As 2025 draws to a close, OEDIT is looking back at a year of statewide impact for Coloradans and our economy. From securing the iconic Sundance Film Festival for Boulder in 2027, to job creation, supporting innovation, and boosting the creative economy, this year was defined by our commitment to empowering every Coloradan to thrive. Dive into the year’s top 10 announcements that supported this success.
Our Global Business Development (GBD) division announced that Morgan Mining, a leading interdisciplinary construction, mining, engineering, and management firm, selected Grand Junction for expansion. This move is projected to create 893 jobs, helping advance our manufacturing industry and create new, good-paying jobs in western Colorado.
OEDIT Announces Grants to 35 Colorado Startups and Researchers in the Advanced Industries
Coloradans are driving innovation across the state, and OEDIT continues to support their advancements with the Advanced Industries Accelerator (AIA) Program. In May, this program awarded Proof of Concept and Early-Stage Capital and Retention grants to 22 Colorado companies and 13 researchers, helping accelerate commercialization and increase access to early stage capital for our state’s advanced industries. Since 2013, AIA programs have helped companies in Colorado create and retain over 12,000 jobs and assisted recipients in raising nearly $4.3 billion in third-party capital.
Polis Administration Announces Higher Purpose Homes and VeroTouch as Latest IHIP Grant Recipients
In February, Durango-based Higher Purpose Homes and Buena Vista-based VeroTouch were announced as the latest recipients of the Innovative Housing Incentive Program (IHIP), which supports the development of the off-site construction industry. Both companies’ off-site construction practices help produce housing more efficiently and at a lower cost, while creating more stable, year-round, high-quality jobs.
Boulder, Colorado Named New Host of Sundance Film Festival Beginning in 2027
Generating excitement in Colorado and abroad, the Sundance Institute announced Boulder, Colorado as the new host of the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. OEDIT supported a strong proposal in partnership with a coalition of local partners, including Visit Boulder, the City of Boulder, the Boulder Chamber, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the Stanley Film Center. Colorado and OEDIT look forward to supporting the festival’s continued growth and success, while also boosting the state’s creative economy and small businesses.
Colorado Tourism Office Unveils 2025 Tourism Management Grant Awardees
Our Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) announced 12 new recipients for this year’s Tourism Management Grant which supports projects advancing the visitor experience while also promoting responsible use of Colorado’s natural and cultural resources. Nine rural counties and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe were awarded grants this year.
State of Colorado Expands Dark Sky Certification Program to State Parks
The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is also highlighted in this release for a new program that helps protect Colorado’s stunning night skies. In collaboration with DarkSky Colorado and Colorado Parks & Wildlife, the CTO launched the Colorado State Parks Dark Sky Certification Mentor Program, building on the success of the Colorado Dark Sky Certification Mentor Program. These Dark Sky programs assist State Parks and regional tourism organizations with the implementation of strategies that reduce light pollution and protect Colorado’s stunning night skies, enhancing responsible tourism across the state.
Raven Space Systems Chooses Colorado for New Headquarters, Bringing 392 New Jobs
Companies continue to choose Colorado and in August, Raven Space Systems, a 3D printing company specializing in aerospace-grade composites, selected Broomfield, Colorado for their new headquarters and manufacturing facility. With this move, Raven joins Colorado’s thriving aerospace ecosystem which includes more than 2,000 aerospace companies helping return Americans to the moon, supporting the development of the James Webb Space Telescope that has helped us see the universe in new ways, and hosting half of our nation’s Space Force.
MICHELIN Guide Announces First Two-Star Restaurant in Colorado
Colorado’s culinary scene is booming, highlighted in the MICHELIN Guide’s third annual selection for Colorado. This year’s list revealed our state’s first two-star restaurant, in addition to three new one-star restaurants. Over 50 Colorado restaurants are now recognized by the MICHELIN Guide.
Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) announced the first 10 recipients of the Community Revitalization Tax Credit (CRTC). These projects will support the development of 185 affordable housing units plus community gathering spaces, childcare services, and multigenerational learning spaces across the state.
Colorado Unveils Landmark Economic Development Tool
OEDIT’s Rural Opportunity Office released Colorado’s first Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a strategic action plan that outlines an economic vision and goals for all four corners of Colorado and every community in between. CEDS have been shown to help economic development initiatives attract investment and lead to more consistent, positive outcomes when funding is secured.
To discover more announcements from OEDIT, visit our news page for additional stories.