Rural Employment Development Incentive
Rural Employment Development Incentive supports businesses creating new, high-paying, permanent jobs through post-performance incentives designed to bolster economies in rural Utah communities.
Funder: Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
Due Dates: February 15, 2026 (Q1) | May 15, 2026 (Q2) | August 15, 2026 (Q3) | November 15, 2026 (Q4)
Funding Amounts: $4,000–$6,000 per qualifying position; up to $250,000 per application and fiscal year
Summary: REDI provides post-performance incentives to businesses creating new, high-paying jobs in rural Utah communities.
Key Information: Payment follows fulfillment of contract requirements, including maintaining baseline full-time employment and retaining qualifying positions.
Description
The Rural Employment Development Incentive (REDI), administered by the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), supports business entities creating new, high-paying jobs in rural Utah. The Utah Legislature funds REDI and other rural grants through the Rural Opportunity Program to bolster rural economies. Businesses may be located anywhere in Utah, provided qualifying employees primarily work in eligible rural communities.
Supported employment arrangements include remote and online work, satellite or hub offices, and positions physically located in the same county as the business. The program supports additional, permanent positions rather than relocated jobs, temporary work, or seasonal employment. Incentives depend on the employee’s work location and the county’s average annual wage relative to the statewide average.
