe Foundation continues to serve as an advisor to the program.
