Discover All Northwest Colorado Has to Offer
Discover a location nestled amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains where exceptional quality of life meets singular business success. Northwest Colorado offers a unique blend of competitive advantages for businesses, a richly satisfying way of life for residents, and an outdoor paradise for visitors.
Across thriving urban centers and charming rural communities, the region boasts abundant natural resources in a strategic location providing access to 10 western states within 500 miles and the multi-modal transit for rapid market access. Human resources are another significant advantage. Nearly 2,800 highly skilled and experienced workers will transition from the coal industry in the near future and are ready to work for you. A supportive business community and pro-business leadership will work collaboratively to ensure your success—and all in a setting offering spectacular outdoor beauty.
Northwest Colorado boasts abundant natural resources and a pristine environment with vast expanses of untouched public lands, clean air, and crystal-clear waters. That assures access to all the natural resources needed to thrive for enterprises in the outdoor recreation, value-added agriculture/food processing, and renewable energy sectors. Our transitioning energy resources can now serve as feedstock for innovative carbon-based products.
Outdoor gear manufacturers can access the region's world-class skiing and hiking trails for product testing. Agricultural and food processors benefit from our region’s robust agricultural production, ample water sources and generational knowledge of farming and ranching. Northwest Colorado provides a fertile ground for innovation and success.
The region's strategic location puts 10 western states within a 500-mile radius, while multimodal transit assures rapid, cost-effective market access for manufacturers, distribution/logistics companies and others. The three counties of Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt provide access to:
- U.S. Highway 40 (a major east-west corridor that connects most of our region)
- I-70 and I-80
- Union Pacific Class I Rail
- Air travel and air cargo from Yampa Valley Regional Airport
As our region transitions from a coal-dependent economy to a diversified ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship, nearly 2,800 skilled workers with industrial, construction, and process technology experience are ready to work. The State of Colorado provides customized workforce training incentives and programs to help your employees be performance-ready on Day One.
Northwest Colorado’s transition away from an extraction-based economy allows companies to leverage special incentive opportunities to support business growth. The Colorado Office of Just Transition, the federal 48c credit and other incentives support new innovations and opportunities for our region. Learn more about incentives here.
Northwest Colorado Development Council and its state and local economic development partners will help you navigate the regulatory environment, connect you to skilled labor and to federal, state and local incentives to give your company a successful soft landing in the region.
Beyond its business advantages, Northwest Colorado offers an unparalleled quality of life that attracts residents from all walks of life. Steamboat Springs and Craig support a vibrant cultural scene, while tight-knit towns like Meeker, Rangely, Hayden, Oak Creek and Yampa embrace new residents with small town hospitality.
The region’s three counties, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt, offer endless outdoor recreational opportunities. Residents enjoy a laid-back lifestyle surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with access to world-class skiing, hiking, fishing, and other amenities right in their backyard. Our great quality of life helps your operation attract top talent.
Northwest Colorado presents a compelling proposition for businesses seeking to gain a competitive edge while also offering their employees a high quality of life. With its abundant natural resources, strategic location, skilled workforce, competitive incentives and unmatched recreational opportunities, this region is not only a great place to do business but a wonderful place to live, visit, and work.