Greeley has long built its economic reputation on a solid agricultural foundation. Local farmers and food processing companies have maintained a thriving industry in the community for decades, one that remains vital to the city’s economy today. In today’s shifting agricultural ecosystem, though, producers who fail to take advantage of new technologies that optimize operations and increase yields and revenues will soon be left behind. In this rapidly modernizing industry sector, startup accelerator programs, such as gBETA Greeley, offer a practical way for communities to invest in future growth through support for local startups building innovative technology.

gBETA Greeley was launched in 2024 thanks to the research work and funding from the City of Greeley and its Economic Development Department, as a strategic program to support startup companies that are working to innovate agricultural practices. According to the city’s director of economic development, John Hall, “The Economic Development Department sponsors this program as part of our ongoing effort to foster local talent and build a bright future for our community."

The 6-week accelerator program provides education, direct guidance, access to experienced mentors, and opportunities to connect with a broad network of investors, buyers, and industry experts. These resources help entrepreneurs develop business strategies for sustainable growth. The focus is on clear, actionable support that allows innovative startups to plan for future growth in Northern Colorado and access the capital to make those dreams a reality. 

By participating in a sector-focused startup accelerator like Greeley’s, entrepreneurs have the chance to refine their business plans and benefit from the knowledge of seasoned industry professionals who understand the agriculture industry and other aspects of operating a business within the regional industry ecosystem. Regular workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and peer-to-peer networking form the backbone of the accelerator’s system. Entrepreneurs learn how to refine their products and revenue models, optimize finances in preparation for fundraising, create plans that respond to agricultural market needs, and even have the chance to incorporate best practices from businesses in other sectors. This approach increases the chances that these Colorado companies will grow, scale, and create jobs for Greeley residents within a competitive global market.

Greeley’s agricultural ecosystem, a perfect backdrop for this accelerator, is reinforced by large legacy companies that have played an important role in the community for many years. Organizations such as Leprino Foods and JBS USA have not only provided stable employment for local residents but also set a standard for the community’s embracing of the industry. Their long-term presence supports a network of suppliers, service providers, and related businesses that contribute to a healthy economic environment. These established companies create a context in which newer ventures can operate, collaborate, and grow, and even sometimes play host to the breeding of the earliest startup ideas.

The industry momentum created by accelerator programs like gBETA also benefits the broader community. When local businesses succeed, they generate new jobs and help diversify the regional economy. They can also help grow multi-generational opportunities for jobs within the industry, offering children of legacy ag sector workers compelling paths within the field as well. The advice offered by the accelerator’s stakeholders helps companies explore more efficient methods of resource management and improve overall operations, while future cohorts will also provide rapid access to the thriving farms around the community for product testing and potential purchases. As businesses learn to use modern technology alongside traditional methods, the improvements lead to cost savings, more consistent production, and a stronger position for the community to continue to contribute to a competitive sector. This blend of old and new is reinforcing and building industry momentum, feeding a vibrant, sustainable local economy.

One example of practical progress from gBETA Greeley’s first cohort is a startup that offers small farmers eco-friendly, autonomous nano tractors to help with weed control, lower labor costs, reduce chemicals, and improve crop yields, called Barn Owl Precision Agriculture (BOPA). BOPA’s presence is extremely beneficial to the Greeley community, as startups like BOPA are quick to collaborate with local educational organizations on workforce development initiatives and small-scale manufacturers on R&D projects. Such examples show how practical solutions can lead to measurable growth for both the new and legacy players in a city’s agricultural community.

The balance between respecting traditional methods and integrating modern technology is a central goal at gBETA Greeley. The program recognizes that deep-rooted agricultural practices offer important lessons that can guide future developments. By bringing together experienced farmers and new entrepreneurs through the accelerator’s programming, Greeley is creating an environment where practical knowledge and economic access is shared freely. This cooperation leads to business models that are grounded in established successes while making use of the efficiencies that modern technology provides.

Local communities benefit, not only from the addition and growth of new startups but also from the enhanced industry network that can form around the momentum felt around a successful accelerator program. Entrepreneurs, industry experts, investors, government agencies, and established agricultural companies, including local giants like Leprino Foods and JBS USA, come together at events organized by gBETA and share ideas that grow the vitality of the industry as a whole. These meetings and mentorship opportunities offer the chance to exchange ideas and build long-term partnerships, with a rising tide ‘lifting all boats’ along the way. The network strengthens community ties and seeds a shared vision for progress in the city’s agricultural sector.

Looking ahead, the agriculture sector faces ongoing challenges as changes in technology and supply chain influence how food is produced and distributed, and policy shifts force startups and producers alike to navigate an unpredictable landscape of available funding and resources. Startup accelerators such as gBETA Greeley can play an important role in preparing startups and generating access to alternative forms of capital during these shifts. In addition to technical and business advice, the accelerator’s leaders also keep a close watch on market trends and emerging practices. This proactive support allows startups to adjust quickly to new challenges and opportunities in a dynamic market.

The model offered by gBETA Greeley represents a clear effort to retain companies with potential for substantial growth and welcome new ones as well, maintaining the agricultural strength of the region and working alongside complementary regional initiatives that preserve farmland and expand the workforce. The program creates the conditions for local organizations to come together around a neutral convener, and work toward a shared goal: a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Greeley. This model has led to unexpected connections, collaborations, and improvements that benefit not only individual companies but also the broader community, as a whole.

The role of startup accelerators in communities like Greeley is evident, as a breather of life and encouragement into high-growth thinking and scalable business ideas that can create out-sized community economic impact. Programs such as gBETA provide the structure and support needed for local innovators to take their budding businesses to the next level. By combining the knowledge of traditional practices with modern technology, Greeley’s leaders are making sure that the city continues to play an important role in the future of agriculture for many generations to come. Continued backing for these programs will help ensure that the region remains competitive in a market that is ripe for the type of modernization that requires long-term investment and patience alongside startup-style innovation. The collaborative efforts fostered by gBETA Greeley set a solid foundation for growth and have already helped to maintain the region’s economic and workforce momentum.

Applications for businesses interested in participating in gBETA Greeley’s Spring 2025 cohort are being accepted until March 31, 2025. Interested startups in agtech, manufacturing, and bioscience should apply at https://www.gener8tor.com/gbeta/greeley.