Rural Development

Rural Jump-Start program helps start new businesses in economically distressed regions

For those living in rural Colorado, or those intrigued by that lifestyle and looking for a change of scenery, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) offers the Rural Jump-Start program for new businesses to launch or move their business from out of the state to rural, economically distressed areas of Colorado.

OEDIT’s Rural Technical Assistance Program and Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry help rural communities tap into the outdoor recreation economy 

Colorado has a lot to offer in terms of outdoor recreation and industry service providers, and for these reasons, manufacturers find the state a welcoming place to prosper while enjoying the quality of life Colorado communities provide. As rural communities seek opportunities to diversify their economies, the outdoor recreation industry should be considered. Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry accounts for $9.6 billion in consumer spending annually and contributed 120,000 direct jobs in 2020.

Colorado Creative Industries and Colorado Democrats Celebrate First Four Community Revitalization Grant recipients with event on Thursday, October 7

Denver - Senators Fenberg and Buckner as well as Representatives Lontine, Titone, and Benavidez, representatives of the Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) and other state Democrats will celebrate on Thursday the initial four Community Revitalization Grant recipients. 

Cold Case Gear: Archuleta County's First Rural Jumpstart Company

Cold Case Gear, a consumer goods start-up based in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, becomes the first participant from Archuleta County to be accepted into Colorado's Rural Jump-Start Program. The program requires sponsorship from a local institute of higher education and Durango's own Fort Lewis College has come on as a partner with Cold Case Gear. Together the two will work hand in hand to create unique opportunities for students.

Extraction Production to begin in Grand Junction

Those traveling through Grand Junction and the surrounding area in the next few weeks may run into some not-so-native creatures. The feature film production of Extraction is underway in the Grand Mesa.

Extraction is an action-driven horror film about an elite squad of soldiers who must extract a vaccine from a quarantine zone inhabited by deadly creatures. Filming starts August 1 with both student filmmakers and veterans supplementing a professional cast and crew.