Rural Development

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

Pueblo and Southern Colorado Leaders Discuss Region’s Workforce and Broadband Needs

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

Boosting Rural Business Development: Governor Polis and OEDIT Introduce Rural Jump-Start Operating Grants

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

In the Spotlight: Employee Ownership Showcases A Better Succession Model for Small Businesses

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