The Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant is administered by the Global Business Development division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). This grant supports Colorado-based businesses developing disruptive technologies within the state's advanced industries. Its primary goal is to bridge the funding gap for early-stage technologies that the market typically underfunds, thereby stimulating innovation and commercial development within Colorado.

This grant offers up to $250,000 per project. However, projects that significantly impact more than one advanced industry may receive a higher award. Applicants must match state funding with a 2-to-1 cash contribution, with acceptable sources including third-party investors, federal grants, or company revenue. In-kind contributions and state funding sources, including OEDIT funds, are not acceptable matches. Applicants without matching funds may still apply and, if selected, must secure the match within six months of notification.

Eligibility criteria include being a Colorado-registered business in good standing, having headquarters or 50% of employees based in Colorado, creating a disruptive technology impacting at least one Colorado advanced industry, and demonstrating viability through a completed prototype, proof of principle, and a commercialization plan. Applicants must have under $20 million in external funding and less than $10 million in annual revenue. Preference is given to projects with links to Colorado research institutions, entrepreneurship programs, incubators, accelerators, or referrals from investment groups.

Applications open twice yearly—in January and July—with review cycles extending 10 to 12 weeks. The process includes a pre-qualification stage followed by a full application, which evaluates the technology, business strategy, management, and expected benefits to Colorado. Required documents include a milestone plan, financials, resumes, and optional letters of support. Reviewers assess applications using a detailed scoring system from 0 to 5 across five scored sections.

Selected applicants may receive conditional or fast-tracked awards and are required to attend a pitch session unless waived. Final funding decisions are made by the Colorado Economic Development Commission. All grants are reimbursement-based, and grantees must comply with the predefined budget and project milestones. Companies relocating out of Colorado within 24 months post-grant must repay the full amount over a maximum of five years.

For inquiries, the primary contact is Rama Haris, Advanced Industries Senior Manager, reachable at 303-824-9768 or via email. Applications for the next cycle will open on July 1, 2025.