DENVER – The State of Colorado, led by the Global Business Development division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), hosted a joint two-day mission to Mexico City, which wraps up today. This strategic engagement celebrates the strong relationship between Colorado and Mexico in business and agriculture, elevating women business owners, cattlewomen, entrepreneurs, and fund managers while highlighting Colorado's position as a leading state for women founders.
For three years in a row, Merchant Maverick has rated Colorado the best state for women-led startups.
“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.
The trade mission included a delegation of Colorado cattlewomen who are leaders in agriculture in our state.
“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 Agriculture Commissioner Kate Greenberg.
During the two-day summit in Mexico City, CDA and OEDIT teams joined AmCham Mexico, Angel Ventures, Amplifica Capital, U.S. Embassy and Commercial Service, HSBC, Universidad Iberoamericana, Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Mexico City’s Minister of Economy and Mexico’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for business and political meetings. The business agenda focused on building relationships and sharing best practices to support women entrepreneurs. Discussions also centered on venture capital funding and other financing options for female-led startups while also featuring cutting-edge, women-led technology and innovations across Colorado’s advanced industries. Additionally, Colorado cattlewomen met with Mexican cattlewomen to learn more about livestock, water, and economic policies in both countries.
This mission serves as a follow-up to this year’s Colorado-Mexico Friendship Day (April 23), reinforcing Colorado’s strong relationship with Mexico and a shared commitment to continued collaboration between the two regions. Mexico is Colorado’s top export partner. In 2024, the state exported $1.7 billion in goods to Mexico, representing 17% of Colorado’s total goods exports. Beef made up nearly a quarter of those exports.
Mexican tourism is also important to Colorado’s economy. In 2023, Mexico was the number one market in terms of visitation, with 221,275 visitors to Colorado.
Additionally, United Airlines has announced upcoming nonstop flights to Denver from both Punta Cana and Mexico City starting in October. Viva Aerobus has also announced new nonstop flights between the new Mexico City Felipe Angeles International Airport beginning in November.
The OEDIT delegation includes female entrepreneurs funded through the Advanced Industries Accelerator program and startup ecosystem leaders: Access Mode, Biota, Cyber Qubits, EsoTerra, GeekPack, RapiCure Solutions, Silvis Materials, Startup Colorado, Stout Street Capital and Sustainable Chemicals, Inc.
The cattlewomen delegation included Colorado cattlewomen who are leaders in agriculture and their communities: Nikki Weathers, Maggie Hanna, Jody Rogers, Kathryn Bedell, and Erin Karney Spaur. The delegation was joined by Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg and Colorado State Veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin.
This mission underscores Colorado's commitment to fostering international collaboration, promoting economic development, and empowering women as business and community leaders.