Grand Junction, Colorado (August 28, 2024)

​The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) has announced that 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. With a notable absence of a reliable source of clear cocktail ice for crafting premium cocktails, many establishments have either resorted to using “pebble” ice or engaged in the labor-intensive process of making clear ice in small batches.

“I’m excited to provide something to Mesa County that’s new and can help with our place in the state as a tourist destination. I’ve seen bar professionals in the area working to improve the quality of their ice for premium drinks and Grand Valley Ice provides a solution for them.” said Chris Bonds, owner of Grand Valley Ice.

The company stands out as the only local option for obtaining clear ice without the need to travel to Denver or Salt Lake City. Their entry into the market will provide a much-needed service and enable customers to have a competitive edge, attracting customers seeking a superior experience.  Grand Valley Ice plans to purchase an additional machine within the first 12 months of operation, allowing it to expand its reach to customers throughout western Colorado, including Mesa County, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, and Snowmass. 

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership has worked closely with Grand Valley Ice during their Rural Jump-Start application, which will now provide the company with financial incentives and tax relief to not only help them launch and grow, but also contribute to the overall economic growth of Mesa County through future creation of new employment and supporting local businesses.

“We are excited to see Grand Valley Ice grow in Mesa County! Programs like Rural Jump-Start have proven to be valuable tools in helping innovative companies get started and achieve sustainable success in our community. We look forward to continuing to work with Grand Valley Ice and supporting their development.” said Curtis Englehart, Executive Director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership.

The Rural Jump-Start Program, an initiative designed to foster economic development and create new job opportunities in rural communities, provides eligible companies with lucrative tax incentives, cash grants, and workforce development opportunities. The program originated in Mesa County in 2015 and was spearheaded by Colorado Mesa University (CMU), local business leaders, and economic development partners.

Through the program, Grand Valley Ice can now receive significant tax breaks and cash grants for up to 8 years. This includes eligibility to receive cash grant funding up to $20,000 to help offset startup costs for its new business division and up to $2,500 per new hire. Grand Valley Ice can also collaborate with Colorado Mesa University faculty to access its talent pipeline for internships, recent graduates, and alumni.

To be eligible for the program, businesses must be new to the state of Colorado or create a new division with a minimum of five new jobs, must add to the economic base and export goods or services.

Grand Valley Ice will operate through the Business Incubator Center, a local nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate the growth of innovative businesses through customized support and collaborative partnerships. “By participating in our Incubator Intensive Program, Chris Bonds benefits from tailored consulting with industry experts and access to incentivized space uniquely suited to his business needs. We’re thrilled to see an Air Force veteran like Chris making meaningful strides in our community, and we’re proud that our partners at GJEP help bring programs like the Rural Jump-Start into play. This collaboration is a great example of how working together can fuel entrepreneurship and drive economic growth in Mesa County,“ said Dalida Sassoon Bollig, CEO of the Business Incubator Center. 

Grand Valley Ice is the 29th Mesa County company to be approved for the Rural Jump Start-Program initiated with the assistance of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership. To learn more about the program, please contact us today.