Kat Hart Joins the Warehouse as Program Manager
Our team is growing! On January 6, 2025, Kat Hart joined the Warehouse Business Accelerator team as Program Manager. She will lead the development of business support programs, grow our mentor network, and enhance educational offerings.
With experience as a business owner and coach, Kat brings valuable expertise in marketing, strategy, and operations. Previously, she led the Loveland Business Development Center through key growth years and worked with the City of Fort Collins Economic Health office. Her process-driven approach will help us build stronger resources for our community. Learn more about Kat in the brief interview below:
Can you share a bit about your professional background and how it aligns with WBA’s mission?
I've spent the majority of the last 15 years in economic development related roles serving small business. From 2019 through 2023, I led the Loveland Business Development Center (LBDC), consulting with and providing education for emerging small business owners. Many of the challenges faced in the earliest stages of business ownership remain relevant through the development of a product attempting to reach the market, particularly the challenge of working on the business versus the day-to-day operation of the business. My own experience as an entrepreneur also gives me insight into the unique challenges of small manufacturers with regard to cost control, supply sourcing, and scaling with workforce.
What inspired you to join the Warehouse Business Accelerator team, and what excites you most about this role? I've watched the Warehouse Business Accelerator grow in exciting ways for many years. The Warehouse is a unique organization within the business support and economic development ecosystem in Northern Colorado, and I believe it has an important role to play in supporting manufacturing in the future. The companies that are housed here are also doing incredibly exciting things, which brings me joy to watch and now support!
What are your top priorities or goals as you step into this new position? Developing a new cohort program is my top task, which will support the growth of more companies regionally. The challenge of creating a cohort accelerator program focused on people creating products will draw on many areas of my personal experience, and I know we will add new partners to the Warehouse through these efforts. Supporting the growth of the shared equipment shop will also be part of my new tasks, which will make us a stronger resource for our tenants, members, and the community at large.
Tell us something fun or unexpected about yourself that we wouldn’t necessarily know about you. I'm a dancer and a seamstress of many, many years! Currently I teach ballet folklorico (traditional Mexican dance) and make my own costumes. I also spend a lot of time playing Magic the Gathering and would love to talk cards with anyone who plays.
We’re excited to have Kat on board and can’t wait to see the positive impact she will make on the community!