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, including support for eight western Colorado counties.
“The grants announced today support our work to build a Colorado for All. Colorado’s semiconductor ecosystem is primed for growth from within. By supporting its expansion across the state, including western Colorado, we can help more of our communities grow—and benefit from—the state’s semiconductor and advanced industries,” said OEDIT Executive Director, Eve Lieberman.
Semiconductor Industry Association data places Colorado in the top 10 states with the resources and business ecosystem to support a strong semiconductor industry. The Colorado CHIPS Community Support Program was designed to foster the expansion of this ecosystem while supporting the growth of new and emerging markets, including rural development.
“Colorado was ahead of the curve prioritizing the semiconductor industry for growth. Semiconductors are key enablers for advanced and growing technologies like aerospace and defense, AI, and quantum. Funding research and identifying opportunities outside of the Front Range will help broaden the geographic scope of these critical industries and diversify regional economies,” said Michelle Hadwiger, Director of OEDIT’s Global Business Development (GBD) Division.
Through this program, GBD is working to uncover supply chain and value chain assets that support the semiconductor industry throughout the state. The grants announced today will fund market studies to identify opportunities for development as well as marketing and promotional activities to increase awareness of Colorado’s strengths in these industries. Recipients include:
- Denver International Airport - $50,000
- Colorado River Valley Economic Development Partnership - $50,000 - Western Garfield County
- Douglas County Economic Development Corporation - $50,000
- Region 10 Economic Development District - $50,000 - Delta, Montrose, Gunnison, Ouray, San Miguel, Hinsdale Counties
- West End Economic Development Corporation - $50,000 - Naturita, Western Montrose County
The next award cycle for the CHIPS Community Support grant is open through September 30, 2025. Applicants may apply for market study, implementation or marketing grants.