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Polis: 'Garage Startups Are Going To Employ Thousands Of People'

BROOMFIELD, Colo. (CBS4) - A 9-year-old entrepreneur helped kick off National Startup Day in Colorado on Wednesday.

Jack Bonneau challenged Rep. Jared Polis to a drone flying competition. Bonneau is the founder of Jack's Lemonade Stands.

The drones they flew belonged to Broomfield startup UAS Professionals. It's a company that trains businesses wanting to use drones.

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Rep. Jared Polis is shown a drone (credit: CBS)

Polis says startups are an important part of the economy.

"I've got to visit several companies today up and down the Front Range; Fort Collins, Loveland, Broomfield, Boulder," Polis said. "Some of today's garage startups are going to employ thousands of people in five or 10 years."

National Startup Day was created as a way to encourage local mayors and lawmakers to check out the startups that are in their town.

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