Garfield County supporting economic development

Grant funds will help bring localized business consultants into area

PRESS RELEASE
December 13, 2017

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – Two local small business engines received support from the Garfield County Commissioners, with a combined $35,000 investment toward regional economic development and job creation. The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC), was granted $10,000 toward its efforts in Garfield County. The SBCD links information and resources from federal, state, and local governments with the private sector and local education system. The organization provides consulting and training services to local small businesses and entrepreneurs, and provides feasibility analyses, business plan development, and access to capital. In 2017, the group’s two active regional consultants helped create 12 jobs and generated more than $43,000 in sales, without the aid of any local funding. Dustin Kelley, northwest regional director of Colorado’s SBDC, told the commissioners that stationing consultants directly in Garfield County would help increase the group’s effectiveness at the local level. The SBDC estimates a county investment of $20,000 could amount to six local consultants established in the county. This could help to create 40 more jobs and nearly 10 new businesses, amounting to an increase of $138,000 in local sales in 2018. “We’re trying to steer these markets toward growth moving forward,” he said. Kelley said the grant funding would be used for meeting space, consulting, marketing, and travel within Garfield County. The commissioners stressed the need for economic development, especially in the western part of the county, and supported $10,000 out of the discretionary fund toward the SBDC. The commissioners also supported the Rifle Regional Economic Development Corporation (RREDC) in the form of a $25,000 matching grant in 2018. The nonprofit advances economic development and job creation in western Garfield County through business and community partnerships.