DENVER - Today, the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced two market study grants and three marketing grants through the Colorado CHIPS Community Support Program. This funding will support Colorado communities interested in starting or growing local or regional semiconductor and advanced industries, including support for southern Colorado.
“Colorado’s semiconductor and advanced industries are primed for growth. By supporting their expansion across the state, including southern Colorado, we can help more of our communities grow and benefit from these important sectors of our economy,” 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 advanced industries account for nearly 30% of Colorado’s total wage earnings, approximately 30% of total sales revenue, and nearly 35% of the state’s total exports. 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 marketing in southern Colorado 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 and advanced industries throughout the state. The grants announced today will fund market studies to identify opportunities for industry development as well as marketing and promotional activities to increase awareness of regional strengths in these industries. The awards announced today include:
Market Study Grants - $50,000
To support the completion of market studies that analyze the existing semiconductor and advanced industries sectors and help define the area's competitive positioning and opportunities for development.
- City of La Junta
- City of Pueblo
Marketing Grants - $25,000
To support marketing and promotional activities targeted to semiconductors and advanced industries.
- City of Boulder
- City of Colorado Springs
- PuebloPlex