On May 11 the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced 24 recipients of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Impact Fund (ORIIF). These competitive grants are intended to help outdoor recreation industry businesses and nonprofits hire and retain over 100 full-time and part-time positions, especially for those businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oveja Negra, a sports accessories manufacturer based in Salida, was among the recipients and was awarded a substantial grant of $99,350 to aid in the recruitment and retention of local employees. This Chaffee County business, founded by Lane Willson, is well-known for its production of high-quality bikepacking bags and accessories. Oveja Negra has expanded its operations and established a retail store in downtown Salida, located at 101 North F Street.

The grants will be distributed in 15 Colorado counties, including rural San Juan, Routt, and Chaffee counties. Among the recipients are outdoor recreation manufacturers, guide services, youth camps and outdoor learning centers, and a Gunnison County organization dedicated to fostering local food security. Approximately 58 percent of the recipients are businesses and 45 percent of the recipients are located in rural communities.

The 24 ORIIF grant recipients are:

  • American Mountain Guides Association, Boulder County, $97,664

  • Arkansas Valley Adventures, Summit County, $100,000

  • Avid4 Adventure, Boulder County, $100,000

  • Big Agnes, Routt County, $100,000

  • Colorado Mountain Club, Jefferson County, $100,000

  • Fremont Adventure Recreation, Fremont County, $23,200

  • Geyser Technologies, Montrose County, $100,000

  • Go West Camps, El Paso County, $78,000

  • Jet Boat Colorado, Mesa County, $23,000

  • Longmont Bicycle Company, Boulder County, $100,000

  • Meier Skis, Denver County, $100,000

  • Mountain Roots Food Project, Gunnison County, $45,870

  • Newton Running, Boulder County, $40,000

  • Oveja Negra, Chaffee County, $99,350

  • Poudre Learning Center Foundation, Weld County, $100,000

  • QuikrStuff, Mesa County, $100,000

  • Seismic Skate Systems, Boulder County, $50,000

  • Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals, Jefferson County, $32,000

  • The Women’s Wilderness Institute, Boulder County, $96,250

  • Western Slope SUP, Delta County, $30,000

  • Yampatika Outdoor Awareness, Routt County, $10,000

  • YMCA of the Rockies, Larimer County, $99,899

  • YMCA of Northern Colorado, Boulder County, $100,000

  • Venture Snowboards, San Juan County, $74,000

The Outdoor Recreation Industry Impact Fund was made possible by State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ORIIF grants of up to $100,000 are intended to cover hiring and staff retention for outdoor recreation industry businesses and nonprofits that can demonstrate negative economic impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

About the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office

The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) provides a central point of contact, advocacy, and resources at the state level for the diverse constituents, businesses, and communities that rely on the continued health of the outdoor recreation economy. OREC’s mission is to champion industry, communities, and people to come to life through Colorado’s great outdoors.

About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Cannabis Business Office; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; Employee Ownership Office; and Rural Opportunity Office. Learn more at oedit.colorado.gov.

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