Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

08/13/2026

Earlier this month, we celebrated Colorado Day (August 1, 2026) with a monumental tribute to our state’s legacy: The 14er Climb: Summit 2026. 🏔️

As a signature initiative of the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commemoration Commemoration Commission, in partnership with OEDIT’s Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC), this event honored Colorado’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th. Inspired by the historic 1976 Centennial 14er Climb, this reimagined effort focused on responsible recreation, environmental stewardship, inclusive participation, and respect for the Tribal Nations who have long held connections to these lands.

Through a lottery system designed for fair and accessible participation, climbers were matched with experienced team leaders based on skill level and experience to ensure a meaningful, safe experience for all. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the mountains and outdoor experiences that make Colorado unique, and thank you to all the volunteers!

Let’s continue to honor our outdoor legacy through responsible stewardship and respect for the places we play. Experience the climb with The Denver Gazette 🏔️👇

Residents celebrated Colorado’s 150th birthday in high fashion Saturday, marking the moment by climbing the state’s 14,000-foot mountain peaks. The Denver Gazette sent climbers up Mount Bierstadt near Georgetown and up Quandary Peak near Breckenridge to follow the action. A volunteer from Colora...

08/13/2026

Experience the magic of 'Stories in the Sky.' This statewide drone series combines art and technology to illuminate Colorado’s vibrant history and landscapes after dark. Join us for a shared, family-friendly experience that sparks imagination and brings our communities together—from the mountain towns to our urban centers.

As we commemorate our 150th anniversary and the nation's 250th, join us for the 250-150 Drone Shows: Stories in the Sky - Peach Festival on August 21, 2026, at 451 Pendleton St, Palisade, CO 81526.

This incredible initiative is made possible through the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commemoration Commission in partnership with the Colorado Tourism Office and our sponsors. Learn more 👇
https://www.colorado.com/palisade/events/festivals/250-150-drone-shows-stories-in-the-sky-peach-festival

08/12/2026

Our Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) announced four new participants of the Destination Blueprint Program, a year-long program designed to help communities develop tourism marketing and management plans that advance local projects while protecting community resources. Each location will work with members of the CTO team to assess their area, lead a community action planning workshop and implement project-based consulting. Learn more about the 2026 Destination Blueprint Program participants 👇
https://oedit.colorado.gov/press-release/colorado-tourism-office-announces-participants-for-2026-destination-blueprint-program?utm_campaign=OEDIT+Website&utm_content=1786563005&utm_medium=Colorado+Office+of+Economic+Development+and+International+Trade&utm_source=facebook

08/12/2026

Colorado companies, do you know about the Tariff Navigation Program? Participating companies can gain access to a series of live and recorded, expert-led tariff navigation briefings designed to help businesses understand the current U.S. tariff environment, stay informed on new and emerging trade policy changes, identify compliance risks and cost exposure, learn practical tariff navigation strategies and more. Plus, eligible companies can receive personalized expert consulting support.

Register for the upcoming Understanding the New Section 301 Tariff Strategy webinar on Friday, August 14, 2026 from 9-10 a.m. to gain an understanding of the Section 301 investigation process, current tariff developments, and the potential impact on imported goods. This session will also cover strategies to assess tariff exposure, navigate supply chain risk, and take proactive steps to mitigate costs and strengthen business resilience in a changing trade environment.👇
https://wtcdenver.org/colorado-tariff-navigation-program/

08/12/2026

‼️Applications are due August 27, 2026 for the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade Advanced Industries Accelerator: Early Stage Capital & Retention Grant ⬇️

This grant helps Colorado-based advanced industries technology businesses develop and commercialize advanced technologies created or manufactured in Colorado. Projects can receive up to $250,000.

Learn more and view eligibility requirements at: https://hubs.la/Q04sw7Gw0

08/12/2026

Are you looking to connect with other passionate business owners, creators, and local leaders in Southern Colorado next month? On Friday, August 21, 2026, OEDIT is hosting a free Outreach and Impact Summit in Trinidad to celebrate the incredible growth and economic vitality flourishing from the Spanish Peaks to the Southeastern Plains. It's a perfect opportunity to share ideas, and discover state resources designed to support your business goals. Check out the upcoming workshops:

•Access to Capital: Connect directly with lenders and resource partners to explore funding opportunities for your business. 💰
•Business Retention & Expansion: Learn how to align regional economic development data with new growth and recruitment opportunities.📈
•Opportunity Zones: Gain insights into federal tax incentives and explore Colorado's Opportunity Zone 2.0 process. 🏢
•Creative Communities in Action: See how arts, culture, and creative enterprises drive downtown vitality and rural economic development. 🎨

Save your spot and register for free today: https://oedit.colorado.gov/oedit-outreach-and-impact-summit?utm_campaign=OEDIT+Website&utm_content=1786546822&utm_medium=Colorado+Office+of+Economic+Development+and+International+Trade&utm_source=facebook

Join us for the 2026 Outreach and Impact Summit to celebrate the growth, vitality, and economic development flourishing from the Spanish Peaks to the Southeastern Plains! Hosted by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, this day-long event will connect you with key reso...

08/12/2026

As a division of OEDIT, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) champions this vital sector by offering dedicated support to local communities and industry professionals. OREC launched the Colorado State Outdoor Recreation Grant (COSORG) in 2022 to fund regional initiatives that bolster infrastructure, advance workforce development, and expand outdoor access.

OREC distributed $3.6 million through COSORG to 50 grantees across 27 Colorado counties. The funding targeted four primary focus areas: infrastructure, marketing and promotion, planning and technical assistance, and workforce development and training.

These impactful grants drive meaningful economic growth across the state, serving as an excellent tribute to Colorado as it honors its 150th anniversary.

Check out OREC to learn how it supports Colorado's outdoor recreation economy 👇
https://oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-outdoor-recreation-industry-office?utm_campaign=Colorado+Outdoor+Recreation+Industry+Office&utm_content=1786539619&utm_medium=Colorado+Office+of+Economic+Development+and+International+Trade&utm_source=facebook

08/11/2026

A big thank you to the Office of Economic Development & International Trade – Rural Opportunity Office for sponsoring our Tuesday events in Fremont County during SoCo Startup Week 2026!

Your investment in rural entrepreneurship and innovation helps bring founders, entrepreneurs, and community leaders together to learn, connect, and develop new opportunities across Southern Colorado.

This important week for our startup community wouldn't be possible without partners like you. Thank you for your commitment to strengthening Colorado's entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting the communities where innovation is growing.

08/11/2026

When it comes to Quantum technology, Colorado's 34 Federally-funded research labs, top universities, and ranking as the second most educated population in the U.S. make it the prime candidate to grow with help from the Federal Quantum Tech Hub Grant Award. This support will directly fund the implementation of Elevate Quantum's initiatives, including education and workforce development programs planned for western Colorado. Learn more about Colorado's groundbreaking Quantum Engineering Program. ⬇️✏️🧑‍🏫