en.Wedoany.com Reported - Fly fishing equipment company Colter Backcountry has joined Colorado's "Rural Jump-Start initiative," relocating its headquarters from Palo Alto, California, to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The program, announced by Colorado Governor Jared Polis and the Business Funding & Incentives (BF&I) division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), aims to attract businesses to economically distressed rural counties in the state.
Founded by brothers Patrick Bauman and Daniel Bauman, Colter Backcountry was inspired by their experience hiking the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail and focuses on ultralight backcountry gear. The company uses lightweight, advanced materials to create minimalist versions of core fly fishing equipment, managing product assembly, inventory warehousing, design, R&D, and order fulfillment in Steamboat Springs. Patrick Bauman stated that Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley offer world-class fly fishing venues adjacent to remote wilderness areas, making it an ideal location for designing and testing backcountry fly fishing gear.
Colter expands its product line by combining in-house design with external product development consultants. Patrick and co-founder Daniel continue to work on sewing machines, CAD, and 3D printers to address specific pain points in backcountry fishing. Patrick noted the difficulty of manufacturing gear on a smaller scale in the U.S. while selling at reasonable prices and maintaining operational profit margins. The company operates lean to reduce costs, and its target audience remains willing to pay a premium for unique, high-quality gear. The company's products and components are manufactured by domestic manufacturers across the U.S. For example, the main components of the collapsible Thorofare Net (a full-size landing net) are molded in Salt Lake City, and the Thorofare Clip Kits (fly fishing gear organizers) are cut and sewn in Los Angeles, with final assembly completed in Steamboat Springs. Patrick added that the company has not encountered major supply chain issues, and working with domestic manufacturing partners makes it easier to manage lead times and expectations.
Funding from Colorado's "Rural Jump-Start initiative" supports regional economic and workforce development activities to expand local businesses, create new jobs, and diversify local economies. Colter received a $15,000 grant and a four-year tax incentive, with eligible employees benefiting from a state personal income tax credit during the participation period. Patrick stated that the program's incentives, in the form of cash grants and tax breaks, make Steamboat Springs a particularly attractive location for the headquarters. Sponsoring entities, such as the Routt County Economic Development Partnership (RCEDP), are responsible for identifying business candidates and assisting with their success. As of April 2026, Colorado had 34 active new businesses participating in the program, expected to create 699 new full-time jobs based on meeting or exceeding the average annual wage level of their respective counties. A spokesperson for Colorado OEDIT noted that the program can benefit businesses that sell goods or services outside the county, including manufacturers, by helping them save on taxes and providing operational grant support.
Approved businesses are eligible for operational grants and tax incentives lasting up to eight years, including a 100% reimbursement of state income tax for eligible salaried new employees, issued in the form of tax credit certificates. Colorado's outdoor recreation industry supports over 404,000 jobs, accounting for approximately 12% of the state's workforce. Colter plans to use the program's incentives to support product development, with a continued priority on developing innovative gear and apparel for backcountry fishing.
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