LOGAN COUNTY — Governor Polis and the Business Funding & Incentives (BF&I) division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced today that The School of Reps, LLC, a sports and athletic company, has joined the Rural Jump-Start Program. The School of Reps plans to open an indoor athletic training facility in Sterling, Colorado, to serve youth athletes and their families from across northeastern Colorado, creating new jobs and helping to diversify the local economy.
“Rural Jump-Start is supporting new businesses across Colorado and I’m excited to welcome The School of Reps creating a new athletic training facility in Sterling. This investment bolsters the local economy and supports young athletes and families in northeastern Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis.
With the new indoor athletic training facility, The School of Reps plans to create a regional hub for athletic training and recreation, serving youth athletes and families in Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, and Washington counties, as well as the Nebraska Panhandle. The facility will provide AI-enhanced skill development, batting cage rentals, team practice space, strength and conditioning programs, camps, and community-based classes.
“Helping coach my kids’ teams opened my eyes. We saw a need in the area for a place for kids to play, train, get good feedback, feel supported, hang out and have fun. That is what The School of Reps is all about,” said Ryan Lock, Co-Founder of The School of Reps.
“I have wanted a place like this for athletes I coached for years. Our area’s athletes have incredible potential and they deserve these tools close to home. This is a big reason our three families came together to create this space,” said Anna McClary, Co-Founder of The School of Reps.
The Rural Jump-Start program encourages economic development and job creation in economically distressed, rural counties of Colorado. This funding supports regional economic and workforce development activities that seek to expand local business, create new good-paying jobs, and strengthen and diversify local economies. The company will receive $15,000 in grant funding to support the launch of its operations and eligible employees will also receive a state personal income tax exemption. Sponsoring entities like Logan County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC) help identify business candidates in their communities and work with each business to support its success in the program and in the community.
“We are thrilled to support The School of Reps and the growth of this exciting new facility in Sterling, Colorado. The Rural Jump-Start program is a vital tool to support new businesses, create new jobs and strengthen communities across our state,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.
“LCEDC is excited about what The School of Reps will bring to our community. Youth sports are an important part of rural communities and their training facility will offer valuable resources generally only found in larger metro areas,” said Trae Miller, LCEDC Executive Director.
To learn more about the Rural Jump-Start program, please contact Quina Weber-Shirk at quina.webershirk@state.co.us.