Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant

Funder: Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade

The Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant, managed by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, supports Colorado-based technology businesses in developing and commercializing advanced technologies. With funding up to $250,000, this grant aims to bridge the investment gap in early-stage technologies that impact key advanced industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, and energy. It prioritizes projects that demonstrate commercial potential and align with state economic development goals.

Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) creates a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. We advance the state’s economy through financial and technical programs under the leadership of the Governor and Executive Director.
Global Business Development
The Global Business Development (GBD) division supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy.
Program Summary
The Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant helps Colorado-based advanced industries technology businesses develop and commercialize advanced technologies that will be created or manufactured in Colorado. Projects can receive up to $250,000. This grant award maximum can be lifted for projects that impact more than one advanced industry.
The market typically under-invests in early-stage technologies. The grant’s goal is to fill the gap left by the market. The grant is not meant to compete with existing funding.
The Global Business Development (GBD) division administers this grant in partnership with Colorado’s advanced industry trade associations and receives final approval from the Economic Development Commission.
Advanced industries technology
The technology must impact at least one of these advanced industries:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Aerospace
• Bioscience
• Electronics
• Energy and natural resources (including cleantech)
• Infrastructure engineering
• Technology and information

Eligibility

To apply for the Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant, your business and project need to:
Create a disruptive technology that directly impacts at least one Colorado advanced industry that is either created or manufactured in ColoradoBe registered with the Colorado Secretary of State and in Good StandingHave headquarters in Colorado or have at least 50% of your employees based in ColoradoProvide matching $2-to-$1 non-State funding to State fundingHave received fewer than $20 million from grants and third-party investors since inceptionHave annual revenues of fewer than $10 millionShow that the technology is viable through the proof of concept phase through proof of principle study (own valid IP and trade secrets, have a completed prototype, have technical validation, have a commercialization plan that includes a market assessment confirming market need/opportunity, have initial start-up activities)

Ineligibility

Continuation projects will not be supported.