The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) has reported a surge in inquiries from businesses interested in relocating to Grand Junction, spurred by a robust commercial real estate market in the first quarter of this year.
Matt Bell, Business Development Manager at GJEP, emphasized the importance of securing the right commercial real estate for prospective businesses. “Our goal is to connect businesses with local commercial brokers and help them make informed decisions about property selection,” Bell explained. “We serve as a bridge, providing businesses with the essential information they need and facilitating introductions to brokers once they are ready.”
In an effort to support businesses considering relocation or expansion, GJEP gathers specific requirements such as square footage, location, and property type, then shares this data with commercial brokers. These brokers then identify suitable available or upcoming properties, presenting options to the businesses for review.
GJEP’s role extends beyond connecting businesses with brokers; it assists in facilitating the entire property selection process to ensure smooth transactions.
According to GJEP’s 2024 annual report, 68% of inquiries were for industrial projects, followed by office spaces, which accounted for 18.2%. Historically, GJEP worked with smaller projects ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 square feet. However, a shift has been observed in recent years, with a significant rise in demand for larger commercial properties—especially those in the 10,000 to 15,000 square foot range, as well as properties exceeding 100,000 square feet.
Bell noted that the region is attracting larger projects, signaling strong economic growth. “Although we saw a slight dip in inquiries during the fourth quarter of last year, the first quarter of this year has brought a noticeable increase in business interest in real estate within Mesa County,” he said.
Two notable businesses that relocated to Grand Junction over the past year are Goose Gear and Morgan Mining. Goose Gear anticipates creating 49 new jobs over the next eight years, while Morgan Mining is expected to add 893 new jobs to the area during the same period.
Interest in the Las Colonias area has also been growing. Bell highlighted its strategic location along the Colorado River and near Downtown Grand Junction. “Las Colonias offers shovel-ready properties, making it an attractive asset for businesses looking to establish themselves in the area,” he said. The development currently includes Bonsai Design and OakStar Bank as anchor tenants and continues to draw both local and out-of-region businesses.
In addition to site selection, GJEP supports commercial brokers by assisting businesses in securing performance-based incentives. Bell explained, “When businesses are unsure about committing to a lease or property purchase, performance-based incentives from the state can make a decisive difference in moving forward. This collaborative effort with brokers adds significant value to the deals.”
In a bid to further attract business, GJEP is organizing its inaugural site selector familiarization tour, set to bring leading site selectors from across the country to Mesa County. During the tour, these professionals will explore available development opportunities, meet with community leaders, and assess whether the region suits their clients’ needs.
“These site selectors are crucial resources for businesses in various industries, including light industrial, aviation, aerospace, hospitality, and food and beverage. By bringing them to Grand Junction, we give them the opportunity to experience what the region has to offer,” Bell explained. “This proactive approach helps us attract businesses, rather than waiting for them to discover Grand Junction on their own.”
Bell added that the event would foster valuable connections between site selectors and the local commercial broker community, which is essential for future projects. “We’re showcasing the region’s advantages and creating relationships that will benefit Grand Junction in the long term,” he said.
Additionally, GJEP will host a networking event for commercial brokers on April 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Colorado Mesa University’s Asteria Theatre. The event will provide a structured speed networking format, allowing brokers to meet with site selectors and pitch available properties.
“This networking event will allow both parties to build relationships that will ensure when a site selector has a project in mind for Mesa County, they already have the right local contacts to move forward quickly,” Bell said. “It’s a prime example of how GJEP collaborates with commercial brokers to create mutually beneficial relationships that drive growth in our community.”
GJEP’s efforts continue to position Grand Junction as a growing hub for business relocation and expansion, and these initiatives are expected to yield significant economic benefits for the region in the years to come.
