What is a CEDS and Why Should You Care?
A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a five-year plan for a region's economic growth. Think of it as a community-wide business plan that brings together local leaders, businesses, and residents to set a vision for the future.
As an entrepreneur or emerging business owner, the CEDS directly impacts your success. Here’s why:
1. Access to Funding and Resources: The CEDS is one key document that government agencies and private investors use to decide where to invest. Understanding the CEDS can help you find and apply for these resources.
2. A Stronger Business Ecosystem: A CEDS is designed to create a better environment for your business to thrive. This includes plans to improve broadband access, build new infrastructure, and establishing or expanding business support systems.
3. A Skilled Workforce: A CEDS identifies the skills and talent that local businesses need to grow, working with colleges and education agencies to ensure there's a pipeline of skilled employees for your company.
Get Involved: What You Can Do
Your voice and experience are crucial to creating an effective CEDS. By getting involved on a CEDS committee, you can:
Directly influence the strategy: You can ensure the plan addresses the real-world challenges you face, such as access to capital, workforce shortages, or regulatory hurdles.
Shape the future of your community: Your participation can lead to a more vibrant and supportive business community, making it a better place to live and work.
Network with leaders: Working on a CEDS committee is a great way to meet local leaders, investors, and other business owners who are invested in your region's success.
Facilitated by Region 9 Economic Development District, The SW Colorado CEDS provides detailed economic and demographic profiles for Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, San Juan counties, and the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribes and is updated every five years. The purpose is to retain and create better paying jobs, fostering stable and more diversified economies, and improve the quality of life for residents of Southwest Colorado. Southwest Colorado's Region 9 CEDS provides relevant, on-the-ground context for Colorado's overarching economic development strategy.
YOU’RE INVITED, STATEWIDE CEDS KICKOFF
Please join us as we celebrate the launch of the Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy!
September 25, 2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Holiday Inn & Suites
21636 US-160, Durango, CO 81301
Please join Region 9 and the Rural Opportunity Office with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development as we celebrate this momentous accomplishment!
