The Business Funding & Incentives Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced today that Higher Purpose Homes, Ltd. is the first Montezuma County business to join the Rural Jump-Start (RJS) program. The RJS program is intended to encourage economic development and job creation in rural communities across the state.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Higher Purpose Homes to the Rural Jump-Start Program. Their work will create new jobs in rural Colorado while creating much-needed housing for Coloradans, helping to grow the Montezuma economy and advancing Colorado as a state,” said Jeff Kraft, Deputy Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
Higher Purpose Homes is a manufacturer of modular housing and panelized frames. The company is planning to open a manufacturing facility in Montezuma County focused on providing affordable, environmentally sustainable homes. In the next four years, Higher Purpose Homes, Ltd. plans to hire 160 New Hires, with an emphasis on skill development and training. The positions will primarily include framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, and finishing. Other positions will include quality control, floor management, and support staff.
“Our mission is to Build Sustainable Communities. By building sustainable, affordable housing and upskilling our local workforce in the process, we will help to solve our affordable housing crisis. The Rural Jump-Start program will go a long way in helping us accomplish our mission and saving our rural communities,” said Nick Lemmer, Co-Founder of Higher Purpose Homes.
The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved Higher Purpose Homes, Ltd. to participate in the Montezuma County RJS Zone. Through the RJS program, businesses that start in or move to RJS zones can qualify for relief from the state business income tax, the sales and use tax, and county/municipal business personal property taxes. Qualified employees also receive relief from their state personal income tax. In addition, businesses are eligible for a general operating grant of up to $20,000 and up to $2,500 per qualified new hire. These grants are intended to support regional economic and workforce development activities that expand local business, create new good-paying jobs, and create more diversified and strong local economies.
RJS zones are designated to spur economic growth and job creation in economically distressed, rural counties of Colorado. Montezuma County initially opted into the program in 2017 and passed a resolution in support of renewal of the designation on 2020. The Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC) approved the application in 2020.