Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant

Who can apply

• Your main office is in Colorado, or at least 50% of your staff work here. You must be in good standing with the Secretary of State.
• Your yearly revenue is under $10 million. You have received less than $20 million from grants and outside investors since your business began.
• Your project must affect a Colorado advanced industry. You need a tested prototype, rights to the technology and a plan to bring it to market.

What you need to fund

You need $2 in non-state cash for each $1 of grant funds. For a $250,000 award, that means $500,000 in cash from other sources. Donated time or goods do not count. Sign the grant agreement before spending grant funds; payments are made by reimbursement.

Your next step

Prepare your budget and proof of matching cash for the next round. A conditional award may give you six months to raise the match. Check the closing date when the round opens.

Prepare before you apply

• Gather team resumes, business financials and a one-page overview of the technology and project.
• Use OEDIT’s budget and milestone templates. Include a business plan or pitch deck and proof of matching cash, or the timeline for securing it.
• Complete the first-stage portal checks before the full form. Missing facts about compliance can cause rejection.

What to watch

• Reviewers score the technology, business plan, team, benefits to Colorado and work with others. Give proof and clear goals for each.
• OEDIT says review typically takes 10 to 12 weeks. A conditional award is forfeited if the required match is not secured within six months.
• The standard cap is $250,000. OEDIT may lift it to $500,000 for qualifying projects that affect more than one advanced industry.

Check business setup only if needed

A new LLC does not guarantee grant eligibility. Check the program rules before changing your business or paying for a service.