Klein Makerspace

06/16/2026

❤️ Startup Colorado

Rural life comes with plenty of challenges, like extreme weather, supply chain delays, and a critical lack of affordable housing. While these may become roadblocks for some, rural entrepreneurs leverage their grit and gumption to transform regional pain points into unique (and scalable!) business models.

In today's issue of The Rural Startup, we spotlight three founders who are responding to local challenges with innovative, community-oriented businesses:

•Grant Hamel & Jake Rishavy of VeroTouch (Buena Vista) are tackling the affordable housing crisis head-on by refining a construction tech platform to 3D-print homes.
•Dr. Lauren Czaplicki of Fungal Solutions-Wildfire Ltd. (Durango) is using fungi to transform hazardous, flammable wood debris into living fire barriers.
•Jessie Klein of Klein Makerspace (La Junta) expanded a home-based PPE project into a collaborative downtown incubator for local makers.

Learn how these founders are turning rural struggles into community advantages: https://open.substack.com/pub/ruralstartup/p/turning-rural-challenges-into-business

06/14/2026

Here are the floating coasters in action! Comes in multiple colors. Drink sold separately.

06/13/2026

It's pool season! We have floating coasters so your soda can accompany you!

06/13/2026

BOPA- Precision Agriculture 👏

Imagine growing up in Durango or La Junta and seeing world-class aerospace engineering or autonomous farm robots being built right in your backyard. It expands the sense of what's possible for the next generation of rural innovators, showing them they don't have to leave home to build the future 🚀

In this story, we share the success of Agile Space Industries and BOPA Precision Agriculture, two rural Colorado startups that recently closed major funding rounds. Founders like Chris Pearson and Sarah Hinkley are proving that building a company in a rural town requires showing up as a neighbor and a long-term steward of place. Their work involves more than just advancing technology; it encompasses a deep commitment to reciprocity, from mentoring local students to navigating the zoning laws that pave the way for future manufacturers.

Read the full article, written in partnership with Howdy Partners: www.startupcolorado.org/stories/two-rural-startups-just-closed-new-funding-rounds

06/12/2026

Need a key chain? We have colorful key chains!

05/30/2026

👽🛸😂BOPA- Precision Agriculture

05/29/2026

Need a new hat? We have hats with rubber patches!

05/22/2026

We are so excited to be a retailer for Krack Corn! Be sure to grab a bag while ordering your custom gifts 🙂 🍿

05/22/2026

05/09/2026

Need a holster for vaccines for cattle? VacHolster has you covered. Check out https://Vacholster.com or buy one in person at Klein Makerspace!