Implementation Grants

The Colorado CHIPS Community Support Program, created by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), is a strategic effort to build on federal investments from the CHIPS and Science Act by enhancing the state's capacity to support semiconductor and advanced industry growth. With the Front Range already serving as a robust cluster for semiconductor design and manufacturing, OEDIT aims to extend these economic benefits to regions across Colorado that have yet to fully develop or capitalize on such industry opportunities. One of the three grant types offered under this program is the Implementation Grant, which is specifically designed to support projects that build or enhance assets to make local communities more competitive in attracting and retaining semiconductor-related businesses. The Implementation Grant focuses on community-driven investments that address identified gaps or strengthen existing infrastructure tied to the semiconductor and advanced industry ecosystem. Eligible applicants include municipal, county, or tribal governments; regional economic development organizations; and consortia led by one or more of these entities. Importantly, only communities located outside of Colorado’s established semiconductor core—namely Fort Collins, Boulder, Longmont, and Colorado Springs—are eligible for this grant. Applicants in those core areas will not be considered for Implementation Grants. Funding through the Implementation Grant can range from $100,000 to $500,000, with the award structure supporting a wide array of capital and operational development activities. Allowable expenses include construction costs, land acquisition, engineering and design services, project management, curriculum development, instructional staffing, equipment purchases, and community outreach. However, funds may not be used for general operating costs or developer fees. Communities are encouraged to be creative and strategic in their project design, demonstrating how their proposed investment fills a critical need or capitalizes on a strategic opportunity to elevate the region’s relevance in semiconductor and advanced industry development. The grant application process is competitive and cyclical, with two rounds each year. The current cycle, Cycle 5, is open from February 6, 2026, to May 31, 2026, with award announcements expected by June 30, 2026. Interested applicants must complete a comprehensive application form, which includes sections on applicant background, economic overview, project description, cost breakdown, timeline and milestones, and anticipated economic impact. Resolutions of support from all involved jurisdictions must also be submitted. Applicants may apply for multiple grant types but may only be awarded each grant once. Applications will be reviewed based on a weighted scoring rubric. For Implementation Grants, the three evaluation categories are: Potential Impact (40%), Location/Need (35%), and Project Strength/Readiness (25%). Proposals from regions in Colorado’s rural or emerging industrial zones will receive higher scores, particularly when demonstrating alignment with the program’s focus areas: infrastructure and utilities, education and workforce development, research and innovation, business incubation, and quality of life improvements. Grant recipients will enter into an agreement with OEDIT outlining project milestones and a disbursement schedule. Implementation Grants follow a payment structure consisting of an advance payment (10%), interim reimbursements (85%), and a final payment (5%) upon submission of the Final Report. Additionally, grantees are required to submit quarterly progress reports, an annual report for five years, and a final comprehensive report within 90 days of the grant’s expiration. For more information, applicants may contact Daniel Salvetti, Semiconductor Industry Manager at OEDIT, at [email protected] or 720-601-5055.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their project fills a strategic gap or enhances semiconductor competitiveness, with a focus on readiness and alignment with program priorities.