New (not yet operating) businesses locating in Colorado's Rural Jump-Start zones that will hire new full-time employees can get a reimbursable matching operating grant of up to $15,000 ($25,000 in Tier 1 Just Transition communities), plus state and local tax relief.
Rural Jump-Start gives tax relief plus a reimbursable matching operating grant to new businesses that start in or move to a designated Rural Jump-Start zone (rural, economically distressed counties) and hire new employees. Operating grants are up to $15,000, or up to $25,000 in Tier 1 Just Transition communities. The program matches 25% of operating expenses such as rent, equipment, salaries, marketing and utilities. Applications are rolling, and grant benefits are accepted through June 30, 2028 or until grant funds are awarded.
Not operating (selling a product or service) in Colorado at the time of application
Located in a Rural Jump-Start zone
Cannot directly compete with the core function of another business operating in the applicant county or an adjacent economically distressed county
Exports goods and services outside the county
Forms a relationship with a program Sponsoring Entity
Not a sole proprietor
Plans to hire at least three to five qualifying New Hires by the 3rd full year in the program
Cap of 3 new grant awards per county
Topics
Money can be used for
Set-asides
Open opportunities funding similar work, from the same funder or in the same place.
Owners of Colorado buildings of 50,000 sq ft or more covered by Building Performance Colorado (private, nonprofit or qualifying public) can get $500k-$2M reimbursement (50-65% of costs) for electrification, efficiency…
All legal entities (businesses, nonprofits, governments, tribes, universities, individuals) may apply. Funds projects implementing the Quagga/Zebra Mussel Action Plan in Western U.S. waters: prevention, monitoring,…
Colorado farms, ranches and agricultural businesses can be reimbursed up to 50% of an intern's employment cost (max $5,000 per intern, up to 3 interns) for 2027 internships that give at least 130 hours of hands-on…
Businesses and other entities that will own and operate fast-charging sites (4+ ports at 150 kW+) in Colorado can apply for per-port incentives from a roughly $14M round closing Nov 13, 2026.
Colorado farmers and ranchers (plus conservation districts, nonprofits and extension offices) can get up to $30,000, with no match, to buy equipment or infrastructure that makes their operation more resilient to…
Colorado businesses and other entities replacing delivery or fleet vehicles with e-cargo bikes (1-6 bikes) can apply for $7,500-$50,000. Applications are due every other month; the next deadline is Dec 15, 2026.