Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

09/14/2026

In Montrose, local businesses are proving that advanced manufacturing, sustainability, and employee-led growth thrive on the Western Slope, driving economic momentum across Colorado and beyond.⚙️ Here’s how these local trailblazers are making an impact:

•Supported by OEDIT’s Community Revitalization Grant, Colorado Outdoors houses world-renowned outdoor brands headquartered right here in Montrose, including Mayfly Outdoors, Ross Reels, Abel Reels, Airflo Fishing USA, and Montrose Anglers.

•Avient-Gordon Composites: As a primary manufacturing leader, they transform raw fiberglass and carbon fiber into high-tech continuous composites. Their specialized products—including high-performance components for premium archery bows, heavy industrial machinery, and ballistic armor—are exported globally.🌎

•Geyser Systems: Revolutionizing off-grid water conservation, this innovative outdoor recreation and cleantech startup created patented, ultra-low-flow portable hot shower systems. Their technology allows campers, military units, and disaster relief teams to get completely clean using less than a single gallon of water. Geyser Systems is a 2019 Rural Jump-Start recipient, and in 2021 attended the Green Trade Show in Mexico City through the Colorado Global Business Development’s State Trade Expansion Program. Recently, Geyser Systems secured a military contract. 🚿

•Rocky Mountain Steel, Inc.: Serving as a critical economic anchor for the rural Western Slope, this industry-leading steel fabrication and construction company supplies and installs structural and miscellaneous steel for major commercial, medical, educational, airport, and industrial projects throughout Colorado and neighboring states. In mid-2024, with assistance from the Colorado Employee Ownership Office, Rocky Mountain Steel transitioned into a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). 🏗️

When local businesses leverage partner resources like Manufacturer's Edge, our Rural Jump-Start Program, the Colorado Employee Ownership Office they gain extra backing to innovate, scale, and thrive.

Learn more about how OEDIT is empowering all to thrive in Colorado’s economy https://oedit.colorado.gov?utm_campaign=OEDIT+Website&utm_content=1789407603&utm_medium=Colorado+Office+of+Economic+Development+and+International+Trade&utm_source=facebook

09/14/2026

Colorado's 150th anniversary as a state is a landmark occasion to celebrate the state's spirit of hospitality. Welcoming over 96 million visitors in 2025, Colorado’s thriving tourism industry supports our local economies, fosters adventures, and provides every Coloradan and visitor the chance to experience all that our great state has to offer. A key pillar of supporting sustainable tourism is the Accessible Travel Program, run by our Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) in partnership with Wheel The World. 🏔️✨

This initiative directly aligns with the CTO Destination Stewardship Strategic Plan, demonstrating Colorado's dedicated efforts to provide inclusive and accessible experiences for all travelers, including those with disabilities and their companions. To date, over 300 locations across 10 Colorado destinations are accessibility verified, including Beaver Creek, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Estes Park, Glenwood Springs, Mountain Village, Pueblo, and Snowmass and Aspen. Here's to the next 150 years of welcoming everyone to explore the colorful spirit of Colorado! 💛

Learn more about the Accessible Travel Program 👇
https://oedit.colorado.gov/programs-and-funding/colorado-tourism-office/accessible-travel-program?utm_campaign=OEDIT+Website&utm_content=1789390812&utm_medium=Colorado+Office+of+Economic+Development+and+International+Trade&utm_source=facebook

09/11/2026

It’s hard to believe that the horrific 9/11 terrorist attack on our homeland was a quarter-century ago. For those who suffered loss, the pain is still fresh.​

Twenty-five years ago, Americans watched the unthinkable unfold, and in the days that followed, we saw the very best of America rise to meet it. We honor the 2,977 lives lost, thank the first responders who ran toward danger, and recommit to the unity that carried us through.​

In 2023, I had the opportunity to take a private tour of the Colorado Freedom Memorial and honor fallen service members. I’m grateful for the Colorado Freedom Memorial team and all those who help preserve the memory and legacy of those who gave all in service to our country.

Colorado stands with the families who carry this loss, and our flags fly at half-staff today in honor of them.

09/10/2026

Governor Jared Polis and our Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) division announced 25 new recipients of the Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grants. These grants support efforts by artists and arts organizations to preserve, celebrate and document local artistic traditions and the heritage of Colorado’s unique communities. The recipients announced today are located across the state in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Jefferson, La Plata, Larimer, Mesa, Montezuma, Phillips, Pueblo and Saguache counties. Check out the release for a full list of recipients and project descriptions 👇
https://oedit.colorado.gov/press-release/supporting-colorados-cultural-legacy-25-new-folk-and-traditional-arts-initiatives?utm_campaign=OEDIT+Website&utm_content=1789057806&utm_medium=Colorado+Office+of+Economic+Development+and+International+Trade&utm_source=facebook

DENVER — Today, the Colorado C

09/10/2026

The story of Colorado’s outdoors industry is as rugged and dynamic as our mountains. 🏔️✨What started with DIY gear and post-WWII innovation has grown into a $65.8 billion cornerstone of our economy, supporting over 400,000 jobs.

As we commemorate Colorado’s 150th anniversary, we’re honoring the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division and the pioneers who helped turn our mountains into a world-class destination. Today, 96% of Coloradans participate in outdoor recreation every year, making our state a global leader in retail, gear innovation, and mountain culture.

Read more with The Denver Gazette about the evolution of Colorado’s iconic outdoors industry👇

Gary Neptune, who climbed the Diamond on Longs Peak in the early 1970s with little beta, no guidebook and only a homemade hammock for sleeping on the rock face, couldn’t possibly foresee what his future outdoor gear store in 2026 would look like. Neptune had founded Neptune Mountaineering in Bould...

09/10/2026

As we commemorate Colorado’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th, we are reflecting on what it means to build a future for all Coloradans. 🏡✨ Building a thriving economy starts with a place to call home. Through the Community Revitalization Grant program, OEDIT’s Colorado Creative Industries is proud to have supported the creation of over 598 housing units, including over 500 units dedicated to workforce, affordable, and low-income housing.

This work represents a commitment to the long-term vitality of our state:
•58% of these projects are located in rural communities.🏔️
•85% include renewable or clean energy features.⚡
•49% are located in a designated Creative District.🎨
•84% are located in an Enterprise Zone or Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone.💼

By investing in housing that is sustainable, accessible, and community-focused, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant, resilient Colorado for the next 150 years.

Learn more about how we are investing in Colorado’s future👇
https://oedit.colorado.gov/?utm_campaign=OEDIT+Website&utm_content=1789045214&utm_medium=Colorado+Office+of+Economic+Development+and+International+Trade&utm_source=facebook

Welcome to the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT). We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by supporting small businesses and encouraging business expansion across the state. We also champion the industries that make Colorado unique, like the creative...

09/09/2026

Colorado is redefining how to build a future-ready workforce. 🏗️🛠️

Rather than focusing solely on tuition, Colorado is investing in the "training floors", like labs, equipment, and facilities that power industries. The Opportunity Now Tax Credit funds the essential infrastructure needed to scale specialized training. The expansion of the Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation in Colorado Springs is a prime example of this strategy in action, building durable, high-tech training capacity that directly meets employer demand. Additionally in 2024, Catalyst Campus was approved to receive a Collaborative Infrastructure Grant through the Advanced Industries Accelerator Program.

Learn more with Forbes about how OEDIT is supporting advanced industries throughout the state 👇

Most states subsidize worker training costs. Colorado's Opportunity Now Tax Credit funds the training buildings themselves. How the model works and why it's rare.

09/09/2026

In commemoration of 250 years of U.S. independence and 150 years of Colorado statehood the statewide drone show series "Stories in the Sky" will illuminate the skies and share stories of Colorado’s past and present ✨ This incredible initiative is made possible through the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commemoration Commission in partnership with the Colorado Tourism Office and Visit Denver, and sponsors.

Check out the Pagosa Springs Colorfest A250/C150 Drone and Glow Show on Sept. 19 from 2-8 p.m. at Yamaguchi Park. Events start at 2pm with the A250/C150 Drone Show and Colorfest Balloon Glow closing out an evening of fun! Learn more and check out upcoming Drone Shows: Stories in the Sky in your area

Drone Shows: Stories in the Sky -

09/09/2026

Have you registered for Colorado Startup Week? This weeklong event, happening Sept. 14-18 in Denver, CO, unites the entrepreneurial community in Colorado and beyond, celebrating great companies, innovation, ideas, and people. It includes sessions, presentations, panels, workshops, celebratory events, networking and more.

Join us for “Quantum Across the Atlantic: Building the French American Quantum Ecosystem in the Rocky Mountains” on Sept. 15 from 4:30-7 p.m., a Colorado Startup Week event bringing together leaders from industry, research, government, and economic development to explore growing connections between Colorado's quantum ecosystem and France's leadership in quantum science and technology. 👇
https://hub.catalyzerapp.com/public/events/quantum-across-the-atlantic-building-the-french-am-4037-372

Discover resources for your startup by attending the “Unlocking State Funding and Support for your Colorado Startup” session on Sept. 16 from 10-11 a.m. This session will cover programs that provide business advising, non-dilutive capital and financing for entrepreneurs. Bonus: Learn from a founder/startup that took advantage of the programming to share their story and how they navigated the capital funding options that the state provides. 👇
https://hub.catalyzerapp.com/public/events/unlocking-state-funding-and-support-for-your-color-4037-562

Plus, connect with the OEDIT's Global Business Development, Colorado Small Business Development Center, Employee Ownership Office, and the Minority Business Office at the resource hub! There will be plenty of other partners and organizations at the resource hub as well. No registration necessary, check it out at the Colorado Startup Week HQ 3rd Floor | 930 15th Street, Denver CO.

Learn more with Colorado Startup Week at https://www.costartupweek.com/

09/09/2026

📣¡Atención, empresarios de Colorado! ¿Conoce el Partner Outreach Program (POP)? POP es una red de socios colaboradores cuyo objetivo es garantizar que todos los habitantes del estado conozcan y tengan acceso a los diversos programas de apoyo al capital y a las empresas pequeñas que ofrece la Oficina de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio Internacional de Colorado (OEDIT).

A continuación, los recursos disponibles: Fondo de Préstamos para Empresas Emergentes de Colorado, CLIMBER, Reserva de Crédito de Colorado, Apoyo de Garantía en Efectivo y la Iniciativa de Crédito a las Empresas Pequeñas del Estado de Colorado.

Si ha tenido problemas para conseguir un préstamo, necesita un préstamo inferior a la media para empezar a funcionar o no ha pedido dinero prestado antes, estos recursos pueden ayudarlo a poner en marcha su empresa.

Para acceder a estos recursos, colabore con socios en su area para obtener más información o visite el sitio web del POP aquí ⬇️
https://oedit.colorado.gov/partner-outreach-program?utm_campaign=POP&utm_content=1762275642&utm_medium=Colorado+Office+of+Economic+Development+and+International+Trade&utm_source=facebook

OEDIT is committed to serving diverse Colorado businesses and also offers several capital programs that are statutorily mandated to reach a diverse pool of businesses that were negatively impacted by the pandemic and have been historically underserved. To provide wide-spread awareness and use of the...