Colorado: The Sensory Store LLC Launches in Mesa County with Support from Rural Jump-Start Program

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MESA COUNTY — Today, Governor Polis and the Business Funding and Incentives (BF&I) division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced that The Sensory Store LLC, a retail business offering sensory items specifically designed to support individuals with autism and other sensory processing disorders, has joined the Rural Jump-Start program. The Sensory Store plans to operate a brick-and-mortar store and an e-commerce platform to serve local customers and those throughout western Colorado and eastern Utah.

"I am excited to welcome The Sensory Store to western Colorado! The Rural Jump-Start empowers businesses, helps create good-paying jobs and strengthens local economies across the state. Colorado is proud to have growing businesses like The Sensory Store that provide innovative products and services," said Governor Jared Polis.

The Sensory Store will offer a curated selection of high-quality sensory items, including tactile learning aids and sensory play equipment. The company plans to serve family members, caregivers, therapists, educational institutions serving students with special needs, healthcare facilities and clinics specializing in developmental disorders, and general consumers interested in sensory products. Profits will support The Arc Mesa County, a Grand Junction-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering and advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"The Sensory Store is far more than a place to shop. It's a doorway to understanding, independence, and belonging. This store will bring our community a space where individuals of every ability can explore products that work for them, where families find real solutions and where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued. We couldn't be more excited to get the doors open and bring this incredible resource to our community.  The Sensory Store will close gaps, create access, and build a community where every person has the tools to thrive," said Lincoln Folkers, Executive Director of The Arc Mesa County.

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The Rural Jump-Start program encourages economic development and job creation in economically distressed, rural counties of Colorado. This funding supports regional economic and workforce development activities that seek to expand local business, create new good-paying jobs, and strengthen and diversify local economies. The company will receive $15,000 in grant funding to support the launch of its operations and eligible employees will also receive a state personal income tax exemption.

"We are delighted to see The Sensory Store choose Mesa County and the support it will provide to Colorado families, caregivers, and educational institutions. The Rural Jump-Start program is vital to supporting the goals of local communities across Colorado, creating jobs and diversifying our economy," said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.

Sponsoring entities like Colorado Mesa University (CMU) help identify business candidates in their communities and work with each business to help ensure its success in the program and in the community. The Sensory Store and CMU have agreed to collaborate on applied research opportunities in marketing, entrepreneurship, business, education, and occupational and physical therapy, internship opportunities, presentations at the Maverick Innovation Center, and a targeted scholarship program for CMU students.

"The Sensory Store presents an excellent opportunity to connect CMU students with a unique business experience both as interns and future employment. CMU values the mission and vision of the Sensory Store, the economic expansion possibilities, and looks forward to integrating students into the company as a result of the connection through the Rural Jump Start program in Mesa County," said Tom Benton, Director of the Maverick Innovation Center at CMU.

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Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP), which is dedicated to fostering economic development in Mesa County, supported The Sensory Store's Rural Jump-Start application.

"The Sensory Store's presence in Grand Junction will provide needed support to individuals throughout Mesa County, impacting our community's quality of life and creating meaningful opportunities for families. GJEP is proud to support The Sensory Store and its partnership with OEDIT and CMU through the Rural Jump-Start Program," said Curtis Englehart, GJEP Executive Director.

To learn more about the Rural Jump-Start program, please contact Quina Weber-Shirk at quina.webershirk@state.co.us.

About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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