TRINIDAD — The Business Funding & Incentives Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced today that Bird & Squirrel Hydroponics, LLC, a pioneering hydroponics business, has been accepted into the Rural Jump-Start Program. Focused on cultivating and supplying high-quality herbs and leafy greens, hydroponic systems and technology, Bird & Squirrel Hydroponics will create new jobs and help diversify the local economy. 

How the Colorado SBDC network empowers Colorado's entrepreneurs at every stage of the business journey

Last year, the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network supported over 13,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses, helped launch more than 450 new businesses, created and retained over 3,300 jobs, and increased sales at small businesses by over $81 million. The SBDC also helped the state’s small businesses access over $120 million in funding.

Investing in Initiatives to Enhance Visitor Experiences Across the State

DENVER – The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), is pleased to announce the 12 recipients of the 2025 Tourism Management Grant. Organizations from across the state have been awarded grants for their innovative projects in the tourism sector including the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and nine rural counties.

DENVER – Today, the Business Funding & Incentives division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced a three-year Rural Jump-Start (RJS) grant program to continue to encourage economic development and job creation in economically distressed, rural counties of Colorado as approved by the Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC).

Colorado is leading the way in employee ownership, and we’re thrilled that it's making news across the state. Over the past year, several news articles have highlighted the Colorado Employee Ownership Office (EOO) and the advantages of employee ownership for small businesses. Research suggests employee-owned businesses create a more fulfilling work experience for employee-owners, including higher wages, reduced turnover, access to better benefits, and job security.

GRAND JUNCTION – Today, Governor Polis, the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) announced that Morgan Mining, a leading interdisciplinary construction, mining, engineering, and management firm, has selected Grand Junction, Colorado, for expansion. This project will grow the advanced manufacturing industry and create new, good-paying jobs in rural Colorado.

STATEWIDE – Today Governor Polis, the Department of Local Affairs Colorado Resiliency Office (DOLA CRO) and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced program outcomes after closing out their three and a half year Regional Resiliency and Recovery Roadmaps program, which resulted in the creation of 842 jobs and formation of $9,386,882 in capital across rural Colorado.

RANGELY- Today, Governor Polis and the Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced two Coal Transition Community grants to fund projects that will diversify local economies in western Colorado, including the Town of Rangely and the communities of Natarita and Nucla in the West End of Montrose County and Norwood in San Miguel County.