Rocky Mountain Steel, Inc. Becomes 100% Employee Owned

OLATHE – Today, Gov. Polis and the Colorado Employee Ownership Office, housed within the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), announced that Rocky Mountain Steel, Inc., based in Olathe, Colorado, is now 100% employee owned. The company transitioned to a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in June with support from the Employee Ownership Office.

Good for Colorado’s Economy: Legislative Session Advances Historic Initiatives to Strengthen Colorado and Grow Businesses

DENVER – The 2024 legislative session delivered real results for Colorado businesses of all sizes and positioned the state’s economy to continue to thrive. From nation-leading investments to strengthen Colorado’s workforce and create housing Coloradans can afford near job centers to cutting taxes and increasing certainty for business leaders, Colorado is doubling down on its commitment to be the best place to start and grow a business.

Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center Wins the 2024 National Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Center Award from Small Business Administration

AURORA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has recognized the Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as this year’s winner of the SBDC Excellence and Innovation Center award. The center is being recognized for its pivotal role in driving economic growth in Colorado and fostering the spirit, support and success of the state’s entrepreneurs and innovators.

Governor Polis, OEDIT Announce 180 Small Business Accelerated Growth Program Grants

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade’s (OEDIT) Business Support division announced 180 Small Business Accelerated Growth Programs grants to support small businesses in Colorado. Consisting of 113 Access to Capital grants and 67 Digital Marketing grants, these $5,000 awards will help small business owners across the state secure financing to grow their businesses. They will also help businesses establish an online presence, utilize website best practices, and focus on social media to reach more customers.

Polis Administration Announces New SBDC Satellite Services to Support Business Development and Job Creation in Northwest Colorado

Today, Governor Polis and the Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced Coal Transition Community funding to establish a Northwest Small Business Development Center (SBDC) satellite office in northwest Colorado. The new office will serve Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt counties, supporting the creation and growth of small businesses as local communities look to diversify their economies and create new jobs.

Continuing to Grow the Cannabis Industry: OEDIT Announces First Recipients of Landmark Cannabis Loan Program

Today, the Cannabis Business Office (CBO) within the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced the first recipients of Colorado’s Cannabis Business Loan Program, implemented in partnership with mission-based lender NuProject. These landmark loans will help social equity licensed cannabis businesses expand operations, increase revenues and retain or create new jobs.  

Press Release: Supporting Small Businesses Across Colorado: Polis Administration Awards 40 Digital Marketing Grants

Today, Governor Polis and the Business Support division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced the 40 recipients of the digital marketing grant that is distributed through the Small Business Accelerated Growth Program. This grant awards small businesses in Colorado $5,000 to help business owners across the state establish an online presence with a focus on social media and website best practices.