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Colorado selects 15 participants for rural economic development programs
ColoradoBiz Staff //August 19, 2026//
San Miguel County, Deposit Photos.
San Miguel County, Deposit Photos.
Colorado selects 15 participants for rural economic development programs
ColoradoBiz Staff //August 19, 2026//
In Brief:
- Colorado Office of Economic Development selects 15 participants
- Call Yourself Creative program includes Alamosa, Cañon City, Delta
- Global Business Development Bootcamp features PuebloPlex, Logan County
- Talent Innovation sessions involve East Central Council, PuebloPlex
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade has selected 15 participants for programs offered through its Rural Strategies Lab.
The lab provides planning, training and guidance to rural communities developing economic strategies involving business development, creative industries, outdoor recreation, tourism and workforce development.
“Our goal with these initiatives is to help communities move from planning to action,” Rural Opportunity Office Director Meridith Marshall said.
Alamosa, Cañon City and Delta were selected for Call Yourself Creative, a program designed to help communities organize Colorado Creative Districts.
The Colorado River Valley Development Resource Group, Logan County Economic Development, PuebloPlex, the San Luis Valley Development Resource Group and Morgan County Economic Development will participate in the Global Business Development Bootcamp. The workshop focuses on identifying regional strengths and developing plans to retain and expand businesses.
The East Central Council of Governments, PuebloPlex and the San Luis Valley Development Resource Group were selected for Talent Innovation sessions. The program uses county-level workforce data to help communities establish business-led workforce goals and coordinate with regional partners.
Some organizations will participate in more than one program. The state plans to combine business development and workforce training for communities that requested both sessions.
The Rural Strategies Lab is administered by the Rural Opportunity Office within OEDIT. It works with local governments, economic development groups, chambers of commerce, nonprofits and regional organizations.
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