On August 4, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker traveled to Boulder, Colo., to participate in a Startup Day Across America event at Black Lab Sports and promote entrepreneurship. Secretary Pritzker had the opportunity to meet with representatives from 16 local startups, including Zybek Sports, iSplack, TredLite, and Edntech, and observe demonstrations of their innovative products. 

As a special guest of Representative Jared Polis (D-Colo.), Secretary Pritzker was invited to see firsthand the American entrepreneurship spirit in Boulder, which is one of the fastest-growing startup communities in the country.  During her trip, Secretary Pritzker helped raise awareness of entrepreneurial endeavors in the area and the Department of Commerce resources available to assist small businesses.

Startup Day Across America, organized by members of the Congressional Caucus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, is a celebration of the country’s entrepreneurial spirit. It brings together local entrepreneurs and government representatives to discuss the challenges facing small businesses. Furthermore, small businesses and startups have the opportunity to showcase their products and work to possible investors, business leaders and government officials. Startup Day aims to bring together a community of entrepreneurs and government leaders to discuss how federal policy can better help these businesses grow and become successful.

After the business showcase, Secretary Pritzker delivered remarks highlighting the important role small businesses play in the U.S. economy and what the Department of Commerce is doing to help support entrepreneurs. In her remarks, she emphasized that entrepreneurship is what drives innovation and allows the country to remain competitive in the global economy. She noted that the Department of Commerce is committed to helping small businesses and startups reach success by providing them with resources, such as the Small Business Innovation Research Program, the President’s Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship initiative, data access and tools, funding, and mentorship.

Secretary Pritzker encouraged these startups and small businesses to continue their entrepreneurial pursuits. She reflected upon her own experience as a business owner and said she has developed a great respect for aspiring startups. Speaking to some of the many innovators and business leaders of today’s economy, Secretary Pritzker added that she hopes to see these small businesses grow and become competitors in the global market.