By Alissa Johnson, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

On March 4, the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced the latest market study 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 support for 15 counties and two tribes across Colorado, from Archuleta to Routt to Yuma counties.

“Colorado’s semiconductor ecosystem is primed for growth from within. By supporting its expansion in more parts of the state, we can help more Colorado communities leverage this opportunity and grow the state’s semiconductor industry,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman. “The grants announced … support our work to build a Colorado for all, helping communities across the state diversify their economies and benefit from the good-paying jobs these industries provide.”

The Semiconductor Industry Association places Colorado in the top 10 states with the resources and business ecosystem to support a strong semiconductor industry. 

The Colorado CHIPS Community Support program is one of several state programs launched by the Polis administration to strategically grow Colorado’s semiconductor and advanced industry ecosystems, including the CHIPS refundable tax credits and CHIPS zones.

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. Critical and emerging technologies are significant economic drivers, and this funding opportunity helps to advance the goals of local economies outside of the Front Range,” said Michelle Hadwiger, director of OEDIT’s Global Business Development Division.

Through this program, the Global Business Development Division is working to uncover supply chain and value chain assets that support the semiconductor industry throughout the state.

 The grants announced 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.

Receiving grants are:

• Northeastern Colorado Economic Development Organizations Consortia, $50,000: Sedgwick, Phillips, Morgan, Logan, Washington, and Yuma counties.

• Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado, $47,000: Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan counties, and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.

• Denver South, $45,000.

• Clear Creek Economic Development Corporation, $50,000.

• Routt County Economic Development Partnership, $50,000.

About OEDIT’s Global Business Development Division

Global Business Development is a division of OEDIT. It supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. 

We align our portfolio of programs, services and incentives with industries that benefit Colorado companies and elevate the state’s national and international competitiveness. 

The division also hosts foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado. 

With a highly educated and motivated workforce, a thriving innovation economy, and nation-leading entrepreneurial spirit, Colorado is a top market for business development.

About OEDIT

OEDIT works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. 

Under the leadership of the governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. 

We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining and expanding Colorado businesses, and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. 

Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire — and make it accessible to everyone.