Colorado and Mexico Strengthen Business and Agricultural Ties through Strategic Mission

Strategic Insights -

The State of Colorado led a two-day trade mission to Mexico City, reinforcing its strong relationship with Mexico and commitment to collaboration between the two regions. This strategic engagement celebrated women business owners, cattlewomen, entrepreneurs, and fund managers, 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.

Key Takeaways:

  • The trade mission, 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), celebrated the strong relationship between Colorado and Mexico in business and agriculture.
  • The mission aimed to elevate 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.
  • Mexico is Colorado's top export partner for beef, with Colorado cattlewomen connecting with their Mexican counterparts to share best practices and learn more about livestock, water, and economic policies in both countries.
  • Discussions centered on venture capital funding and other financing options for female-led startups, along with showcasing cutting-edge, women-led technology and innovations across Colorado's advanced industries.
  • The business agenda focused on building relationships and sharing best practices to support women entrepreneurs, with participation from organizations such as AmCham Mexico, Angel Ventures, Amplifica Capital, U.S. Embassy and Commercial Service, HSBC, Universidad Iberoamericana, and Entrepreneurs' Organization.
  • The OEDIT delegation included female entrepreneurs funded through the Advanced Industries Accelerator program and startup ecosystem leaders, while the cattlewomen delegation included Colorado cattlewomen who are leaders in agriculture and their communities.
  • This mission served as a follow-up to this year's Colorado-Mexico Friendship Day (April 23), reinforcing Colorado's commitment to fostering international collaboration, promoting economic development, and empowering women as business and community leaders.

Statistics:

  • Mexico is Colorado's top export partner, accounting for 17% of the state's total goods exports in 2024, valued at $1.7 billion.
  • Beef made up nearly a quarter of Colorado's exports to Mexico in 2024.
  • Mexican tourism is also important to Colorado's economy, with 221,275 visitors to the state in 2023.
  • Starting in October, United Airlines will offer nonstop flights to Denver from both Punta Cana and Mexico City, while Viva Aerobus will launch nonstop flights between the new Mexico City Felipe Angeles International Airport beginning in November.

Sources:

  • The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)
  • The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA)
  • Merchant Maverick
  • United Airlines
  • Viva Aerobus