Baca County Economic Development Commission

05/24/2026

Haven't downloaded Open Rewards yet? Find it in the Apple App store or the Google Play store.

Downloaded it and not sure how to use it? Here's a couple videos:

How to claim rewards: https://youtu.be/7IuU1gTZEbg
How to redeem rewards: https://youtu.be/xiz1chRV0f4

Claiming Rewards = earning points for what you have spent
Redeeming Rewards = cashing out the points you've earned

05/22/2026

I was asked to post links instead of qr codes, so here are the links to Open Rewards both in the Google play store and the Apple App Store.

Link to Open Rewards in the Google Play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.openrewards&hl=en_US

Link to Open Rewards in the Apple App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/open-rewards-shop-local/id1568128968

05/20/2026

Hey Baca County. I'm so happy to tell you that this app is now LIVE in Baca County! At present there are 44 county businesses listed. If you find that I have missed one, please let me know so we can get them added!

PLEASE NOTE: To earn rewards in the app, for cash and check purchases YOU MUST upload your receipt in the app. For card purchases, if you connect your card to the app, it will automatically capture your purchases. IF you prefer to not connect your card, you do have to upload your receipts.

BUSINESSES: You don't have to track anything; you don't have to change any of your checkout procedures; you don't have to do anything with receipts. Just make sure receipts you provide have your business name, address or other identifying information (such as store # for Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Big R), date, and amount of purchase.

I will be publishing more info over the next few days, for both shoppers and businesses.

05/06/2026

Celebrating all our Economic Development Partners this week! Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to our region! Prowers Economic Prosperity Southern Colorado Economic Development District SECED, Inc. Otero Partners Inc, KCEDF, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade Colorado Department of Local Affairs Economic Development Council of Colorado - EDCC City of La Junta Tourism & Economic Development Office. Colorado SBDC serving East Colorado Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Workforce Colorado Rural Alliance

04/24/2026

📍 SOUTHEAST COLORADO—THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!

The Regional Networking Roundtables are coming to Hugo, and this is your chance to be in the room where real conversations—and real progress—happen.

If you’re part of economic development, local government, business, education, or workforce, you need to be at this table.

💡 Featured Interactive Workshop:
Mastering the Data: From Insights to Storytelling
→ Learn how to turn local data into powerful tools that drive decisions, funding, and growth for YOUR community.

🤝 Connect with leaders from across Southeast Colorado
📊 Walk away with practical tools & strategies
🍽️ Join the “State of the Industry” roundtable discussion

📍 Hugo, CO – Lincoln County Fairgrounds
📅 April 29, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

👉 Seats are limited—don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the conversation:
https://edcconline.org/regional-networking-roundtables-2

Tag a colleague, board member, or business leader who should be there with you 👇

Let’s make sure Southeast Colorado has a strong voice at the table 💥

04/22/2026

Today is the last day to apply! Text me or call with questions! 719-353-2244

04/21/2026

We are still taking applications for the 2026 Building Enhancement Grant but hurry, the deadline is tomorrow! If you have any questions, please call 719-353-2244.

04/15/2026

Get those applications in! BCEDC is accepting applications for one more week! Deadline is 11:59PM on April 22nd!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdza2FBK5ftrFVJoXIetn6HK0N6w7fzrB5HdlcVaUp6uRQuRw/viewform?usp=header

Let us help you with enhancements to your building's exterior! Click the above link to apply now!

04/07/2026

We are still accepting applications for the 2026 Building Enhancement Program, but please get them in soon, time is running out! Please note there are a couple of changes this year, we are accepting applications from those businesses who have never utilized the program, including businesses who are not yet open by the application deadline but will be open prior to the end of the grant cycle, December 31st 2026! Please call or email if you have questions! 719-353-2244 or [email protected]

The application link is now live for the 2026 BCEDC Building Enhancement Program!

https://forms.gle/bSrH4diAXaN8bJQw8

Please reach out with any questions or if you need assistance with the application!

*PLEASE NOTE* This year we are only able to accept applications from businesses who have not previously utilized this program.

02/24/2026

It is not too late to register and attend this event! Business owners, entrepreneurs, and even those who just have an idea and don't know where to start, this is for you! There are business owners from Baca County speaking on both Wednesday and Thursday. This is a FREE event! Don't miss!

🚨 Southeast Colorado Businesses — This One’s for You! 🚨Exciting opportunity at this week's Rural Startup Days by Startup Colorado!

Own a business in Southeast Colorado? You could receive one of five $800 SECO Business Boost Micro-Grants at Rural Startup Days.

To qualify:
✔ Attend a Day 1 session (Wed., Feb. 25)
✔Attend the Day 2 Access to Capital session (Thurs., 10:45 AM–12 PM)
✔Submit your application by Thursday at 5:00 PM

Winners will be announced during this Friday’s Lunch & Awards Celebration.

Apply here:
https://airtable.com/appBA0iD3uOmfn8Mz/paguDSw2p13sg5Q1E/form
Learn more here:
https://tinyurl.com/RSDMicroGrants
Register for Rural Startup Days: https://ruralstartupdays.com/