DENVER - Today, the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced the first grant recipients of the Colorado CHIPS Community Support Program. These grants will support Colorado communities interested in starting or growing local and regional semiconductor and advanced industries, including Mesa County in western Colorado, Larimer and Weld counties in northern Colorado, and nine counties in southern Colorado.
“Colorado is a leader in the advanced industries, including the semiconductor industry, and we are positioning Colorado to capture unprecedented federal funding opportunities,” said OEDIT Executive Director, Eve Lieberman. “The grants announced today support our work to build a Colorado for all, as we remain committed to helping communities across the state diversify their economies and benefit from the good-paying jobs these industries provide.”
The Colorado CHIPS Community Support Program is one of several state programs launched by the Polis Administration to strategically grow Colorado’s semiconductor industry, including the CHIPS Refundable Tax Credits and CHIPS Zones. The Semiconductor Industry Association places Colorado in the top 10 states with the resources and business ecosystem to support a strong semiconductor industry. Additionally, unprecedented federal funding opportunities through legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act are poised to accelerate the growth of these industries across the nation.
The Colorado CHIPS Community Support Program was designed to foster the expansion of Colorado’s existing semiconductor and advanced industries while supporting their growth in new and emerging markets, including rural development.
“Colorado was ahead of the curve prioritizing the semiconductor industry for growth. The Global Business Development team identified the opportunity to leverage federal funding early on, and set aside state funds to unlock CHIPS and Science Act support for Colorado companies. This grant continues our work to help semiconductor companies thrive in our state and support rural communities as they explore ways to grow their advanced industries,” said Michelle Hadwiger, Director of OEDIT’s Global Business Development Division.
The grants announced today will fund market studies to identify opportunities for development as well as marketing and promotional activities to increase awareness of Colorado’s strengths in these industries.
Market Study Grants
- Grand Junction Economic Partnership - $50,000 - Includes Grand Junction and Mesa County
- Southern Colorado Economic Development District - $50,000 - Includes Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Crowley, Custer, Huerfano, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers Counties
- Upstate Colorado Economic Development - $41,415 - Includes Larimer and Weld Counties
Marketing Grants
- Longmont Economic Development Partnership - $25,000
- City of Fort Collins - $25,000
The second award cycle for the CHIPS Community Support grant is open through September, 30, 2024. Applicants may apply for market study, implementation or marketing grants.