The character of the land in Craig, Colorado, is unforgettable—rolling hills, dramatic canyons, free-flowing rivers. But it’s the character of the community that is generating infinite opportunity for business and industry success. In Craig, discover a business climate as welcoming as our spectacular vistas. Prosper with assets like lower costs; an experienced, skilled, and motivated workforce; and an entrepreneurial can-do culture supported by logistical and digital connections for rapid global reach. As Craig transitions from legacy extractive industry, exciting opportunities are opening across sectors, including manufacturing, distribution, and agriculture, with advantages amplified by the momentum of groundbreaking state and local incentives. And all in a community where the quality of life is attracting professionals from across the nation. Discover the limitless human, natural, and financial potential of Craig. Discover opportunity unbound.
The 2023 Craig Business Plan Competition is a three-phase competition that is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to develop viable business plans that will expand their business in Craig and Moffat County by competing for cash and in-kind prizes.
Any individual or a multi-person team (up to four contestants per team) is welcome to enter the competition if they meet the following eligibility requirements. In Phase I, contestants must submit the entry form and an original two-page business overview for the expansion of their business. If selected, contestants will move forward as semi-finalists and create a draft business plan in Phase II.
All semi-finalists will receive compiled and anonymous feedback from the Judging Panel. The Judging Panel will select the finalists who will be invited to participate in Phase III of the Competition. Selection as a finalist does not guarantee that any award will be given.
Please click the link below to see the Competition Guidelines, what is required for each Phase and a schedule of events/deadlines.
2023 Economic Development Council of Colorado’s Drive, Lead, Succeed Conference
Join us October 18th - October 20th in Grand Junction for the Economic Development Council of Colorado's annual Drive, Lead Succeed Conference.
Don't miss out on the chance to gain valuable insights and broaden your professional network with the top industry experts in Colorado. Take action now and secure your spot before it's too late!
The Northwest SBDC is proud to continue our annual Yampa Valley workshop in partnership with the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business. Please save the dates Friday, October 20 & Saturday, October 21. This year's workshop, StartUp to ScaleUp, will take place in Craig. This two-day, in-person short course is designed for second-stage small businesses and organizations. Pre-venture entrepreneurs with a strong business concept will also find the content relevant.
"Craig is a wonderful place to start a business or expand a business. We have had a lot of success with the workforce. People are hard working with a great attitude and willing to learn new skills."
"The Craig Economic Development Department has helped us a lot with different grants. It's been a wonderful community to have the fanancial support as well as the mental support. Craig is a wonderful place to live."
"Craig is a wonderful place to start a business or expand a business. We have had a lot of success with the workforce. People are hard working with a great attitude and willing to learn new skills."
Jennifer Riley
Chief Executive Officer, Memorial Regional Health
"A business leader wanting to relocate in Craig should really give us a serious look. Craig has a lot to offer."
Meagan Veenstra
Owner, Good Vibes River Gear
"The Craig Economic Development Department has helped us a lot with different grants. It's been a wonderful community to have the fanancial support as well as the mental support. Craig is a wonderful place to live."
landscape with mountains and flowers
Laying the Groundwork
for the Future
Nestled among canyons, rivers, and forests, Craig, Colorado, is a nature lover’s dream. “We have so many natural amenities to offer,” says Economic Development Manager Shannon Scott.
In addition to the outdoor opportunities for which Colorado is famous, Craig boasts a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. “It’s a small-town community, a small-town feel,” Scott says. This small-town lifestyle comes with a lower cost of living, without losing out on big city amenities.
Nestled among canyons, rivers, and forests, Craig, Colorado, is a nature lover’s dream. “We have so many natural amenities to offer,” says Economic Development Manager Shannon Scott.
In addition to the outdoor opportunities for which Colorado is famous, Craig boasts a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. “It’s a small-town community, a small-town feel,” Scott says. This small-town lifestyle comes with a lower cost of living, without losing out on big city amenities.
Opportunities abound in Craig, in sectors such as light or heavy manufacturing, outdoor recreation manufacturing, transportation and logistics, agricultural processing, entrepreneurship, tourism-related technology, and more.
The best of Colorado at significantly lower costs
For relocating business and industry, Craig’s productivity and profit picture are as impressive as our scenic vistas—the best of Colorado at significantly lower costs, a superb business climate, plus powerful resources at every level.
New ideas have the support to soar in Craig
New ideas have the support to soar in Craig, in a low-cost setting where the quality of life is high and where human, financial, and transit connections help your enterprise put down roots and flourish.
Mike with Craig Steel
Entrepreneurs EXCEL HERE
Entrepreneurs are attracted to Craig for many reasons, like quality of life, some of Colorado’s lowest costs, and a chance to enjoy Colorado’s best lifestyle. Ultimately, however, the deciding factor is simple—opportunity.
Entrepreneurs EXCEL HERE
Entrepreneurs are attracted to Craig for many reasons, like quality of life, some of Colorado’s lowest costs, and a chance to enjoy Colorado’s best lifestyle. Ultimately, however, the deciding factor is simple—opportunity.
538 Yampa property exterior
FEATURED PROPERTY
538 Yampa Avenue
This two-story key catalyst site has been a downtown landmark since its construction in 1900. Previously used for commercial and retail on the ground floor, with six rental residential units on the upper floor, the property offers prime mixed-used opportunity at a time when downtown living is highly desired. An EPA Brownfields Assessment grant has funded preliminary design, future reuse and financial information to facilitate developers in achieving highest and best use.
This combination of two parcels of single-story, adjoining buildings offers a combined footprint of 6,135 square feet of commercial space, which provided an expansive home for the restaurant most recently on site. Some restaurant equipment remains; however downtown zoning allows for a wide range of commercial and retail possibilities for these historic structures, one built in 1898 and the other in 1927. An EPA Brownfields Assessment grant has funded preliminary design, future reuse and financial information to facilitate developers in achieving highest and best use.
Trapper Industrial Park is a rare, fully independent location on an 11,200-acre site with over 85 thousand sq. ft. of modern administrative and industrial workspace. The location is sound abated from business, municipal, and residential areas with dedicated utilities, explosion permitting, and uncontrolled airspace.
This two-story key catalyst site has been a downtown landmark since its construction in 1900. Previously used for commercial and retail on the ground floor, with six rental residential units on the upper floor, the property offers prime mixed-used opportunity at a time when downtown living is highly desired. An EPA Brownfields Assessment grant has funded preliminary design, future reuse and financial information to facilitate developers in achieving highest and best use.
This combination of two parcels of single-story, adjoining buildings offers a combined footprint of 6,135 square feet of commercial space, which provided an expansive home for the restaurant most recently on site. Some restaurant equipment remains; however downtown zoning allows for a wide range of commercial and retail possibilities for these historic structures, one built in 1898 and the other in 1927. An EPA Brownfields Assessment grant has funded preliminary design, future reuse and financial information to facilitate developers in achieving highest and best use.
Trapper Industrial Park is a rare, fully independent location on an 11,200-acre site with over 85 thousand sq. ft. of modern administrative and industrial workspace. The location is sound abated from business, municipal, and residential areas with dedicated utilities, explosion permitting, and uncontrolled airspace.
Innovative, flexible and future-focused, Colorado Northwestern Community College’s workforce training offers more pathways for skills acquisition at every level, beginning in high school and including a variety of settings, certifications, diplomas and more.
Innovative, flexible and future-focused, Colorado Northwestern Community College’s workforce training offers more pathways for skills acquisition at every level, beginning in high school and including a variety of settings, certifications, diplomas and more.