Save the Date!
NWCCOG Regional Economic Summit
Thursday, May 5 at the Silverthorne Pavilion
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
More details to come!
Funding & Technical Assistance

Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI)
Grant cycle opens March 21, 2022 and closes April 21, 2022 | More info here. The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) program is designed to help rural communities comprehensively diversify their local economy and create a more resilient Colorado. The most successful applications to this program are those from counties with less than 50,000 people, and from communities with fewer than 25,000 people. Projects that will be funded include plans, construction, programs, and capacity building. All applications must create and retain jobs, either direct or indirect. 

AARP Community Challenge Grant Program
Deadline: March 22 | More info and apply here. AARP invites municipalities to submit applications for quick-action projects that can help your community become more livable for all (especially those age 50 and over), by improving public places; transportation; housing; civic engagement; diversity, equity, and inclusion; federal funding implementation; and more. Grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. The program is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities.

Rural Reskilling, Upskilling, and Next-skilling Workers Grant
Deadline: March 28 | More info here. Colorado Workforce Development Council via HB21-1264. This round of grants will support rural organizations in facilitating training for unemployed and underemployed Coloradans to earn industry-recognized credentials. 501(c)(3) community-based nonprofit organizations who have a partnership with local workforce centers in the Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium are eligible for this grant opportunity. The CWDC will also host a voluntary informational webinar about the grant opportunity and application process on March 2 at 2:00 pm. 

Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program
Deadline: April 14 | More info here. The US Department of Transportation has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program. This program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact. 

Affordable Housing Strategies Planning Grant Program (IHOP)
Fifth Funding Round Deadline: March 14 | Visit program website for more information.
The Planning Grant Program (IHOP) has over $4,000,000 left in funding available to help local governments understand their housing needs and adopt policy and regulatory strategies to qualify for the Incentives Grant Program. Planning Grants can fund data collection (e.g., housing needs assessments, code audits, and/or housing action plans. Email Christy.Wiseman@state.co.us with questions about the Planning Grant Program.

Tourism Management Grant
Deadline: March 3. The Tourism Management Grant Program provides funding to support projects that develop, enhance or better manage visitor experiences. Projects will target the technical development of tourism in Colorado and projects that develop the statewide tourism industry. The grant prioritizes projects that are new efforts and initiatives and target the technical development of tourism in Colorado. Any request needs to have a minimum funding ratio of 1-to-4 non-grant funding to grant funding. For example, if you request a grant of $10,000, you need to have at least $2,500 in other funding.
Training Opportunities & Events
 
Leading Edge Strategic Planning Series
10 week course: March 3 - May 5 | 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | On-line Register here
Offered by Northwest SBDC. The Leading Edge Strategic Planning Series is an intensive training course providing business owners and entrepreneurs expert guidance in the areas of cash flow management, marketing, operations, finance, personnel, legal issues, and more. 

The Economic Importance of Managed Parking (Live Webinar)
March 2 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Offered by CML | Register here. Join this discussion about the economic importance of a well-managed parking and mobility system in your community. A well-managed parking system can boost your downtown's activity, attractiveness, and help build a story of success for your local businesses. It's an important step for your local businesses and downtown.

Smart Start: How to Start a Business
March 9 | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Register here
Offered by Northwest SBDC. Thinking about starting a business in Western Colorado? Starting a business takes more than being great at something or having a good idea. Learn what is required by state and local officials to get started, and the ins and outs of running a successful business. This webinar provides an overview of everything you need to know to start and grow your business.

Navigating Change in Your Business
March 16 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Register here
Offered by Northwest SBDC. Whether you are creating or responding to change in your business, this workshop will highlight 7 steps toward leading and navigating thoughtful transitions. Explore these strategies for addressing opportunities and challenges at each stage of the change cycle.

Downtown Colorado Inc. Annual Conference
April 12-15, 2022 in Colorado Springs | More info and Register here.
Get ready because we have been holding back for two years and we are going to bring the fun. Join us for the valuable peer-to-peer exchange, innovative plenaries, and dynamic tours and lunches. And don't forget the Challenge Studios, BID/DDA + URA Networking, and pitch sessions!

Colorado Municipal League Annual Conference
June 22-24 in Breckenridge. Registration opens soon! CML's 100th Annual Conference is sure to be one to remember. With over 40 sessions, two keynotes, and a 100th Conference celebrations on Wednesday, you won't want to miss it See you there!

NWCCOG Regional Economic Summit
Thursday, May 5 at the Silverthorne Pavilion | 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Join us for an engaging half day of discussion examining the dynamic forces at play in our mountain communities. Event will be kicked off by Elizabeth Garner, State Demographer setting the tone with demographic and economic trends in the region. Save the Date! Agenda and registration details coming soon!
Northwest Colorado Council of Governments
Economic Development District | www.nwccog.org/edd