What counties are eligible?

• Business must be registered in one of Colorado’s 54 Rural counties, including: Alamosa; Archuleta; Baca; Bent; Chaffee; Cheyenne; Clear Creek; Conejos; Costilla; Crowley; Custer; Delta; Dolores; Eagle; Elbert; Fremont; Garfield; Gilpin; Grand; Gunnison; Hinsdale; Huerfano; Jackson; Kiowa; Kit Carson; La Plata; Lake; Las Animas; Lincoln; Logan; Mesa; Mineral; Moffat; Montezuma; Montrose; Morgan; Otero; Ouray; Park; Phillips; Pitkin; Prowers; Pueblo; Rio Blanco; Rio Grande; Routt; Saguache; San Juan; San Miguel; Sedgwick; Summit; Teller; Washington; Weld, Yuma.
• If you feel that your county is not properly represented here, please email us at grants@startupcolorado.org.

What is technical assistance?

• Technical assistance is specialized support that helps organizations or individuals build capacity, enhance skills, or address challenges. This includes:
  • Training
  • Consulting
  • Hands-on guidance in areas like strategy, technology, finance, or operations
• It’s all about improving efficiency, sustainability, and growth for your business.

What opportunities are covered as “technical assistance”?

• Here are some examples of opportunities that qualify:
  • Skill-building courses
  • Financial planning
  • Executive coaching
  • Workforce development
  • Technology support
  • Legal management assistance
• View the full list of eligible opportunities here.
• **Marketing assistance such as website development, promotional materials development, advertising payments, and fees for event booths are not eligible.

What types of events are eligible for reimbursement?

• In-person and online programs are eligible so long as they provide technical assistance.
• Please view the full list of eligible events here.

Event travel reimbursement requirements:

• The event must provide technical assistance opportunities.
• Entrepreneur must be able to provide justification as to why this event and travel is essential to business operations and success 
• Grantees must use the most economical transportation method.
• Travel must be outside the grantee’s tax home (the main location of work, not residence).
• Events must be domestic (within the U.S.).

*Important: Review specific requirements below for transportation, lodging, and documentation before applying.

Transportation reimbursement requirements:

• Eligible transportation expenses include: Automobile, train, plane, bus, shuttle, taxi, or rideshare services
• Not Eligible: Scooters, pedicabs, rickshaws, carriages, or bicycle rentals

• Flight reimbursement requirements: 

• • • Traveler must explore three or more flight options to ensure they choose the most reasonable price. Note: Proof of cost comparison must be provided to receive reimbursement.
    • The traveler can select the preferred commercial airline flight that is the most advantageous to the traveler based on a combination of cost, time, and schedule.
    • Traveler is expected to fly on coach, economy, or standard class. Travelers who want to travel business class or first-class can pay for the price difference between the lowest seat price and the higher-priced class seat.
    • Required assigned seat or baggage fees for airline flights may be reimbursed (early boarding fees, upgrade fees, trip insurance or other fees are not allowable)

• Automobile Rental Reimbursement:

• • • Car rentals and mileage are eligible for reimbursement.
    • For the 2025 calendar year the State of Colorado mileage rate is 63 cents a mile.
    • A compact vehicle is the standard size for one traveler. A larger automobile may be rented for multiple business travelers or with written proof that the cost is the same or less for a non-compact vehicle, or there is a weather-related need or medical need for a different vehicle.
    • Most automobile rental insurance expenses are not eligible for reimbursement, including collision coverage, personal accident coverage, personal effects coverage, and roadside assistance.
    • Supplemental liability insurance with coverage up to $1 million is allowable.
    • Parking fees and toll road charges associated with attending the event may be reimbursed.

• Personal Vehicle Reimbursement:

• • • Travel by a privately-owned automobile for grant-funded travel is reimbursed based on mileage.
    • For the 2025 calendar year, the mileage rate is 63 cents per mile.
    • Mileage must be calculated from grantee’s place of business to event destination. If their business is conducted at their home residence, then they may begin at this address.
    • All mileage reimbursements must be submitted along with a written justification of  the need to travel to the event and a map showing the distance between point A and point B to support the mileage claim.
    • Parking fees and toll road charges associated with attending the event may be reimbursed.

• Rideshare Reimbursement:

• • Rideshare costs may be expensed at the actual costs listed on the receipt.
  • Tips for rideshare drivers are eligible to be reimbursed with grant funds, if the tip amount is within reason and is justifiable.

Lodging and Accommodation Reimbursement:

Overnight travel may qualify if:

• The event is outside a 50-mile radius from your tax home
• Travel and event time exceed 14 hours in a single day
• Early morning (before 7 a.m.) or late-night (after 8 p.m.) attendance is required
• The traveler shall select lodging based on the standard lodging rate set by the U.S. General Services Administration for the destination: GSA Per Diem Rates. If the city or county cannot be found on this per diem rate system, then the grant recipient shall use the base rate for the state in which the destination is located.

Important Details:

• Short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) and camping sites are not eligible.
• Only necessary lodging costs are reimbursed, with comparisons required.
• Taxes on lodging are eligible for reimbursement.

The Following Items are INELIGIBLE for Reimbursement:

• Food and beverages
• Tips (these are considered personal expenses) 
• International travel.
• Travel for family members.
• Travel to meet with State staff, a candidate, political party, or special interest group.
• Traffic fines, parking tickets, late fees.