Our Story
It all started in 2016 with a few food industry friends getting together every month to chat about the local food and beverage scene. As word spread about the meetings, the group grew. In a matter of months meetings grew so large more space than a restaurant table was needed. Today, CFW has grown into the foremost food and beverage industry support and networking group in Denver and Colorado Springs.
It was born from passion; passion for our industry and passion for Colorado. Our mission statement is simple:
Empowering Colorado food and beverage entrepreneurs and innovators
We’re embarking on an exciting time for the Natural Food industry! With consumer demand for “better for you” options at an all-time high and barriers of entry reasonably low, it’s the perfect atmosphere for eager entrepreneurs. Colorado’s progressive food community lends itself as the perfect location to embrace this growing economy. Colorado Food works sets out to help entrepreneurs achieve success through collaboration.
We welcome all looking to learn, network and share!
Our Values:
We're stronger together.
Being an entrepreneur doesn't have to mean going it alone. CFW exists to bring the bold and brave entrepreneurs and innovators in food and beverage together creating a welcoming community for all.
Knowledge sharing for the win.
Knowing what to do when you encounter a new need, hit a roadblock, or step out of your current pattern to reach for the next level isn't always intuitive. We're here to share a network of resources and connect you with people that can help you in your journey.
Empowering the bold.
We're here for the risk takers, the doers, and the visionaries building the future of food and beverage.
We're a group of dreamers and believers. We know that almost anything worth doing takes guts before glory and we're all in this together.
Our very first event at Denver Startup Week in 2016 with Dang Foods, GoodBelly Probiotics, Perky Jerky, 34 Degrees, and Hope Foods.
A CHANGE IN 2020
hello cfw community!
I am excited to announce we’ve wrapped on our 4th consecutive Denver Startup Week. Although the virtual vibe was a little different, I am proud to say we put on not one but three amazing events! Thank you to all that helped put on these events and to those who attended.
Five years ago I started Colorado Food Works as a way for me and a buddy to share tips and tricks on how to get ahead in the Natural Foods Industry. Word slowly spread about this group of folks connecting with the sole purpose of helping each other. Within a few months Colorado Food Works was born and we were off!
Along the way, I have made amazing friends both as fellow board members and as members. I learned about the Natural Foods Industry, about leadership and about entrepreneurship through fantastic mentors. As I look now at the organization of over 500 people and I am proud of the community we’ve built throughout Colorado.
As with any great book, you’re always looking forward to the next chapter. The next chapter for us is here!
I am excited to announce that as of October 1st Sari Kimbell will step in as CFW’s new President. Sari has always worked to help brands grow and to connect people. From her early days working at Grant Family Farm in Northern Colorado, to her time as Marketing Director for Whole Foods to her own startup in Food Business Success, she embodies everything that Colorado Food Works set out to achieve.
Sari’s undeniable ability to create community wherever she goes makes her the perfect fit for taking Colorado Food Works to new heights!
After five amazing years leading and helping grow this community I will be stepping down from Colorado Food Works and remaining on in an advisory role. Thank you to all that made my early side hustle a thriving community!
I am always around to grab a coffee and connect! Don’t be a stranger!
Doug Helbig
Founder- Colorado Food Works