Denver's push to position itself as a cradle for global business growth continues as the city's Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) opens applications for its tenth Denver Global Landing Pad cohort. Touted as a program that provides a robust curriculum designed to bolster international founders, the initiative is backed by a history of encouraging international businesses to set roots and flourish in Denver, Colorado. The program has seen participants from an array of countries, including Australia, Germany, and Mexico, to name a few.
Adeeb Khan, the Executive Director of DEDO, extolled the virtues of Denver's business ecosystem, and the city's global connectivity, stating, "We are thrilled to showcase Denver’s dynamic and collaborative business ecosystem to scaling companies around the globe,” according to City and County of Denver. Khan highlighted that one-third of the program's participants expand their operations to Denver, spotlighting the city’s appeal as an innovation and growth hub.
The program spans three days of immersive, in-person experiences, where participants not only dip into Denver’s distinct culture but also participate in International Day during the Denver Startup Week. Here, they get an opportunity to introduce their companies and bridge connections with the local ecosystem and industry tycoons. The City and County of Denver partners with World Trade Center Denver in implementing this ambitious initiative.
Chebet Mutai, Founder & CEO of the Kenya-founded fashion brand Chebet Mutai and a 2023 participant, shared her success story since the program's inauguration, "Choosing Denver as our landing and launch pad in the U.S. was one of the best decisions we’ve made," said Mutai, as per City and County of Denver. She elaborated on how Denver has significantly aided her mission to share the African narrative through design, fashion, and culture.
Moreover, Denver’s efforts in cultivating its international standing have been substantial over the last year, with DEDO's Global Engagement team hosting myriad global delegations. The City and County also engaged in City2City agreements with Auckland and Munich in 2024, bolstering the cities’ bilateral trade and investment prospects. These arrangements complement existing partnerships, including those with London and Addis Ababa, further cementing Denver's role in global economic discourse.
