Utivity hosts the first Colorado Indie Business Forum at Green Spaces

On March 11, Utivity hosts the first Colorado Indie Business Forum at Denver's Green Spaces. The event is focused on helping startups grow into a successful business and will feature executive speakers from Love Grown Foods, Icelantic Skis and Utivity.

Utivity is a new startup that Founder Matthew Shifrin likens to Airbnb for professional services. "Our desktop and mobile platform are designed to provide users with the ability to search and filter on a wide array of criteria," Shifrin says.

Users will be ability to price, shop, read reviews and compare products and services via its portals. "For the business, freelancer or individual we give them a simple and intuitive tool that manages every aspect of their business, from store front, rich media, reviews, billing, credit card processing, customer interactions, legal, rewards, referrals and advertising at no upfront cost."

He says the platform connects people looking for services with those that can provide them. The site can connect individuals or professionals with all sorts of things, ranging from someone wanting private guitar lessons to individuals and small businesses providing the services they want. Shifrin formerly worked with the Jarden Corp. where, among other things, he introduced the Billy Boy condom brand to the U.S.

Shifrin will join Maddy D'Amato, CLO (chief love officer) of Love Grown Foods, and Annelise Loevlie, CEO of Icelantic Skis, to give roughly 10-min speeches. "Speakers will spend 10 minutes providing a little background on their companies, how they got started, and provide a couple of anecdotes on what worked and what didn't," he says. Attendees also will be able to ask the executives questions about their experiences in launching companies.

The event will also include beverages from Great Divide Brewing Co. and food from Amerigo. Shifrin anticipates that up to 175 people may attend the event, including several state representatives as well as members of Colorado's economic development team.

Contact Confluence Denver Innovation & Jobs News Editor Chris Meehan with tips and leads for future stories at chris@confluence-denver.com.