October 2025 Newsletter
Good morning,
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Quarterly Breakfast at The Rone Home last Thursday. It was an energizing morning that reminded us why these conversations matter - they help align our community around a shared vision for growth.
We’re especially grateful to our guest speakers - Annette Pitts with Visit Casper, Melissa Hugget with the Downtown Development Authority, and Zulima Lopez with the City of Casper - for leading thoughtful discussions on the role of place-based investment in economic development.
Several themes emerged throughout the morning including: the role of tourism, economic development, and city planning in retaining young talent, recreation as an investment not a subsidy, and - perhaps most importantly - the need to support and uplift the organizations determined to grow Casper and leave our community better for the next generation. As Annette reminded us, “when you build a place people want to visit, you build a place people want to live.” That simple truth ties together the work of Visit Casper promoting our region, the DDA elevating the character of our downtown, and the City of Casper providing the strong foundation a community needs to thrive.
It was fitting to host our recent gathering at The Rone Home - a historic Casper landmark that has been thoughtfully reimagined as both a luxury bed-and-breakfast and a premier business venue. Its transformation reflects the very spirit of our city: honoring tradition while building for the future. For those planning meetings, retreats, or events; The Rone Home stands as an example of how intentional investment in our spaces can inspire collaboration and progress.
Thank you again to everyone who joined us - it’s always a pleasure doing this important work alongside you.
With gratitude,
Justin
Justin Farley
CEO | President
justin@advancecasper.com
| | CASPER START-UP CHALLENGE | | |
Meet Your 2025 Casper Start-Up Challenge Finalists
Advance Casper is proud to introduce the 2025 Casper Start-Up Challenge Finalists - a new wave of trailblazing founders ready to turn local ideas into legendary impact:
- Sarah Dyer | Ambitious Smile Dental Staff
- Colton Dillion | Quip Network
- Caleb & Kailey Bunce | Frontier Freeze Dry
- David Martorano | PsyOs.AI
These entrepreneurs represent the innovation, grit, and ambition that keep our local economy growing. From strategic problem-solving to creating jobs and momentum right here at home, they are shaping what’s next for Wyoming’s business community.
Join us in celebrating their hard work and watch as they take the stage at the Final Pitch Night on October 30th at 5pm at Frontier Brewing. The event is open to the public - with draft beer, the Quesadilla King food truck parked out front, and plenty of time to mingle with Casper’s business community.
Come show your support for local innovators and experience the energy as the next generation of businesses compete for their shot at becoming Casper’s next success story.
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The Faces Behind the Funding & Future of Casper's Start-Up Scene: Your 2025 Judges
We’re excited to share the panel of judges for the 2025 Casper Start-Up Challenge - a team of seasoned leaders whose expertise spans: venture capital, banking, real estate, and local business development. Their insights will help guide and select the start-ups ready to shape Casper’s next wave of innovation:
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Jerad Stack: Managing Partner at FlowState Ventures - A veteran entrepreneur and investor dedicated to helping founders turn bold ideas into scalable businesses
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Austin Hinchey: Mortgage Lender at Jonah Bank - Brings deep expertise in small-business finance and a strong commitment to Wyoming’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
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Tiffany Gamble: Owner/Founder at Hat Six Travel Plaza - A local business owner with firsthand experience in growing successful ventures and supporting community-driven growth
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Shawn McCoul: Commercial Real Estate Advisor at Coldwell Banker Commercial Cornerstone - Offers strategic insight into the commercial real estate needs of growing a business and ensuring start-ups have the right foundation to scale
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Goose Goostree: Managing Partner at Breakthrough Venture Capital - A leader in early-stage investment and a driving force in fostering innovation in the Casper region.
Together, this panel combines financial expertise, operational experience, and community insight to ensure that the seed funding behind the Casper Start-Up Challenge goes to promising start-ups ready to grow and make an impact.
Watch the 2025 finalists take the stage in front of this esteemed panel, pitch their concepts, and compete for seed money to actualize their entrepreneurial dreams at the CSUC Final Pitch Night at Frontier Brewing on October 30th at 5pm.
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Jonathan Boudreaux of Black Hills Energy Receives CEO Summit Award
We’re proud to announce that Jonathan Boudreaux, Senior Manager of Gas Operations Black Hills Energy, has been honored with the 2025 CEO Summit Award! This prestigious recognition celebrates executive leadership that has significantly advanced business, innovation, and community impact in our region.
Jonathan brings more than industry expertise; he brings vision, integrity, and a commitment to powering growth across Wyoming and our local community. His leadership at Black Hills Energy has supported essential infrastructure, economic development, and responsible energy practices that benefit both people and businesses.
Please join us in congratulating Jonathan on this well-deserved achievement. His work exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and reminds us why strong regional leadership is vital to the continued growth and prosperity of Casper and Natrona County.
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Where Are They Now? Success Stories From Casper Start-Up Challenge Alumni
We caught up with several past winners and finalists to see where they started, what the Challenge meant to them, and how it’s shaped where they are today. Their stories are proof that with the right mix of hard work, heart, and support; you really can turn your start-up into a success story.y.
Read the Blog
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2025 Casper Start-Up Challenge Bootcamp | October 9th
Join us at Casper College on Thursday, October 9, 2025, for a full day of strategy, mentorship, and momentum-building - designed not only for this year’s finalists but for anyone in Casper who wants a front-row seat to the entrepreneurial process.
Expect expert-led sessions, one-on-one guidance, and real conversations about building and scaling businesses right here in Wyoming. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, an emerging founder, or simply curious about the start-up scene; this is your chance to be part of the energy shaping Casper’s future.
Event Details:
- Location: Casper College - Gateway Building, Room 218
- Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
- Time: See program schedule below!
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Happy Hour: 5pm - 7pm at The Refinery
Bootcamp Schedule:
9:30 AM - Welcome
Justin Farley, CEO/President, Advance Casper
9:45 - 10:30 AM - Branding Your Business
Chelsea Combe, Lady Folk
10:30 - 11:00 AM - Insights on Business & Industry
Rachel Chadderdon, Dean of the School of Business, Casper College
11:00 AM - 10 Minute Break
11:10 - 11:45 AM - Banking for Start-Ups
Jake Slingsby, First Interstate Bank
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM - Lunch (Boxed lunch provided)
1:00 - 1:45 PM - The Start-Up Journey
Jerad Stack, FlowState Ventures
1:45 - 2:15 PM - Business Law Basics
Kevin Bell, Schwartz, Bon, Walker & Studer, LLC
2:20 - 3:00 PM - Start-Up Financing
Goose Goostree, Breakthrough Ventures
5:00 - 7:00 PM - Happy Hour
The Refinery at Three Crowns Golf Course
Come ready to learn, share, and build. This isn’t just about supporting start-ups - it’s about strengthening the future of business in our community.
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Quarterly Cocktails | October 9th @ 5pm - 7pm
Unwind, connect, and celebrate Casper’s growing business community at Quarterly Cocktails with Advance Casper.
Join local leaders, fellow members, and special guests from the Casper Start-Up Challenge for an evening of good drinks, tasty appetizers, and great conversation.
Whether you’re here to mingle with fellow entrepreneurs, cheer on this year’s finalists, or just enjoy the good company and elevated atmosphere at The Refinery, this is the perfect spot to network, share ideas, and toast to the momentum building in Casper.
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Casper Start-Up Challenge Final Pitch Night | October 30th @ 5pm
Join us at Frontier Brewing for the 2025 Casper Start-Up Challenge Final Pitch Night, where this year’s five finalists will take the stage to share their innovative businesses and compete for seed funding that could launch their ventures to the next level.
Cheer on local founders as they pitch to a panel of judges for a chance to secure funding and support. Mingle with Casper’s business community, enjoy local beer and fare from the Quesadilla King food truck, and be part of the excitement as we announce the winners who will shape the future of business in our region.
Open to the public. Admission is free! See you there, Casper!
| | COMMUNITY & MEMBER EVENTS | |
Fort Casper Ghost Tours | October 17th, 18th & 24th
Step into Casper’s haunted past with the Fort Caspar Ghost Tours - where history and local legend come to life under the autumn night sky. This annual event blends storytelling, historic charm, and a touch of the supernatural for a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Details:
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Dates: October (tickets go on sale October 1st at the Fort Caspar Museum)
- Tour Schedule: Ten-person tours last one hour and begin every 30 minutes - the first tour departs at 7:00 PM and the last at 10:30 PM each night.
- Tickets: $15 per person - available for purchase in person at the Museum or by phone at (307) 235-8462 with a credit card. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan ahead!
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Location: Fort Caspar Museum & Historic Site
Gather your friends, bring a flashlight, and prepare for a spine-tingling guided walk through one of Casper’s most historic landmarks. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of ghost stories, or just in for some seasonal fun; the Ghost Tours are a perfect way to get spooky.
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Green Acres Corn Maze | Sept. 20th - Nov 2nd
Kick off fall at Green Acres Corn Maze, a Casper favorite for all ages. Wander through this year’s fantasy-themed maze, meet farm animals, enjoy hayrides, bounce houses, pig races, and so much more.
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: $12 (12+), $10 (ages 4–11), kids 3 & under free.
Bring the family, soak up the autumn air, and make memories in one of Casper’s best seasonal traditions.
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