(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — FOX21 News is teaming up with the Colorado Business Forum and Digest to bring you the latest and most relevant business news impacting life in Southern Colorado.

Dirk Hobbs, Founder and Executive Publisher of the Colorado Media Group, joined FOX21 Morning News on Monday, Oct. 20, to discuss how state programs, like the Rural Jump-Start, are helping Southern Colorado manufacturers and creative entrepreneurs turn small towns into thriving job hubs.

“This is one of our smarter economic development programs in the state of Colorado” said Hobbs. “This helps businesses start up from a tax incentive standpoint as well as grant making.” Hobbs said Trindad and Florence are both examples of towns which have taken advantage of this program. Hobbs said it’s all about “growing where you’re planted, so they don’t have to relocate to another part of the state.”