April 10, 2025
In a state where 24 of the 29 counties are considered rural, the Utah Center for Rural Development is critical in driving economic growth through tailored programs that support job creation, infrastructure expansion, and business recruitment.
As part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, the center partners with local organizations and businesses to manage state-funded grants, loans, and tax incentives. “We administer special programming specific to rural communities,” said the center’s director, Colette Cox. “It’s about helping these communities grow through meaningful, locally driven economic development.”
One of the center’s most impactful programs is the Rural County Grant, which provides $200,000 annually to each rural county. Funds can be used for workforce development, business recruitment, expansion and retention, or infrastructure, such as expanding utilities or paving roads.
Another key initiative is the Rural Communities Opportunity Grant, a competitive program offering up to $600,000 for similar projects. Recent examples include Beaver County’s $500,000 road upgrade for its industrial park in Milford City and Southern Utah University’s aviation program, which used funds to buy specialized training engines.
For private businesses, the Rural Employment Development Incentive program offers $4,000 to $6,000 per new high-paying job created in qualified rural areas. “REDI is the most accessible program for any rural business,” Cox said. “It has to create a livable wage — not something like a part-time high school job.”
The center also provides access to the Rural Communities Opportunity Loan, a $21 million revolving fund that supports economic development and infrastructure in eligible rural areas. The loan helps enhance the capacity of rural communities to further economic opportunities.
GOEO’s additional tools include the Rural Economic Development Tax Increment Financing program, which gives businesses a greater tax refund benefit for creating jobs in rural counties, and the Utah Small Business Credit Initiative, which can cover up to 50% of a business loan to help provide access to capital.
When it comes to advice, Cox urges business owners to connect with local Small Business Development Centers and seek microloan funds. “Grants can be a great tool if they apply to you, but they’re often low amounts of money and few and far between,” Cox said. “Access to capital is what really helps businesses expand.”
As rural Utah continues to evolve, the Utah Center for Rural Development stands at the forefront, empowering communities with the tools, funding, and partnerships needed to thrive. For more information, visit the Center for Rural Development website.
The information in this article is current as of the publishing date and is intended for informational purposes only. This article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal, tax, or business advice. Any resources and organizations mentioned, unless an entity of or a partner of the state of Utah, are not formally endorsed by the Startup State Initiative or state of Utah.