Two Grand Junction organizations received a total of nearly $72,000 in grants to fund their efforts to strengthen the local economy.

The Business Incubator Center received a $40,000 grant to increase the capacity of a commercial kitchen to keep pace with demand from businesses in the food services industry.

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership received a $31,600 grant to expand efforts to recruit businesses to the area. Those include participation in conferences, trade shows and other events as well as additional marketing as GJEP strives to identify 50 new prospects this year.

In addition, the Montrose Economic Development Corp. received a $37,400 grant to join with Colorado Mesa University to create a group to support local manufacturers. Participants in the group will meet to discuss challenges and share ideas well as identify programs to meet work force needs.

The three  Economic Development Organization Action Grants are among 27 worth a total of $995,000 awarded by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and Economic Development Council of Colorado.

A selection committee comprised of representatives from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Economic Development Council of Colorado and Colorado Department of Local Affairs reviewed 85 applications for grants.

Funding came from a one-time appropriation of $1 million by the Colorado Legislature to support economic development organizations across the state, particularly those serving rural regions.

“By supporting local economic development efforts across Colorado, these EDO Action Grants further the state’s commitment to build and sustain a strong Colorado economy that works for everyone, in particular our rural communities” said Eve Lieberman, executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. “We look forward to celebrating the milestones these communities reach as a result of these grants.”

Kim Woodworth, executive director of the Economic Development Council of Colorado, said she was pleased to support economic development organizations across the state.

“Funding opportunities like the EDO Action Grand boost the capacity of local economic development organizations to complete projects that grow the local economy and make it easier to secure future funding,” Woodworth said.