As Southern Colorado Economic Development District prepares to update our regional CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy).

We welcome public comment in reviewing our draft CEDS document.  You can access the document HERE.  This important document frames future planning and addresses the economic development needs of the region. 

Please review the document and provide your feedback to shannon@scedd.com.

• The CEDS summarizes the economic condition of the region and our communities.
• In order for a county to receive funding from EDA it must meet certain criteria, which includes having a current CEDS on file with the EDA.  SCEDD partners with our counties to develop the CEDS for our region.
• It provides opportunity for regional collaboration.
• Identifies viable economic development projects and initiatives.
• Develops goals and strategies for implementing projects and initiatives.
• Facilitates eligibility for federal and state economic development.

• Broadband
• Community Business Preservation Grant
• Grant Writing

https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/local-impact-accelerator

• Community Investment Program (CIP) partnership with Three Corners Connector (3CC)

  • The Community Investment Program (CIP) was established in 2025 at the Southern Colorado Economic Development District by Three Corners Connector (3CC). CIP supports communities in Pueblo, Otero, Bent, and Baca where 3CC, a transmission project connecting U.S. electric grids in Oklahoma and Colorado, will be located. 3CC is dedicated to partnering with these communities; as a result, CIP funds support innovative projects that enhance the quality of life while strengthening communities in this corner of Southeastern Colorado.

    ​The program is open, the application deadline is June 30th, and results for distribution will be finalized by July 30th.  Click HERE to apply today. Please direct your questions to: luke.rink@threecornersconnector.com

    Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or government entity, such as a local government, tribal government, or school district. Individuals and for-profits are ineligible. Applicants who have applied for previous grant cycles may apply for subsequent grant cycles for different phases of their project. Applicant organizations do not need to be based in Pueblo, Otero, Bent, or Baca County; however, grants must be used for projects benefiting communities in these counties. Only one application is allowed per organization per cycle.

    Grants will be awarded up to $50,000. 

    CIP will grant to projects that:

    • Have a broad impact on the quality of life for a significant number of people in Pueblo, Otero, Bent, or Baca County, Colorado.
    • Propose ways to address community issues and problems.
    • Leverage other sources of support.
    • Encourage others to get involved in addressing community needs.
    • Are creative in their approach to solving problems or capturing opportunities.
    • Are responsive to changing and emerging needs.
    • Support innovative approaches to economic and community development
    • The Summer 2025 grant cycle will open June 1st, accepting applications from local nonprofit organizations and schools that serve Pueblo, Otero, Bent, and Baca Counties. Applications are due by June 30^th.
• Partner Management Services are available on a fee structure. (Download More Information)
  • Our Partner Management Services support our region through:
    • Grant administration
      • Grant compliance/reporting/administration
    • Marketing/Communications Services/Public Relations
      • Press Releases
      • Technical Writing (articles/blogs)
      • Organization Branding Guidelines/Standards
      • Website Redesign
      • Website Maintenance
      • Community Meeting Facilitation
      • Assistance Establishing a Reporting Calendar (audits, budgets, grant reporting)
    • Reporting to DOLA’s Local Government Information System
    • Regional Research State of Your Community Data Report
    • Hazard Mitigation Planning*
    • Comprehensive Planning*
    • Strategic Planning/Community Planning*
      • *Fees for planning services may vary depending on project scope
      • Fees for all other above listed services are:
        • $50 per hour
        • $2,200 new website development/website redesign

• Workforce development initiatives include strong partnerships with the Colorado Community College System and our area community colleges in support of curriculum development and certification programs.
• Southern Colorado Economic Development District is currently collaborating with the Colorado Broadband Office and numerous statewide partners to build training and education opportunities throughout the state in support of the broadband initiative and the workforce that will be needed to reach the connectivity goals for the state of Colorado.
• For more information on our workforce development initiatives, contact Tracy Gutierrez, Senior Program Manager, at tracy@scedd.com

• Business Resource Fairs
  • July 10th
  • Custer County Library District
  • 1-3 p.m.
  • Free and open to the public
  • If you are a subject matter expert and would like to host an information table, or if you are a business owner and have questions, contact Tracy Gutierrez, Senior Program Manager, tracy@scedd.com
• Scale Up Your Business with SCEDD
  • Scale Up offers a unique opportunity for program participants to have access to business incubators in our region to provide support, education, mentorship, information regarding working capital, recorded trainings and a digital resource library. 
  • Participation in this program will allow business owners the opportunity to assess the market, solidify their business plan, and develop a competitive advantage with the benefit of real-time experience.
  • This unique program provides an excellent opportunity for small business owners to become established and develop a customer base, thus positioning them for future success and prosperity. 
• Opportunities for small businesses include regional resource fairs held in various locations throughout the year providing opportunities to talk one-on-one with professionals supporting small businesses.
• We can also assist with referrals to community partners to assist businesses with:
  • Bookkeeping/accounting
  • Marketing
  • Communications services
  • Social media
  • Website design
  • Networking opportunities/Chambers of Commerce
  • Business plan development
  • Human resources/staffing
  • Real estate
  • Financing/capital
  • Insurance
  • Licensing/permitting
  • Legal expertise

• Southern Colorado Economic Development District supports the communities we serve by providing assistance to research and develop important community plans including:
  • Hazard Mitigation Plans*
  • Comprehensive Planning*
  • Strategic Planning/Community Planning*
    • *Fees for planning services may vary depending on project scope.

Download the Southern Colorado Economic Development District Broadband Blueprint

• SCEDD believes that in today’s information age, access to reliable and affordable broadband for all its members and residents is a necessity for long term sustainable economic growth.
• The goals of this Broadband Blueprint are:
  • Identification of broadband infrastructure in the region and gaps that exist.
  • Extensive stakeholder outreach through various tactics including social media, newsletters, individual and hosted community town hall meetings.
  • Development of middle mile projects to further broadband service and redundancy.
  • Establishment of cost estimates for the identified middle mile projects.
  • Development of operational models to plan the business aspects of broadband management.
  • Download the Broadband CPF Press Release

Grant readiness – the work contained in this plan has enabled SCEDD to apply and be awarded nearly $15 million during the initial round of Capital Project Funds (CPF) through the Colorado Broadband Office to benefit the region.

• The entire SCEDD team is focused on providing affordable, reliable broadband services to our region.
• SCEDD was awarded over $15 million dollars in grants through the Colorado Broadband Office’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF) grant program for four projects throughout the region.
• Projects awarded are:
  
• SCEDD’s broadband initiative aims to help facilitate the expansion of broadband infrastructure throughout the SCEDD region.
• With unprecedented state and federal funding available, SCEDD believes it is uniquely positioned to help secure funding for this essential infrastructure.
• As the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted, having access to adequate, affordable broadband is essential for residents to fully participate in the modern economy, access education, access employment training activities, and to participate in telehealth services.