The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) program is designed to help rural communities comprehensively diversify their local economy and create a more resilient Colorado.
Who Should Apply
Municipal and county governments are eligible to apply and can pass funds through to some partners as defined in the application instructions.
- In order to be characterized as rural, a county must have less than 50,000 people and a municipality must have less than 25,000 people and not be adjacent to a municipality with more than 25,000 people.
Eligible Projects
Projects that will be funded include plans, construction, programs, and capacity building. All applications must create and retain jobs, either direct or indirect. Projects should fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Job creation and retention - Both through direct and indirect means.
- Capacity building - Under special circumstances, the Department of Local Affairs will consider funding local economic development capacity. Staff must be tied to a specific outcome, project, and timeline, which contributes to goals of job creation, business attraction/retention, and economic resilience.
- Economic resilience - Economic resilience is the ability of a community’s economy and systems that support the economy to withstand disruption and thrive in the face of change.
- Supports entrepreneurial ecosystems - Entrepreneurial ecosystems provide trainings, networking opportunities, and infrastructure to support local entrepreneurs.
All projects should be identified as a priority for the community within a comprehensive and holistic approach.
The Application Process
The next Rural Economic Development Initiative grant cycle will open February 12, 2025 and close March 12, 2025.
Applications should be submitted through the DOLA Grants Portal.
- Application Instructions and Guidelines
- Rural Economic Development Initiative Budget Financials Template
- Rural Economic Development Initiative webinar video
Resources
Contact Information
Initial Interest
Direct inquiries regarding initial program interest to your Regional Manager. Use the other program contacts once the initial process with your Regional Manager is complete.
Program Contact
Kate Guibert
Rural Prosperity Manager
720-822-7803
kate.guibert@state.co.us