Rural Development

Growing Colorado’s Semiconductor and Advanced Industry Ecosystems: Five New Market Study Grants Awarded Statewide

DENVER - Today, the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced five market study grants through the Colorado CHIPS Community Support Program. These grants will support Colorado communities interested in starting or growing local or regional semiconductor and advanced industries

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

From Classroom to Community: Empowering Rural Communities and Students Through Outdoor Recreation Planning

Abigale Purvis joined the Masters of the Environment (MENV) program at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) to specialize in Urban Resilience and Sustainability which focuses on creating strategies and policies that promote sustainability. With her background in urban park stewardship, Purvis pursued her masters to bridge her love

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

Regional Talent Summit Addresses South Central Colorado Workforce Needs

DURANGO – Today, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) along with La Plata Economic Development Alliance, Fort Lewis College, and The Attainment Network hosted a Regional Talent Summit at Fort Lewis College to convene industry and community leaders, discuss much needed career pathway solutions and begin

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

Creating Jobs and Saving People Money: Polis Administration Announces New Recycling Facility in Mesa County

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

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