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For Colorado businesses & researchersThe independent grant guide

Colorado grants.

For the business
you're building.

Find a grant that fits your next step. Check who can apply, when to apply and what cash you need to put in.
Find your grant
The Great Sand Dunes beneath the snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Colorado
Great Sand Dunes · Sangre de Cristo MountainsNPS / Patrick Myers

The grant list

Sources checked
October 30, 2026

5 grants in this guide

A starting list, not every grant in Colorado
ExportingAccepting applications

Advanced Industries Export Grant

For Colorado tech businesses that want to sell in a new export market. The grant pays back part of the approved costs of export marketing and business development.

When Rolling, while funding remains

Check eligibility and next steps

Who can apply

  • You make an advanced technology that affects one or more of Colorado's seven advanced industries.
  • Your main office is in Colorado, or at least 50% of your staff work in Colorado.
  • You have fewer than 200 staff worldwide and at least two years of U.S. sales.
  • You have a product or service ready to sell abroad. Your business must be registered and in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State.

What you need to fund

You pay the costs first. The grant then pays back up to half of approved costs, within the award cap. Staff pay and day-to-day running costs are excluded.

Your next step

Apply to OEDIT at least four to six weeks before your trip or planned work. Check which costs qualify before you spend. Send your claim within 30 days after your trip.

Source checked October 30, 2026
OEDIT

Read the official program rules
Rural businessesAccepting applications

Rural Jump-Start Operating Grant

For new businesses in a rural zone that plan to hire staff. Meet your local program sponsor before you start selling in Colorado.

When Through June 30, 2028, or until funds are awarded

Check eligibility and next steps

Who can apply

  • You have not started selling in Colorado when you apply. OEDIT allows some work to prepare for launch.
  • You must be in a listed zone, sell to customers outside the county, and work with a local program sponsor. Sole proprietors cannot apply.
  • Your core work must not compete with a business in the county or a nearby distressed county. You must plan for three or five qualifying new hires by your third full year.

What you need to fund

OEDIT's example pays back $5,000 on $20,000 of approved costs. Costs must come after approval to join the program. To claim the last $5,000 of your award, you must keep a qualifying new job for at least a year.

Your next step

Meet with your local sponsor to check the rules and funds left. New grant awards are capped at three per county. This listing covers the operating grant only.

Source checked October 30, 2026
OEDIT

Read the official program rules
TechnologyNext round announced

Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant

For Colorado tech businesses with a working prototype and a plan to bring it to market. You must have passed the proof of concept stage. The next round is not yet open.

When Scheduled to reopen January 4, 2027

Check eligibility and next steps

Who can apply

  • Your main office is in Colorado, or at least 50% of your staff work here. You must be in good standing with the Secretary of State.
  • Your yearly revenue is under $10 million. You have received less than $20 million from grants and outside investors since your business began.
  • Your project must affect a Colorado advanced industry. You need a tested prototype, rights to the technology and a plan to bring it to market.

What you need to fund

You need $2 in non-state cash for each $1 of grant funds. For a $250,000 award, that means $500,000 in cash from other sources. Donated time or goods do not count. Sign the grant agreement before spending grant funds; payments are made by reimbursement.

Your next step

Prepare your budget and proof of matching cash for the next round. A conditional award may give you six months to raise the match. Check the closing date when the round opens.

Source checked October 30, 2026
OEDIT

Read the official program rules
ResearchNext round announced

Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant

For work at an approved Colorado research institution or federal lab. Its technology transfer office helps bring research to market and starts the grant process. Businesses cannot apply on their own.

When Scheduled to reopen January 4, 2027

Check eligibility and next steps

Who can apply

  • Your project comes from an approved Colorado research institution or federal lab.
  • Your work brings an advanced technology closer to market. Basic research is excluded.
  • Your lab or research institution must supply non-state matching cash. Its transfer office starts the grant process.

What you need to fund

You need at least $1 in matching cash for each $3 requested from the state. A $150,000 request needs $50,000 in cash. Donated time or goods do not count.

Your next step

Ask the transfer office when it needs your plan. The next OEDIT round is set to open January 4, 2027. Your own review may need to start before then.

Source checked October 30, 2026
OEDIT

Read the official program rules
Workforce trainingOpening not confirmed

Skill Advance Colorado

For Colorado employers that want to train staff. Colorado First funds training for new hires at new or growing businesses. Existing Industry funds training for current staff.

When Fall 2026 opening anticipated, no exact date published

Check eligibility and next steps

Who can apply

  • Work with a local college to check if you qualify and plan the training.
  • Choose the program that fits your hiring or current staff needs.

What you need to fund

The current page does not state award limits or matching terms. Ask the college for the current rules before you set a budget.

Your next step

Use the program page to find your local college. Ask if you can apply now; the fall 2026 forecast is not a confirmed opening.

Source checked October 30, 2026
Colorado Community College System

Read the official program rules

Before
you apply.

The amount on offer is only part of the decision.

Know what you need to put in

Early-Stage Capital requires $2 in non-state matching cash for each $1 of grant funds. The Export Grant pays back approved costs after your activity. Plan for the cash you need before any grant payment arrives.

See the matching rules

Check the round before you start

An expected opening is not the same as an open application. Skill Advance still lists an anticipated fall opening. Ask the college about the current round before you prepare your application.

Check Skill Advance

Local focus.
Official sources.

Every listing links to the grant provider's own rules. We show when we checked them, so you can see what still needs a fresh look.

Read our approach

Business setup before applying

Check the grant's rules first. Forming an LLC or buying agent service does not qualify you for funding.