The Grand Junction Economic Partnership is among the first recipients of grants intended to help communities start and grow semiconductor and advanced industries.

GJEP — which represents in part Grand Junction and Mesa County — received $50,000 through the Colorado CHIPS Community Support Program. The grant will fund a market study to identify opportunities for development in the semiconductor and advance industries sectors.

The Colorado CHIPS Community Support Program is intended to foster the expansion of the existing semiconductor and advanced industries while supporting their growth in new and emerging markets, including rural development.

The program is among several launched by the Gov. Jared Polis and his administration to grow the semiconductor industry, including CHIPS refundable tax credits and CHIPS zones.

The Semiconductor Industry Association ranks Colorado among the top 10 states with the resources and business ecosystem to support a strong semiconductor industry. Federal funding opportunities through legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act are expected to further accelerate the growth of these industries across the nation.

“Colorado is a leader in the advanced industries, including the semiconductor industry, and we are positioning Colorado to capture unprecedented federal funding opportunities,” said
Eve Lieberman, executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). “The grants announced today support our work to build a Colorado for all as we remain committed to helping communities across the state diversify their economies and benefit from the good-paying jobs these industries provide.”

Michelle Hadwiger, director of the OEDIT global business development division, said Colorado is ahead of the curve in its effort to grow the semiconductor industry. “The global business development team identified the opportunity to leverage federal funding early on and set aside state funds to unlock CHIPS and Science Act support for Colorado companies. This grant continues our work to help semiconductor companies thrive in our state and support rural communities as they explore ways to grow their advanced industries.”

The Southern Colorado Economic Development District — which includes Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Crowley, Custer, Huerfano, Kiowa, Otero and Prowers counties — also received a $50,000 market study grant. Upstate Colorado Economic Development, which includes Larimer and Weld counties, received a $41,415 market study grant.

The Longmont Economic Development Partnership and City of Fort Collins each received $25,000 marketing grants to increase awareness of  Colorado’s strengths in the semiconductor and advanced industries.

The second award cycle for CHIPS Community Support grants is open through Sept. 30. Applicants may apply for market study, marketing or implementation grants.