The Ultimate Colorado Startup Week Discovery: Access Mode
Connecting diverse entrepreneurs with experienced coaches to accelerate startup success
Last week during Colorado Startup Week, I had the privilege of participating in an entrepreneurship speed coaching event hosted by Access Mode, Colorado’s premier accelerator program dedicated to empowering underrepresented tech founders. Alongside fellow founder Ami Jones of TerraFauna Journeys, we experienced firsthand how targeted mentorship can transform the entrepreneurial journey.
The Power of Rapid-Fire Mentorship
Speed coaching might sound like speed dating for entrepreneurs—and in many ways, it is. But instead of searching for romance, founders connect with seasoned business leaders who can provide immediate, actionable insights. In just one session, we cycled through meetings with four exceptional coaches, each bringing unique expertise to address different aspects of building a successful venture.
Meet Our Coaches: A Powerhouse of Experience
Ami and I had the opportunity to spend 30 minutes with four amazing coaches!
Kristin McCarty – Business Navigator
To kick things off, we met with Kristin, currently serving at Colorado Enterprise Fund. Kristin brings a unique blend of financial acumen and business development expertise. With over 12 years of experience at RBC Wealth Management and expertise in hospitality sales, she provided practical advice on navigating funding landscapes and building strategic partnerships—critical elements for any startup seeking to scale.
Sherrie Lawson – Change Management Specialist
As Change Management Manager at Colorado PERA with nearly 20 years of project management experience, Sherrie’s perspective on organizational leadership and transformation was eye-opening. Her background in curriculum development and training across industries provided frameworks for thinking about company culture and team development that many early-stage founders overlook.
Otisa Eads – HR & Operations Strategist
With over seven years of experience creating systems for businesses, Otisa specializes in helping established companies optimize for growth. Her expertise in recruitment strategies, onboarding systems, and management training proved invaluable as we discussed scaling challenges. As someone who believes “it is essential to have systems in place before hiring a team,” Otisa’s insights on building sustainable operational foundations resonated deeply with both Ami and myself.
Vanessa Huerta – Venture Capital & Accelerator Expert
Serving as gBETA VP at gener8tor, a nationally-ranked venture capital firm, Vanessa brought the investor’s perspective to our coaching sessions. Her passion for “creating thriving communities by helping founders bring economic growth” aligned perfectly with Access Mode’s mission. Her insights on what investors look for and how to position our companies for funding were particularly valuable.
Why Access Mode Matters for Colorado’s Tech Ecosystem
Access Mode isn’t just another accelerator—it’s a values-driven organization actively working to level the playing field for Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and Indigenous tech founders. Founded by entrepreneurs of color Zaneta Kelsey (CEO) and Kevin Allen (COO), who bring decades of experience in tech, marketing, legal, and finance, Access Mode understands the unique challenges BIPOC founders face.
What sets Access Mode apart is its commitment to five core values:
- Empowerment: Prioritizing anti-racism and affirming the lived experience of BIPOC founders
- Empathy: Listening and engaging intentionally
- Transparency: Honest engagement with all stakeholders
- Trust: Carefully stewarding the confidence of members and community
- Accretion: Continuously adding value to the tech ecosystem
The Impact of Intentional Diversity in Entrepreneurship
Meeting with coaches from diverse backgrounds—from HR and operations to venture capital and change management—highlighted how different perspectives can unlock new possibilities for growth. Each coach brought not just expertise, but lived experience that enriched our discussions about building inclusive, sustainable businesses.
For Ami Jones, whose TerraFauna Journeys focuses on conservation-first luxury travel experiences, the coaching session provided insights on scaling a mission-driven business without compromising values. As she puts it, “true leadership in travel today means mastery, focus, and integrity—not unchecked growth.”
Beyond the Event: Ongoing Support and New Resources
What struck me most about this experience wasn’t just the quality of the coaching—it was Access Mode’s commitment to continuous support. During the event, we got an exclusive preview of their upcoming podcast studio, set to launch in October. This state-of-the-art recording space will be available to program participants and alumni, complete with scheduling support, preparation assistance, and a streamlined recording experience. It’s yet another example of how Access Mode thinks beyond traditional accelerator offerings to provide founders with the tools they need to amplify their voices and share their stories.
The organization also maintains bi-weekly office hours where founders can pressure-test decisions, refine pitch decks, or get warm introductions—ensuring that the momentum from events like this speed coaching session continues long after the day ends.
A Personal Note of Gratitude
I want to express my deep appreciation to the Access Mode team—Zaneta Kelsey, Samuel Houser, Arieze Evans, and the entire organization—for including me in this transformative event. The opportunity to learn from coaches like Otisa, Kristin, Sherrie, and Vanessa, each bringing decades of experience and genuine passion for founder success, was invaluable.
The energy in that room was, as the Access Mode team perfectly described it, “magical.” There’s something powerful about bringing together curious, driven entrepreneurs with coaches who’ve walked similar paths and are eager to share their wisdom. The practical next steps, deeper sense of community, and genuine connections formed during this event have already begun shaping my approach to building DataLove Co.
Looking Forward: Building a More Inclusive Tech Future
Events like this speed coaching session demonstrate that when we remove barriers and provide targeted support, BIPOC founders don’t just succeed—they thrive. The combination of financial resources, expert mentorship, community support, and innovative resources like podcast studios creates a multiplier effect that benefits not just individual companies but entire communities.
As Colorado’s tech ecosystem continues to evolve, programs like Access Mode are essential for ensuring that innovation and opportunity aren’t limited by systemic barriers. Their work proves that diversity isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a competitive advantage that drives better outcomes for everyone.
Take Action
The future of tech depends on diverse voices and perspectives. Here’s how you can get involved:
Support Access Mode
Whether you’re a potential mentor, investor, or advocate, Access Mode needs community support to continue breaking down barriers for BIPOC founders. Visit Access Mode to learn more about their programs and how you can contribute to building a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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Access Mode is currently accepting applications for their next cohort. If you’re an underrepresented founder at the prototype stage, this could be the catalyst your startup needs to reach the next level.
