HIGH SCHOOL ENTREPRENEURSHIP & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

The FREE Foundation Entrepreneurship & Leadership Conference is an inspiring one-day event designed to prepare high school students for success through entrepreneurship, leadership development, and real-world business experiences. Each year, students from across Western Colorado come together to learn from successful entrepreneurs, business professionals, community leaders, and innovators who share practical knowledge, personal experiences, and valuable career insights.

The conference is built around the belief that leadership can be learned and entrepreneurship can be cultivated. Through engaging keynote presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, students gain the confidence, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities needed to become tomorrow's leaders.

Participants have the opportunity to connect with local business owners, entrepreneurs, mentors, educators, and community leaders while exploring career paths, business ownership, innovation, and leadership. These meaningful relationships help students build professional networks and discover new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

As a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the FREE Foundation is committed to making this conference accessible to students throughout Western Colorado. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community partners, students receive an unforgettable educational experience that inspires them to pursue leadership, entrepreneurship, and lifelong success.

Whether you are a student ready to discover your potential, an educator looking to empower your students, or a business leader interested in investing in the next generation, we invite you to join us for this transformative event.

Prepare today. Lead tomorrow.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026 • COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY

WESTERN COLORADO
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Creating tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and leaders.

More than 250 high school juniors from across Western Colorado will spend a day learning from successful entrepreneurs, solving real-world challenges, and discovering what’s possible through leadership and free enterprise.

Registration starts at 7:30 am
Conference opening at 8:15 am
Conference finishes at 2:10 pm

ONE DAY CAN CHANGE A STUDENT'S FUTURE.

250+
STUDENTS SERVED

13
WESTERN COLORADO HIGH SCHOOLS

100%
VOLUNTEER RUN

THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Every element of the conference is intentionally
designed to move students from inspiration to action.

Inspiration

Hear from successful entrepreneurs and be inspired.

Application

Work in teams to create business ideas and solutions.

Connection

Network with entrepreneurs and community leaders.

Action

Pitch ideas, receive feedback, and take the next step forward.

Who can attend the FREE Foundation Conference?

The conference is designed for high school students from across Western Colorado who are interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career exploration.

What will students learn?

Students participate in leadership workshops, entrepreneurship education, keynote presentations, networking sessions, and hands-on activities led by business professionals and community leaders.

Who speaks at the conference?

The conference features successful entrepreneurs, local business owners, executives, educators, and community leaders who share real-world experiences and leadership insights.

How is the conference funded?

The FREE Foundation Conference is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community partners dedicated to investing in the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.