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. 

GRAND JUNCTION – Today, Governor Polis, the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) announced that Bruin Waste Management will expand in Grand Junction, Colorado, with support from the state’s Rural Jump-Start Program. Bruin Waste Management will launch a new, independent division focused on advancing recycling and materials sortation to better serve Western Colorado’s waste management and sustainability needs.

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.

PUEBLO – Today, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD) hosted a Regional Talent Summit at the Pueblo Convention Center to convene industry and community leaders, discuss much needed career pathway solutions and begin developing tactical workforce plans to ensure that Colorado workers develop the skills employers need.

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.

SAGUACHE — The Business Funding & Incentives Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced today that Saguache County has been designated as a Rural Jump-Start Zone. This designation is intended to encourage economic development and job creation by offering new businesses or businesses that move to these zones significant financial benefits.

DENVER – Today, the Business Support division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced 17 businesses selected to receive the Cannabis Business Office’s (CBO) Cannabis Business Grant, an innovative program to support small businesses, bolster the industry, foster equity and diversity in the cannabis industry, and create good-paying jobs for Coloradans.