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Tara Spalding

CXO, International Trade, Women's Entrepreneurship Advocate, Author, Speaker, Advisor

Professional Background

Tara Spalding is a highly regarded leader in the fields of entrepreneurship, international business, and venture capital. Currently serving as the Chief Experience Officer and Managing Director of International Programs for World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah), Tara plays an integral role in enhancing Utah's global image and fostering international partnerships. Through WTC Utah, she drives initiatives that help local businesses find their footing in global markets, leading to increased revenue and job creation across the state. Her strategic vision and commitment have been central to elevating Utah’s status as a key player in international trade.

In 2023, Tara stepped in as Interim CEO and Chief Program Officer at Kinect Capital, a Utah-based nonprofit designed to mentor and assist entrepreneurs in securing investment capital. Additionally, she held the position of Chairperson for Kinect WeAngels, where she focused on educating investors and promoting financial support for women+ founded and gender-diverse businesses in Utah and the surrounding areas. Tara's leadership in these roles exemplifies her commitment to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs and fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Alongside her significant roles in various organizations, Tara has been actively involved with Utah's initiative, Bolder Way Forward, where she serves as the Entrepreneur Spoke co-manager. She is also a member of the B Capital Advisory Board and has contributed her expertise to the UVF Fund II Advisory Board at the University of Utah.

Previously, she excelled as the Managing Director at BoomStartup Accelerator, which was acquired by Kinect Capital in 2022. Under her strategic direction, BoomStartup transformed into a globally recognized angel-stage investment preparedness program for startups, assisting over 1,000 innovative companies from more than 50 countries and facilitating the rise of more than $12M in pre-seed funding. Tara's dedication to nurturing startups is further highlighted by her co-authorship of the influential guide “10 Preparation Stages to Start a Successful Business,” geared towards helping founders navigate the complexities of establishing their businesses successfully.

Education and Achievements

Tara Spalding's academic journey began at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing. Her education laid the foundation for her successful career in technology and entrepreneurship.

Throughout her professional journey, Tara has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the community and the business landscape. Notably, she was recognized in 2020 by Utah Business as one of the 30 Women to Watch, celebrating her significant impact and leadership within her field. Tara’s efforts span across various organizations, reflecting her multifaceted expertise and commitment to advancement in technology and entrepreneurship.

In 2012, Tara founded Hen House Ventures, an early-stage incubator specifically designed to assist tech companies in their rapid scaling efforts as they enter massive markets. This initiative has contributed greatly to fostering innovation and propelling startups toward success. In addition, she holds a trustee position with VentureCapital.org, where she continues to advocate for the future of entrepreneurship and investment in the region.

Notable Career Milestones

Silicon Valley Beginnings: Tara's tech career initiated in Silicon Valley, where she self-taught software coding and become the first employee at SugarCRM, eventually rising to the role of Vice President of Marketing. This experience has profoundly shaped her understanding of the technological landscape and the importance of effective marketing strategies in driving business success.

Leadership in Marketing: Over her career, Tara has held several prominent positions, including Chief Marketing Officer at GroundWork Open Source and Vice President of Marketing at Magnet Systems. These roles have allowed her to hone her skills in positioning companies for growth while navigating the ever-evolving technological landscape.

Entrepreneurship Advocate: Tara’s journey has been marked by a dedication to community involvement and entrepreneurship. Her roles as Chief Program Officer and Director of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Program at Kinect Capital underscore her commitment to promoting entrepreneurship among diverse populations and ensuring equitable access to business resources.

Tara Spalding continues to be a guiding force in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Utah and beyond, dedicating her efforts to support emerging businesses while championing diversity and inclusion within the sector. Her expansive experience ranging from mentorship to direct involvement in startups highlights her as a key player in the transformation of Utah's entrepreneurial landscape.

Related Questions

How did Tara Spalding elevate the global status of Utah through her role at World Trade Center Utah?
What strategies did Tara Spalding implement to support women-led businesses during her tenure as Chairperson of Kinect WeAngels?
What impact did Tara Spalding's leadership have on the startup ecosystem while managing BoomStartup Accelerator?
How has Tara Spalding's educational background contributed to her successful career in entrepreneurship and technology?
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Location

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States