Youth Venture Fund
The Youth Venture Fund supports the development of Colorado’s rural youth entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Every Spark Lab cohort ends the same way: students pitch their ideas to an audience of community leaders, investors, and educators. The best ideas don't just get applause — they get funded.
The Youth Venture Fund (YVF) is the seed investment pool that makes that possible. Supported by the Morgridge Family Foundation and our donor community, YVF awards grants of $200–$1,000 directly to students at the Spark Lab Pitch Event. To date, Homegrown Pathways has deployed over $50,000 in direct investment to young entrepreneurs across the Western Slope.
Our underlying thesis at Homegrown Pathways is that as a country, we do not suffer from a lack of good ideas. Our challenge is a deficit of empowered ideas. For ideas to be empowered, they need to be identified, encouraged and invested in. In just our first year of pitch events, we saw ventures that ranged from connecting students to the outdoors, community arts classes for all ages, AI powered coaching apps, videography and photography, housekeeping and car detailing, and culinary sweets that bring joy to people’s lives. All of these visions have a place and importance, and will be connected to other important ideas in the future.
Youth innovation thrives across the Western Slope, as proven by where Spark Lab participants come from!
The Pitch Event
At the end of every Spark Lab cohort, students deliver a 2-minute pitch to a live audience of 60+ community members — friends, family, educators, school administrators, bank presidents, mayors, chamber leaders, and regional investors. Judges evaluate the pitches and allocate YVF grants on the spot.
Past ventures have ranged across technology, construction, food, music, and community organizations. Every student who pitches walks away with connections, feedback, and recognition, as well as a direct seed funding for their venture.
Over $50,000 raised and awarded in our first year
Thanks to our incredible community of donors who believe in empowering young people—along with the Morgridge Family Foundation’s generous match campaign—we raised over $10,000 to directly support our Spark Lab innovators. Every dollar was awarded at the pitch event, fueling their ventures and next steps!
Audiences of family, friends and CommunITY Leaders
Our pitch event brings together attendees from across the community, including educators, superintendents, chamber leaders, bank presidents, mayors, and venture capital representatives—all united in supporting the next generation of innovators.
98% of students would recommend Spark Lab — and the Youth Venture Fund — to a friend.
95% report meaningful impact on their career pathway thinking.
98% say they're more likely to take action on a future idea.
100% of teachers report their students developed durable skills.
Net Promoter Score of 100 from teachers and superintendents
incredible Teacher and District Partners
Our work wouldn’t be possible without the support of incredible partners who are committed to empowering young voices and fueling the next generation of business ventures. A special thank you to industry partners and leaders in the community who make these events possible.