Grand Junction, CO (May 9, 2023) —
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) have announced 27 recipients of the EDO Action Grant, supporting economic development efforts throughout Colorado.
The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) and the Business Incubator Center (BIC) were among the recipients of the grant. GJEP was awarded $31,600, and BIC was awarded $40,000 to support economic development initiatives within Mesa County. Both organizations operate as 501(c)(3) non-profits and work in partnership to support regional economic development.
GJEP works to create quality jobs and expand capital investment in Mesa County through the attraction, expansion, and retention of primary business. GJEP promotes the region to investors seeking to relocate or expand into Mesa County, connects businesses with local, state, and federal incentives, and provides unique portfolios of available land and commercial real estate by working directly with brokers. The Grand Junction Economic Partnership will utilize the grant to support its proactive recruitment efforts by increasing strategic prospect engagement through industry trade shows, conferences, events, and strategic marketing efforts to generate 50 new business prospects in 2023.
In 2022, GJEP released its annual report citing seven wins in the form of a business expansion or relocation and nine local assists. GJEP’s work supported the creation of 83 actual jobs in 2022 and 333 potential jobs with a total economic impact of $15,690,242.
“GJEP is committed to making Mesa County a place of opportunity for generations to come by diversifying our economy and bringing primary jobs to our community. We are grateful for the support of OEDIT and local economic development partners, including the Business Incubator Center. The OEDIT Action Grant will go a long way in supporting economic development efforts in the region.” said Curtis Englehart, Executive Director of GJEP.
The Business Incubator Center (BIC) is the oldest business incubator in Colorado. As a key pillar of economic development, BIC supports the recruitment, launch, growth, stabilization, and long-term success of business enterprises in Mesa County and the surrounding region through seven programs: the Grand Junction Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Business Loan Fund of Mesa County, Mesa County Enterprise Zone, two world-class incubator programs, F-works and the Grand Junction MakerSpace.
The Business Incubator Center will utilize the OEDIT Action Grant to increase capacity and efficiencies for its existing 2,500 sq. ft. Commercial Kitchen Incubator Program utilized by businesses in the food industry. In 2022, BIC helped create 421 new jobs, retained 136 jobs, served 369 entrepreneurs, and supported the launch of 26 new startups in an effort to continue diversifying the economy to support a thriving, dynamic entrepreneurial bed of small businesses in Mesa County and the surrounding region.
“Receiving this grant is a tremendous boost to our efforts to increase capacity and spur economic growth in our region. With this funding, we can expand our resources, strengthen our partnerships, and empower businesses to thrive. We are grateful for this opportunity and committed to making the most of it,” said Dalida Sassoon Bollig, CEO of the BIC.
Support and recognition for these local organizations through OEDIT and the EDCC highlight Mesa County’s economic development momentum as the region grows to be a place of opportunity and vitality.
“By supporting local economic development efforts across Colorado, these EDO Action Grants further the State’s commitment to build and sustain a strong Colorado economy that works for everyone, particularly in our rural communities. We look forward to celebrating the milestones these communities reach as a result of these grants,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Selena Sanchez
Director of Marketing & Communications | GJEP
selena@gjep.org | 970-245-4332 ext. 6
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