Rural Employment Development Incentive
Rural Employment Development Incentive supports businesses creating new, high-paying, permanent jobs primarily in rural Utah communities to strengthen rural economies through lasting employment.
Funder: Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
Due Dates: November 15, 2026 (November cycle) | February 15, 2027 (February cycle) | May 15, 2027 (May cycle) | August 15, 2027 (August cycle)
Funding Amounts: $4,000–$6,000 per qualifying position; up to $250,000 per organization annually; post-performance payment
Summary: REDI supports businesses creating new, high-paying, permanent jobs primarily located in rural Utah communities.
Key Information: Apply before creating qualifying positions; confirm hiring timing with GOEO because the guidelines also allow prior-month hires.
Description
The Rural Employment Development Incentive (REDI), administered by the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), bolsters rural Utah economies by funding business entities that create new, high-paying jobs. Organizations can be located anywhere in Utah, provided the qualifying employees primarily work in eligible rural communities. The Utah Legislature funds REDI and other rural grants through the Rural Opportunity Program.
Qualifying work can be remote, online, at a satellite or hub office, or physically located in the same county as the business. The program supports new, permanent employment rather than temporary or seasonal opportunities. Awards are post-performance: organizations receive funds only after meeting their contractual requirements, including job creation, wages, retention, and maintaining their baseline full-time workforce.
