The State of Colorado recently concluded a two-day mission to Mexico City, organized by the Global Business Development division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA). The visit aimed to strengthen business and agricultural ties with Mexico, with a focus on supporting women entrepreneurs, cattlewomen, and fund managers.
For three consecutive years, Colorado has been recognized as the top state for women-led startups by Merchant Maverick.
“Colorado is proud to lead the way in fostering a thriving environment for women entrepreneurs. This mission to Mexico City is helping build international connections for women-owned businesses while solidifying Colorado’s unwavering commitment to strong, collaborative relationships with our partners in Mexico,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.
A delegation of Colorado cattlewomen participated in the trade mission. “Mexico is Colorado’s top export partner for beef, and this mission provides a unique opportunity to connect our Colorado cattlewomen with their counterparts in Mexico. This trade mission has given us a chance to affirm the friendship between Colorado and Mexico and has provided an opportunity for Colorado to expand our trade relationships and promote the importance of women as leaders, in agriculture and beyond,” said Department of Agriculture Commissioner Kate Greenberg.
During meetings in Mexico City, representatives from CDA and OEDIT met with organizations including AmCham Mexico, Angel Ventures, Amplifica Capital, U.S. Embassy and Commercial Service, HSBC, Universidad Iberoamericana, Entrepreneurs’ Organization, along with Mexican government officials. Discussions centered on supporting female entrepreneurs through networking opportunities and sharing best practices related to venture capital funding options for women-led startups. Participants also highlighted technological innovation among women founders from advanced industries in Colorado. Additionally, there were sessions where cattlewomen from both countries exchanged knowledge about livestock management policies.
This trip followed up on April’s annual Colorado-Mexico Friendship Day, reflecting ongoing collaboration between both regions. In 2024 alone, $1.7 billion worth of goods were exported from Colorado to Mexico—representing 17% of total state exports—with beef comprising nearly one-quarter of that amount.
Tourism also plays a significant role; last year saw 221,275 visitors travel from Mexico to Colorado—the highest number among international markets. Upcoming nonstop flights announced by United Airlines between Denver and both Punta Cana as well as Mexico City will begin in October; Viva Aerobus plans new direct routes connecting Denver with Felipe Angeles International Airport starting November.
Female entrepreneurs participating through OEDIT’s Advanced Industries Accelerator program included leaders from companies such as Access Mode, Biota, Cyber Qubits, EsoTerra, GeekPack, RapiCure Solutions, Silvis Materials, Startup Colorado, Stout Street Capital and Sustainable Chemicals Inc. The agricultural delegation featured Nikki Weathers, Maggie Hanna, Jody Rogers, Kathryn Bedell and Erin Karney Spaur alongside Commissioner Kate Greenberg and State Veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin.
According to organizers this initiative highlights efforts by state agencies like CDA’s International Markets team—which assists local producers seeking access abroad—and supports broader economic development goals outlined by OEDIT’s Global Business Development Division.
