The funding will support a technology-driven UX redesign of OEDIT's Program and Funding website, aimed at creating a Business Resource Navigation Tool for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Governor Jared Polis stated that this funding will help connect businesses with essential financial and educational resources to foster growth and competitiveness in Colorado.
Press Release: Office of Colorado Governor Jared Polis
Reproduced in full from the Office of Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
OEDIT to Launch New Business Resource Navigation Tool for Colorado Business Owners
DENVER, Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced that OEDIT has been awarded a grant from the SIPA GovGrants program to fund a technology-driven UX redesign of OEDIT’s Program and Funding website content. This redesign is intended to identify a Business Resource Navigation Tool that will connect small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to crucial financial and education resources that can help them start and grow their businesses.
“This new funding helps us to invest in innovative new designs to attract new businesses, grow our economy, and stay competitive. The SIPA GovGrants funds our work to connect small businesses with the financial and educational resources needed to build their business, attract a skilled workforce and choose to expand here in Colorado,” said Governor Polis.
“We listened to businesses across industries and Colorado, and investing in a modernized, intuitive Business Resource Navigation Tool is a vital step toward removing barriers for Colorado’s small business owners and entrepreneurs. By replacing complex information with a simplified digital experience, we are committed to making it easier for businesses of all sizes to access the critical funding, training, and support they need to start, grow, and thrive in our economy,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.
The SIPA GovGrants program, provided by the Colorado Statewide Internet Portal Authority (SIPA), funds high-impact, resident-facing civic technology innovations at all levels of government across Colorado.
“Improving the delivery of digital government services for Coloradans is crucial to bridging the gap between residents and the services they rely on every day. By investing in high-impact, civic technology solutions like this one, SIPA GovGrants is helping to ensure that all Colorado governments can meet their communities where they are through easy, accessible digital experiences,” said Noah Kaplan, Director of the SIPA GovGrants program. “We are thrilled to welcome OEDIT to the SIPA GovGrants portfolio, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on their community and the people they serve.”
OEDIT currently offers over 150 programs designed to support businesses of all sizes and across industries, and OEDIT’s Programs and Funding webpage is one of the top 10 most visited web pages across state websites, with up to 30,000 unique monthly visitors. Simplifying access and removing navigation barriers to these resources helps connect business owners to the vital funding and educational tools they need to thrive.
The SIPA GovGrant funds will enable OEDIT to conduct user research and discovery across Colorado and industries to identify the best solution for an intuitive Business Resource Navigation Tool to help website visitors find curated lists of programs that meet their specific needs. Making this information easier to access will connect more Colorado business owners to the resources they need to thrive, while creating a resource navigation tool that could be replicated across other state agency websites. Colorado business owners interested in participating in this research may complete this form for consideration.
The initial discovery and prototyping phase for the project begins in November 2026, with work scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.
About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire, and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.
