Rural

Polis Administration Launches Program to Support Thriving Rail Lines in Coal Transition Communities

Supporting increased business activity and setting the stage for passenger rail

CRAIG – Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), including the Business Funding and Incentives division and the Rural Opportunity Office, announced the Freight Rail Tax Credit program to diversify business use

Colorado for All: New Statewide Economic Development Planning Tool Emphasizes Regional Collaboration

Public Comment Period Open through July 5

DENVER – Today, the Rural Opportunity Office within the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) released a draft of the 2025 Colorado Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This statewide CEDS is a five-year strategic action plan that articulates an

InnerFrame Launches in La Plata County, Advancing Mental Wellness and Job Creation through Rural Jump-Start Program

DURANGO — The Business Funding & Incentives Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced today that Durango-based InnerFrame, a media technology company focused on personal development and mental well-being, has been accepted into the Rural Jump-Start Program.

InnerFrame is an innovative technology company

Italian Food Emporium Joins Rural Jump-Start Program, Bringing Artisan Pasta to Montrose

MONTROSE — The Business Funding & Incentives Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced today that Italian Food Emporium, LLC, an artisanal pasta manufacturing company, has joined the Rural Jump-Start (RJS) Program. Committed to time-honored Italian pasta-making techniques, Italian Food Emporium will create new

Growing Rural Businesses: Pioneering Hydroponics Business Plants Roots in Las Animas County

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

Colorado SBDC: Statewide Support for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

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

Boosting Rural Business Development: Governor Polis and OEDIT Introduce Rural Jump-Start Operating Grants

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

In the Spotlight: Employee Ownership Showcases A Better Succession Model for Small Businesses

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

Bringing 893 New Jobs to Western Colorado: Morgan Mining to Expand Manufacturing Industry in Grand Junction and Mesa County

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