An agricultural lighting company that’s relocated operations to the Grand Valley has been approved to participate in a program offering tax incentives for creating new jobs.

Violet Gro will join 14 other companies participating in the Colorado Rural Jump-Start Program, the Grand Junction Economic Partnership announced.

“We are thrilled that Violet Gro is the latest tech company to choose Grand Junction. The decision to launch in Western Colorado proves that we have the skilled workforce and advanced infrastructure to support a company of its caliber,” said Robin Brown, executive director of GJEP. “Tech is one of our fastest-growing sectors, and Violet Gro will be a great addition to the valley.”

Violet Gro, a spinoff of Violet Defense Group based in Florida, uses patented ultraviolet lighting to promote plant growth in indoor environments. The company has joined in research to assess the potential benefits of using ultraviolet lights to grow hemp indoors.

The Rural Jump-Start program creates zones in Colorado in which eligible businesses are exempted from paying state and local taxes. Qualifying businesses are exempt from paying state income, use and sales taxes as well as county and municipal personal property taxes. In Mesa County, local government jurisdictions have offered additional incentives.

To participate, the core functions of businesses may not compete with existing operations. Businesses must create a minimum of five net new jobs in the county in which they’re located and establish a relationship with an institution of higher education — Colorado Mesa University in Mesa County.

“We look forward to seeing Violet Gro’s impact on Grand Junction and the Colorado hemp industry,” said Betsy Markey, executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

Kurt Kucera, president of Violet Gro, praised the program. “This is a great model to not only help stimulate the local economy, but help us as a new business establish the strategic relationships necessary to build out our team, including adding CMU as one of our academic partners for expanding our research endeavors.”

Terrance Berland, chief executive officer of Violet Defense Group, said he’s excited to expand the agricultural lighting business in Colorado. “Being here offers us a plethora of partners and thought leaders to help shape not only the state and local economies but also to influence the technological capabilities of agriculture globally.”