Funding for Rural Businesses

With the help of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), we now offer funding to help offset the cost of Technical Assistance for converting your business to an employee-owned structure.
Small town with mountain back drop

Affordable Pathways to Employee Buyouts

Technical Assistance Funding for Rural Colorado Businesses

Discover how businesses in rural Colorado can access funding and resources to transition to employee ownership. With sliding-scale pricing, state-sponsored discounts of up to 100%, and tax credits covering 50% of costs, this initiative makes employee buyouts more accessible than ever. Learn about feasibility studies, legal and accounting support, and step-by-step assistance to ensure a smooth transition. Whether selling a portion or the entirety of your business, this program provides tailored support to secure a sustainable future for your employees and community.

This funding is limited; be sure to get in touch soon to secure it!

Eligibility

RMEOC's funding assistance is available to businesses operating in rural Colorado counties, as designated by the Colorado Economic Development Commission. Businesses operating in the following counties are eligible:

Alamosa County

Archuleta County

Baca County

Bent County

Chaffee County

Cheyenne County

Clear Creek County

Conejos County

Costilla County

Crowley County

Custer County

Delta County

Dolores County

Eagle County

Elbert County

Fremont County

Garfield County

Gilpin County

Grand County

Gunnison County

Hinsdale County

Huerfano County

Jackson County

Kiowa County

Kit Carson County

La Plata County

Lake County

Las Animas County

Lincoln County

Logan County

Mesa County

Mineral County

Moffat County

Montezuma County

Montrose County

Morgan County

Otero County

Ouray County

Park County

Phillips County

Pitkin County

Prowers County

Pueblo County

Rio Blanco County

Rio Grande County

Routt County

Saguache County

San Juan County

San Miguel County

Sedgwick County

Summit County

Teller County

Washington County

Yuma County

Our process

How it works

RMEOC offers comprehensive technical services to facilitate seamless transitions to employee ownership. We begin with a complimentary consultation to assess the suitability of employee ownership for your business and to identify the most appropriate model aligned with your company's vision. Our support encompasses the entire conversion process.​

To eliminate barriers to our services, we implement a sliding-scale fee structure based on your business's revenue. Additionally, OEDIT provides funding for rural businesses, covering 50% or more of our service costs, applied as an immediate discount. Furthermore, expenses incurred for RMEOC's services may qualify for a state-level tax credit program. For detailed pricing information, please contact us.​

RMEOC’s conversion services covered by the OEDIT funding include:

Phase I: Feasibility Study

We conduct a comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate both the financial and cultural viability of transitioning your company to the selected employee ownership model. This phase also includes an overview of funding options to support the sale and/or transition.​

Phase II: Employee Education and Conversion Support

We provide educational programs for your employees on employee ownership principles and offer assistance in structuring and completing the conversion process.​

Apply now

Get Funded Today!

Fill out this short application and email Marion at [email protected] to confirm that we received your application. For any questions, please email us and we’ll be happy to set up a call.

Convert your business to an employee-owned structure

Get up to 100% off our services.

Get technical assistance throughout your transition

Not sure if employee ownership is right for you?

If you are interested in learning more, please join our monthly webinar on employee ownership.

FAQ

How long does it take to get the funding?

The funding is applied as a discount to our services. You won’t have to wait for a refund from OEDIT or fill out a long grant application. Just be one of the first to sign a contract with us and we will manage the rest.

My business is in a rural area but in an ineligible county. Can I still apply?

Unfortunately, the regions eligible for this funding are determined and administered by OEDIT. We cannot provide funding to any business operating in ineligible counties. However, we would still love to work with you, and the state’s 50% tax credit still applies! Get in touch with us and we will find an affordable way to help. 

Businesses in urban areas may also be eligible for similar funding through another service provider. Get in touch with Marion at [email protected] for more information.

I worry that many people have already applied and my company will not be selected.

We are constantly working to access new funding or renew our existing sources. We are confident that we can find a way to help you that is within your means. So send us an email, or apply anyway! We have designed this application to be very short, and to include the same questions we ask all companies we work with. That information will be put to good use, even if your funding does not come through. 

I am not a business owner, but I would like my employer to consider employee ownership. What can I do?

Get in touch with us! We will help you start the conversation with your employer. It is passionate people like you that make the change no one thought was possible. It all starts with a little curiosity.

Ready to get started?

The path to employee ownership starts here.

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