THE RURAL JUMP-START PROGRAM
Offering new and expanding businesses key tax benefits to help you grow and succeed
Rural Jump-Start is a project locally born in Grand Junction, CO, and part of a statewide effort to provide more opportunities for employment and career growth in rural areas in Colorado. Participating companies are eligible to receive significant tax breaks and cash grants for up to 8 years. If a business is located in a Rural Jump Start zone, they can receive up to $20,000 as a newly established business and up to $2,500 per new hire.
Want to learn more about this program?
8 years, no taxes
100% credits on state income taxes for employees.
No sales, property, business, or corporate taxes for qualifying businesses for a minimum of four years, and the opportunity to extend for another 4 years.
Additonal cash grants and incentives.
Access to top academia
Colorado Mesa University will connect you to the best and brightest emerging talent in Mesa County. Take advantage of new facilities like the on-campus innovation center. Tap into the university’s business and technology skill set or partner with more hands-on talent in welding, machining, and process systems technology through CMU Tech.
A supportive network
The Grand Junction Economic Partnership is the official economic development agency for Mesa County.
We are your gateway to the local business community and we can help you discover the right location, the best talent and all of the incentives available to you.
Rural Jump-Start Success Stories
Past And Current Jump-Start Participants
ACOM Unlimited | Adaptive Towers | Certek Heating | Dude Solutions | eCo Super Structures | FHE USA LLC | Grand Valley Ice | Growanything Foundation/Hydropot | Hayden Data | Jabil Lewis Engineering | KAART | Lyttle’s Fleet | Mosaic Housing | Phoenix Haus | ProStar Geocorp | Rocky Mountain Manufacturing | SCORD | Skyhook Solar | Sky Peak Technologies | Spares in Motion |
Spartan Drill Tools | Valkyrie Recovery Systems | Violet Gro
FAQ ABOUT THE RURAL JUMP-START PROGRAM
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Is my business eligible?
This program is focused on startups, new divisions, new joint ventures or otherwise new businesses to the State of Colorado.
- Your business must create a minimum of 5 new jobs in Mesa County.
- You cannot be moving existing jobs away from another part of the state.
- Your business cannot directly compete with the core functions of another business within Mesa County or an adjacent county.
- Your business must add to our economic base and exports goods or services outside of Mesa County.
Learn more by visiting oedit.colorado.gov/rural-jump-start-program or contact the Grand Junction Economic Partnership to get started.
How do I apply for the Rural Jump-Start Program?
The application process and guidelines live at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade’s (OEDIT) website at oedit.colorado.gov/rural-jump-start-program. Interested businesses will need to create an account through OEDIT’s application portal and begin submitting required documentation.
Need assistance applying? We are here to help!
To date, GJEP has helped 29 companies with their approval into the Rural Jump-Start Program. Contact us today to get started!
How can I get connected with Colorado Mesa University?
GJEP staff is happy to facilitate a connection between your business and Colorado Mesa University. Whether you are part of the Jump-Start Program or not, we encourage you to connect with CMU to engage with their faculty, alumni, and pipeline of emerging talent ready to help your business succeed.
Contact us today to learn more!
What does the application process look like?
Step 1: Begin a conversation with GJEP staff to determine if the Rural Jump-Start Program is right for you.
Step 2: We will initiate a conversation with OEDIT and CMU to discuss the program details and how your business can collaborate with CMU.
Step 3: Complete and submit your application.
Step 4: Competition and application review.
Step 5: Final application review and approval by the state Economic Development Council.
How long does the application process take?
The application process typically takes approximately 2 months; however, your business may begin operating in Mesa County once your application has been submitted.
Once approved, how do I claim tax benefits?
Step 1: File an annual report
Each year at the end of January, OEDIT staff will alert Rural Jump-Start businesses of the upcoming Annual Report due in the OEDIT Salesforce portal(opens in new window). Typically, Annual Reports are due by the last day of February, for the previous year. Your annual report will include information on business performance such as:
- The number of employees, new hires, and owners;
- Geographic areas of sales;
- Product updates; and
- How you support the sponsoring entity’s mission.
Step 2: File DR 0113 with the Colorado Department of Revenue
After reviewing a business’s Annual Report, OEDIT staff present all reports for approval to the EDC. Pending EDC approval, tax certificates for the business, qualified New Hires, and owners will be sent to the business for its distribution.
For full details and the most up-to-date information, please visit oedit.colorado.gov/rural-jump-start-program
If approved, can I claim additional tax benefits?
Businesses that claim the Rural Jump-Start tax credit may not claim any other Colorado tax incentive for establishing the business, including tax incentives for hiring net new employees.
Please view full details and current information by visiting oedit.colorado.gov/rural-jump-start-program
Mesa County’s Rural Jump-Start News
Grand Valley Ice Approved for Rural Jump-Start Program, Bringing Premium Cocktail Ice to Mesa County
Grand Valley Ice, a locally born start-up, has been approved for the Rural Jump-Start Program. This innovative new business aims to fill a significant gap in Mesa County by providing clear, premium-quality cocktail ice to local bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.
Grand Valley Ice works to address a local market need as Mesa County’s growing population and thriving tourism industry have led to an increased demand in upscale alcoholic beverage establishments.
Skyhook Solar Relocates to Grand Junction and Joins Rural Jump-Start Program
Skyhook Solar, a manufacturer of transportable, industrial-grade solar generators has selected Grand Junction as its new home and was accepted into the Rural Jump Start Program. The company’s core technology provides transportable, industrial-grade solar generators that can provide power to EVs, micromobility, internet access, lighting, and emergency services in public spaces.
Spartan Drill Tools Accepted Into Rural Jump Start Program with Expansion of New Product Line
The Grand Junction Economic Partnership has announced today that Fruita-based company, Spartan Drill Tools, was approved for the Rural Jump Start Program through the Economic Development Commission (EDC) as part of its business expansion into Grand Junction with a new product line.