The Denver ScaleUp Network (DenSUN) is a unique program designed by the Denver Office of Economic Development & Opportunity, in partnership with BEN Colorado and the Colorado Thought Leaders Forum. It specifically supports a small, diverse group of emerging and traditionally underserved Denver small businesses by offering advisorship, key connections, and resources needed to address strategic growth challenges. This initiative provides entrepreneurs with access to expert guidance, enabling them to overcome common scaling obstacles and build a sustainable foundation for long-term success.
This year, the program celebrates an exciting new chapter with the introduction of its first-ever fall cohort. Historically, the DenSUN program has been offered annually in the spring, but the growing need for entrepreneurial support has led to this expansion. The Fall cohort will continue the program’s tradition of offering personalized mentorship and high-level strategic advice while fostering peer-to-peer learning among participants.
With the support of key partners, DenSUN continues to empower local businesses, reinforcing Denver’s status as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
Meet the Fall 2024 DenSUN Entrepreneurs and Their Companies:
Winston Manley of The Local Drive
Winston Manley is the co-founder and CEO of The Local Drive. Since founding the company in 2021, he has grown the company to 2 operating locations and a third set to open in Q4 2024 in Colorado as well as launching franchising across North America in Q4 2024. Prior to that, he worked in the offshore Oil & Gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico, China, Singapore, the North Sea, and West Africa. He holds a degree in International Commerce and Chinese Language from Texas A&M University and Petroleum Engineering from The University of Houston.
The Local Drive is a cocktail bar and indoor golf lounge that offers a blend of crafted cocktails and advanced golf simulators. With several locations in Colorado (and soon franchising across the rest of North America), it provides a year-round golfing experience and multiple event spaces for private gatherings. The venue also features golf lessons, leagues, and membership options and showcases 70% or more locally sourced products, makers, artisans, and companies.