Rural Employment Development Incentive
Rural Employment Development Incentive supports Utah businesses creating new, high-paying jobs primarily worked in rural communities, with post-performance funding intended to strengthen lasting rural employment.
Funder: Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
Due Dates: February 15, 2026 (February window) | May 15, 2026 (May window) | August 15, 2026 (August window) | November 15, 2026 (November window)
Funding Amounts: $4,000–$6,000 per qualifying position; up to $250,000 per organization per year
Summary: A post-performance incentive for businesses creating new, high-paying jobs primarily worked in rural Utah communities.
Key Information: Apply and receive approval before creating the new positions.
Description
The Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) runs the Rural Employment Development Incentive to bolster rural economies by supporting businesses that create new, high-paying jobs. A business may be located anywhere in Utah, but employees filling the qualifying positions must primarily work in a rural Utah community. Remote or online work, satellite or hub offices, and positions in the business’s county can qualify when the employee physically works in an eligible rural location.
REDI is a post-performance grant: funds are distributed after the organization meets its contract requirements. It supports new positions rather than jobs relocated from another jurisdiction, with the aim of creating lasting employment in rural communities.
